Check before you chop

HILLS people are being warned against removing any trees or shrubs from their yards without a planning permit.
Shire of Yarra Range mayor Tim Heenan said under the council’s planning scheme a permit was needed for almost all vegetation removal.
Cr Heenan said the shire’s natural and planted vegetation was one of it pristine assets, one which the community places as a high value on and that it needs to be preserved.
“We really do need to be very certain about what we are doing before we cut or remove trees because quite heavy penalties are involved if vegetation is illegally removed,” he said.
Cr Heenan has urged anyone who has doubts over what they can remove without a permit should contact shire planning services team.
He said earthworks, filling and excavations under tree canopies also require a planning permit.
Cr Heenan has also called on anyone who suspects illegal tree removal or cutting to contact the shire on 1300 368 333.
However, the council said a permit is not needed to remove environmental or noxious weeds.