Released 12/06/2026
The ACT Government is updating tree protection laws to make them more efficient while maintaining strong environmental protections.
The Urban Forest and Planning Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 has been informed by community and industry feedback on the operation of the ACT’s new urban forest laws since they came into effect on 1 January 2024.
The Bill introduces a new pathway for tree removal to be considered on planning and design grounds, allowing better integration with housing and infrastructure outcomes.
Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne said the changes will deliver on the Government’s 2024 election commitment to improve the application process and operation of the Urban Forest Act 2023.
“This Bill makes processes more efficient and provides certainty earlier in the approvals pathway for homeowners, developers and industry operating within existing urban areas, while keeping strong protections for Canberra’s urban forest in place,” Minister Cheyne said.
“We are also addressing community concerns about trees likely to cause damage or injury following several tree-related incidents in the Territory.
“Application processes for tree removals will be significantly streamlined, with faster decision timeframes and simpler pathways for lower-impact activities.
“Minor works with limited impact on tree health will be able to be approved quickly, while clearer rules for certain low-impact groundwork will remove the need for approval altogether.”
These changes will also be further supported by the draft Guide for Tree Removals on Design Grounds and the draft updated Urban Forest Approval Criteria, which are now available for public consultation.
“The proposed Guide for Tree Removals on Design Grounds supports the pathway introduced in this Bill to remove a public or regulated tree and offers a 10-day turnaround on stand-alone applications,” Minister Cheyne said.
“The Urban Forest Approval Criteria includes more circumstances for how a tree can be removed, pruned or how groundwork can be undertaken within a protection zone.
“I encourage homeowners, developers and other interested Canberrans to provide feedback on the proposed new planning guidelines and updates to the approval criteria to prune or remove trees.
“Your feedback will help us get the balance right so we can continue to provide the best outcomes for the community."
To learn more, visit YourSayConversations. Consultation closes on Thursday 6 August 2026.
- Statement ends -
Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases