Minns Government’s call to action on illegal tree clearing

The Minns Labor Government is responding to calls from local Government to help address the growing number of cases of illegal tree clearing in NSW. 

An Explanation of Intended Effect (EIE) has been released today and offers stakeholders the opportunity to help shape reforms to the urban tree clearing framework. 

A new resource to help planners, developers and builders tackle urban heat has also been released. 

The EIE is aimed at protecting tree canopy by proposing stronger penalties for illegal tree and vegetation clearing.  

Under the proposed policy changes, additional enforcement powers would be given to councils and exemptions would be tightened for dead, dying and dangerous vegetation to close loopholes that have been open to abuse. 

The EIE responds to growing concerns among councils, the community and stakeholders that the current framework needs to be updated. 

In addition to the EIE, the new Cooler Places hub has also been launched today to help address urban heat.  

The NSW Government’s Cooler Places online resource has also been released to assist councils, residents and developers in accessing practical guidance to incorporate cooling measures into their homes and designs. 

Urban heat can have negative effects on communities’ wellbeing, creating hotter homes and streetscapes. Some features of our urban landscape, such as the large areas of hard and dark surfaces, contribute to rising temperatures and amplify heatwaves.

The resource encourages cooling through low cost and innovative measures such as water saving features, trees, shrubs awnings and the use of materials and colours that absorb less heat.  

In 2020, a study from Macquarie University found shade provided by urban trees can lower temperatures at ground level by up to 6°C.  

Similarly, research from Wollongong University in 2019 showed that areas with at least 30 per cent tree canopy cover experience improved mental and physical health outcomes.  

Cooler Places will help deliver cooler, more resilient cities, precincts, streets, parks and homes. 

To read the illegal tree and vegetation clearing EIE and make a submission visit Vegetation in non-rural areas. The consultation period closes on 5pm on Wednesday, 4 June 2025. 

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Penny Sharpe said: 

“NSW records some of the hottest temperatures on the planet and we need to minimise the impacts of urban heat and build climate resilience.  

“Tackling illegal tree clearing is an essential part of this. 

“Working with councils on these proposed measures will increase the ability to crack down on illegal activity.” 

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: 

“Communities have become increasingly frustrated by the growing number of instances of illegal tree clearing in urban areas, particularly on public land. 

“Our housing reforms have leant on the development of infill housing, near existing infrastructure and services because constant urban sprawl is not sustainable. These proposed changes will better protect the existing tree canopy as we deliver more homes in developed areas. 

“I encourage everyone to have their say on the proposed changes. 

“The Cooler Places resource contains tips and advice on how to design and build cooler homes and neighbourhoods, delivering better communities.”