South Australian guide to
land clearing
The ultimate guide for anyone in South Australia looking at clearing land
Land clearing is one of those things that most people do rarely and very few people fully understand. Most of our relationships with our clients begin with a raft of questions. Over time we noticed they mostly follow a similar pattern. As such we have authored this guide designed to equip you with all the 'must knows' before you embark on clearing your land.
Do I need a permit?
It depends, every council has different land clearing policies so you will need to check with your local council for specifics. Here however are a few general guidelines
In South Australia, the removal, damage or destruction of native vegetation is regulated under the Native Vegetation Act 1991 and associated regulations.
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Importantly, requirements under the Native Vegetation Act are separate from local council planning rules. Even where council approval is not required, approval under State native vegetation laws may still be necessary.
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Because every property and vegetation type is different, Adelaide Hills Land Clearing strongly recommends that landowners confirm approval requirements with the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) before undertaking any vegetation clearance works.
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For official information visit:
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Department for Environment and Water – Native Vegetation Clearing
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What Is Native Vegetation?
Native vegetation generally includes naturally occurring:
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Native trees
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Native shrubs
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Native grasses
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Native groundcover
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Regenerating native plants
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Dead native trees and fallen native timber in some circumstances
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Vegetation does not need to be large, mature or healthy to be protected.
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Do I Always Need Approval?
Not always.
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Some activities may be exempt under the Native Vegetation Regulations, however exemptions are highly specific and depend on factors such as:
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vegetation type
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location
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land use
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bushfire protection requirements
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whether vegetation is planted or naturally occurring
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whether the work is maintenance, safety related, or associated with approved development
Importantly, assumptions based on tree size, proximity to buildings, or council advice alone may not be sufficient to determine whether approval is required.
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If there is any uncertainty, landowners should seek advice from DEW or a qualified consultant before works commence.
Can I clear my own land?
As long as you are acting within the law and have all the required permits of course you can. Keep in mind however that tree felling, especially the felling of large trees is an extremely dangerous undertaking with the ability to endanger life and property if the tree falls the wrong way. Once felled trees need to be cleared or they will quickly create a fire risk. Councils in a lot of rural areas in South Australia are quick to issue 'clean up demands' to people who clear their own land and are not quick enough to clean up the debris.
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If it is just one or two small trees than absolutely you could tackle it yourself. Bigger jobs are best left to professional contractors with the right expertise and equipment. At the bigger end there is simply no question. You might be able to fell a large tree but what next? Large trees need mechanical procesing and removal.
What trees can I cut down?
This varies from council to council and this guide is only general in nature so you should check the specifics with us before you start.
The following tree species are exempt from the regulated and significant trees regulations and do not require permission to remove
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Click on the tree name to see pictures and more information.
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Common weeds in the Adelaide hills
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Common Weeds in wider South Australia
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Figs, other than Morton Bay Fig) located more than 15 m from a dwelling
Chilean Willow, Evergreen Willow, Pencil Willow
White Crack Willow, Basket Willow
or
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to a tree planted as part of a woodlot, orchard or other form of plantation created for the purpose of growing and then harvesting trees or any produce.
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Source: Planning, Development and Infrastructure (General) Regulations 2017—30.11.2023
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Below is a link to the South Australian department for Environment and Water's list of weed flora for the Adelaide Hills, While this list is specific to the hills it does carry over to other areas
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Below for reference is a link to Environment SA's land clearing application forms
CFS requirements & Firebreaks
According to the CFS You can generally reduce, modify or remove native vegetation within 20m of a building (including overhanging limbs). Significant trees in the 10m–20m zone from a building will need approval to remove.
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To protect a structure (e.g. a shed) you can generally reduce, modify or remove native vegetation within 5m of a structure (including overhanging limbs). Significant trees however will need approval to remove in this 5m zone.
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To construct a fuel break you can generally remove vegetation to construct a fuel break up to 5m wide. In. some areas to construct a fuel break you can remove native vegetation up to 7.5m wide without approval.
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The CFS recommend that a 5 meter fuel break is created by slashing or spraying along all fencelines, specifically they state, "Prepare a 5 metre fuel break along all fence lines with bare gaps at intervals under the fence line by spraying, slashing or mowing."
They further recommend a 20 meter fuel break around fodder reserves and a 5 meter break around crops and fuel or chemical supplies / storage facilities.
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For safe access to your property for CFS vehicles a 5 meter high clearance zone is recommended - see the image to the left.
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CFS can also provide permission for you to clear land to create or maintain fire tracks.
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Bushfire protection works may be permitted in certain circumstances, however native vegetation laws can still apply.
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Requirements relating to defendable space, fuel reduction, or CFS guidelines do not automatically remove obligations under the Native Vegetation Act.
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Before undertaking vegetation clearance for bushfire protection purposes, we recommend confirming the applicable requirements with DEW and the CFS.
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The land clearing process
Whilst the specifics always differ from job to job based on size, location, species being removed and the weather the process is the same every time.
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Assessment: It always starts with an informal chat. What are you looking to achieve and when. From there we will make recommendations on how the job should be tackled, what machinery we will use and what you will be left with, burn piles or nothing at all.
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Quotation: We understand that the economics are a critical factor for our clients. Most people are actually happily surprised how little it can cost to get a fleet of heavy machinery working to clear your land. In some cases we can actually pay you to do the work as we will be able to deliver and sell the removed trees.
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Clearing the land: Some jobs can be done in a day, others may take a month or more. What we guarantee at Adelaide Hills Land Clearing is that what you will see when we are finished is what we promised we will deliver. We have almost seven decades of experience to support that claim.
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Landowner Responsibility
Unless otherwise agreed in writing, obtaining all required approvals, permits and clearances associated with vegetation removal works remains the responsibility of the landowner/client.
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Adelaide Hills Land Clearing may request evidence of approvals before works commence.
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Our Recommendation
If you are unsure whether approval is required:
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Speak with the Department for Environment and Water (DEW)
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Confirm whether the vegetation is considered native vegetation
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Obtain any required approvals before works commence
This helps protect:
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native habitat,
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landowners,
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and contractors from potential breaches and penalties.
Our Story
Our Story began almost seven decades ago in 1956 with Gordon Trestrail and a single machine. Seven decades later the second generation of Trestrail's now continues to service South Australia with the 3rd generation now beginning an involvement in the business.. Between the three of them there is over 100 years of experience in land clearing and removing trees in the Adelaide hills region. You couldn't be in better or more knowledgable hands.
