City of Newcastle - Tree Works on Public Land

Tree Works on Public Land

Apply to remove a tree on public land impacted by private development.

Last updated on: 31 January 2026

In this article

Tree Works on Public Land
Application information
Application fees
Related articles
Submit application
Next steps
Time frames
Helpful links

Tree Works on Public Land

Occasionally, a public tree may need to be relocated or removed to accommodate development on private property, such as the construction of a new driveway or access point. In these instances, a Tree Works on Public Land Application will be required.

A common condition of approval is the planting of a replacement tree to maintain the area's green canopy.

Application information

Understanding the approval process

There are two common scenarios where a Tree Works on Public Land Application may be required:

Tree works as part of a broader development - If your driveway is associated with a larger development proposal, you must first obtain an approved Development Application or Complying Development Certificate. A condition of this development consent will include the need for a Section 138 Driveway Approval and a Tree Works on Public Land Application.
Tree works for driveway only changes - If you're only applying to reconstruct or relocate a driveway, you will still need a Section 138 Driveway Approval. In this case, the requirement to apply for tree works will be included as a condition of the driveway approval.

Regardless of the scenario, all relevant approvals must be in place before you can apply for tree works on public land. Public street trees will not be removed or relocated for development that has not been formally approved.

When to apply

If your Development Application or Driveway Application requires a public tree to be removed or a new public tree to be planted, we will provide you with a Tree Work on Public Land application form. This form will explain what work is required and any associated costs.

To start this process, you must contact us first. A condition in your consent does not automatically start the tree removal or planting process. This is because some developments may not begin for several months or even years.

Application fees

There are no fees payable when you submit your application. We'll invoice you after your application has been reviewed.

If you'd like a fee estimate before applying, search for the application name in our Fees and Charges document.

Section 138 Roads Act Application - learn about the requirements and process for a driveway approval.
Public Tree Inspection - request we assess a public tree and its proximity to proposed development.

Submit application

Have ready your:

driveway approval or Development Approval number
property address
request your tailored Tree Work on Public Land form.

Apply Now

Next steps

Shortly after submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming we've received it, along with an invoice for the application fees.
We will assess your application to determine all the required approvals are in place and the tree meets the criteria to be relocated or removed. A condition of the tree's removal may be that a replacement tree is planted.
We will issue an invoice for the removal and replacement tree works.
Once this is paid, the work will be approved and scheduled.

Time frames

This approval process typically takes 2 weeks to complete; the tree work will then be scheduled.

Helpful links

City of Newcastle - Development Control Plan and Urban Forest Technical Manual

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Tree Works on Public Land

Tree Works on Public Land

Tree Works on Public Land

Application information

Understanding the approval process

When to apply

Application fees

Related articles

Submit application

Have ready your:

Next steps

Time frames

Helpful links