Permits required for uprooting

CASEY Council has alerted residents that removal of vegetation may require a permit, after a Berwick resident was recently fined $6000.
City of Casey Mayor Amanda Stapledon said the removal, lopping and pruning of trees or other vegetation may require a planning permit.
“Council had planning controls for different parts of the municipality – some more restrictive than others,” she said.
“If in doubt as to whether a permit is required to remove vegetation from a property, it is recommended that you check with council’s planning department as to whether a permit is required or not.
”The Berwick resident recently appeared before the the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court for illegally removing vegetation in a part of Berwick covered by a Significant Landscape Overlay which requires a planning permit to remove any vegetation.
The resident was fined $6000 without conviction and the council was awarded costs of $4237.
“This prosecution sends a clear message that council takes vegetation removal matters very seriously,” Cr Stapledon said.
For more information, contact City of Casey Customer Service on 9705 5200.