Rural fire zones and powerline maintenance

10/50 vegetation clearing rule

The 10/50 vegetation clearing rule was introduced following the devastating 2013 bush fires. The rule allows people in a designated 10/50 Vegetation Clearing Entitlement Area to:

  • clear trees on their property within 10 metres of a home (habitable building), without seeking approval
  • clear underlying vegetation such as shrubs (but not trees) on their property within 50 metres of a home (habitable building) without seeking approval.

Changes have been announced to the Vegetation Entitlement Area and the way the entitlement applies. Remember to use the online tool before commencing work, as the entitlement area may have changed.

The 10/50 rule applies to trees and vegetation located on the property identified with in the 10/50 zone.

For further information and to check if your property is in a designated 10/50 zone visit 10/50 Vegetation Clearing  on the Rural Fire Service NSW website. 

Pruning of trees and vegetation around power lines/service wires

Maintaining safe clearance distances around power lines and associated infrastructure is the responsibility of Ausgrid contractors who undertake tree trimming, removal and maintenance of vegetation under the Electricity Supply Act 1995.

For all information regarding trimming of trees and vegetation around power lines visit the Ausgrid website.

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