Some trees and root systems can smoulder for days or weeks after a fire. Keep clear of unstable or smouldering trees and call 000 if there is an immediate threat to life or property.
Due to continued fire risk, unstable trees, erosion, and sediment in waterways, access to some areas is restricted to local traffic and/or authorised agencies only.
If you think a roadside tree is in imminent danger of collapse, call Council on 5772 0333.
Native vegetation, including trees, shrubs, smaller herbs and grasses provide habitat for fauna and contributes to healthy ecosystems and waterways. Native vegetation controls aim to protect Victoria’s biodiversity.
Emergency related exemptions (Clause 52.07)
These emergency exemptions apply until 10 January 2029. If in doubt, contact Council’s Planning Unit for individual advice.
You may remove native vegetation to the minimum extent necessary to:
- To enable the removal of a building, equipment or other material that was damaged or destroyed by an emergency before 10 January 2029
- To enable the repair or reconstruction of a fence that was damaged or destroyed before 10 January 2029 for a combined maximum width of 4 metres either side of the fence (with neighbours' permission).
If a tree is in imminent danger of collapse
You do not need a planning permit to remove native vegetation if it poses an immediate risk to buildings or infrastructure.
- Prune or lop the minimum necessary to address the immediate threat (in some cases this may result in the whole tree being removed).
- Where possible, have a qualified arborist assess the risk (e.g. likelihood of collapse or major limb failure).
- This exemption cannot be used for risks that might develop in future — if the risk is not immediate, please talk to Council’s Planning team before works are undertaken.
If a tree is not in imminent danger of collapsing
- Check first: Many works still require a planning permit, especially in areas of existing native vegetation.
- In previously cleared areas (e.g. grazed paddocks), removing regrowth of bracken or native vegetation may be allowed — if unsure, ask us.
- Dead standing trees (greater than 40 cm diameter at 1.3 m height) are protected because they provide habitat; a permit is required to remove them unless they are in imminent danger of collapse.
Factsheet on Vegetation Removal(PDF, 1MB)
Our staged approach
Stage 1 - Make roads safe: Clear trees and debris that have fallen onto the road reserve; address road/driveway blockages where a property has a single point of access so residents can safely enter/exit.
Stage 2 - Secondary arborist inspections: Systematic checks across fire affected areas; prioritise road safety while retaining and treating trees where possible to support habitat recovery. Large habitat logs will be left in place where safe to support wildlife recovery (insects, reptiles, small mammals, birds).
Stage 3 - Crews will return to assess trees near fencelines along Council roads and cut back fallen trees away from fencelines between the fence and the road reserve. This will take several weeks.
Do not remove fallen timber from roadsides unless Council has given specific permission.
Canopies/smaller branches will be mulched and where practical, adjoining landholders may be offered mulch or firewood.
Firewood collection from Council managed roadsides requires a Council permit and for 2026 no firewood collection can take place in fire impacted areas during March - June. Firewood permits for all other areas of Murrindindi (excluding high conservation areas) requires an online permit.
You must not cut down standing trees (dead or alive).
Some high conservation roadsides are off-limits (listed on permits and on our How Council manages vegetation in reserves and roadsides page).
Council’s Firewood and Mulch Program
Council will collect and sort roadside timber into:
- Habitat logs (especially timber with hollows) to be reused in the landscape.
- Firewood for redistribution to directly impacted properties.
Please note: This is a large, complex program and more information will be made public once finalised.
Roadside works and permits
All proposed clearing of native vegetation on roadside land (including for fenceline re-establishment) may require inspection and Council approval as land manager, and in some cases a planning permit.
If you believe a roadside tree is in imminent danger of collapse, notify Council immediately.
Private fencing damaged by fire (including from fire affected trees) is generally an insurance matter for the landowner.
Council does not repair fences unless Council activities directly caused the damage.
During CFA/agency fire response, where fences were impacted solely to gain access, CFA’s rehabilitation and stabilisation program may repair those access related sections.
More information can be found on Council's Fences, Essential Water and Control Lines web page - or by contacting the CFA via email - hume.stabilisation@cfa.vic.gov.au
Boundary fences adjoining Crown land may apply to DEECA for a 50% contribution toward replacement. Applications are assessed by DEECA. For more information visit the Forest Fire Management Victoria website.
We understand that many people feel wary of trees after the fire. At the same time, trees, alive and dead, play a vital role in recovery.
Habitat hollows in old trees and large logs are ‘natural apartments’ for wildlife. About one-third of terrestrial mammals, two thirds of microbats and 15% of birds rely on hollows for shelter and breeding.
Fallen timber provides food for insects, shelter for reptiles and small animals, improves soil nutrients and water retention, and helps the bush bounce back.
Where safe, Council will retain habitat logs (especially hollow bearing timber) and relocate salvaged hollows within the burnt landscape.
When a tree is unsafe, we remove only what’s necessary — balancing safety with habitat and cultural/environmental values.
- Insurance – Contact your insurer first for claims relating to tree and fence damage. Keep photos and receipts.
- CFA – For fence damage during firefighting activities enquiries: hume.stabilisation@cfa.vic.gov.au
- BlazeAid – Practical fencing help for uninsured or vulnerable residents. Visit blazeaid.com.au
- Operation Veteran Assist (OVA) – RSL coordinated volunteer support to bushfire affected areas. (search Facebook for Operation Veteran Assist).
- Council – For planning advice, roadside approvals, tree hazard reports or general questions: 5772 0333.
- Council – For Firewood Collection permits and rules visit our Firewood Collection page.
Factsheet on tree management.(PDF, 38MB)