EARTH Tree Permits

You can lodge and pay for your planning application online without leaving your desktop using our EARTH system and the State Government's SPEAR program. All you need is an email address and registration with SPEAR and you will receive your decision via email.

About SPEAR

SPEAR is a browser based system hosted by the Department of Planning and Community Development that processes planning permits and subdivision applications. EARTH uses SPEAR to:

  • Create a user account
  • Lodge the application for tree removal or pruning online
  • Accept your payment online
  • Issue your decision online.

How do I lodge?

1. Click here to register as a new SPEAR user.

2. Or Click here to login as an existing SPEAR user.

Register as a SPEAR user


As a first time user there may be a few steps to go through but please persevere.

3. Create a new application.

Create a new application

4. Follow the steps in the application including the following responses to key items:

The Land:

  • You will generally have no pre-application meeting for a tree removal permit
  • The application is not to be processed and assessed by the Minister for Planning

The Proposal:

  • Select remove or lop vegetation and indicate if native or non-native
  • In the proposal description please enter:

- The type, number and location of trees to be removed or pruned
- Proposed replanting for trees to be removed including location and species
- If not proposing replanting, reasons why no replanting can be accommodated
- Information as to whether the trees can be accessed and dangerous animals on site.

Please provide as much information in your own words if in doubt. You may add plans and photos later.

 

Please provide as much information in your own words if in doubt. You may add plans and photos later.

  • The estimated cost of development is $0.

Supporting Documents:

  • It is not mandatory to provide the information listed on this screen.

Existing conditions:

  • Enter the use of the land (dwelling) and if you are aware of any covenants or Section 173 agreements which prohibit tree removal or pruning.
We will perform a title search and check this for you.

 

We will perform a title search and check this for you.

Applicant & Owner:

  • Enter a personal reference number. This is your number for future reference.
  • Verify that the owner and contact is the same as the applicant (as registered with SPEAR) or enter new details as required.

Declaration:

  • Review the information provided and select the two declaration boxes.

5. Add additional information and submit:

  • You will now be in the Details screen and your application is in a draft form
  • You may attach plans, photos or an Arborist report to assist in the assessment of the application. This is not mandatory.
  • A CHMP is not required. Please add action and select not required.
A CHMP is not required. Please ignore this action
  • Submit your application. You will need to enter your SPEAR password to authenticate your application.
Submit your application. You will need to enter your SPEAR password to authenticate your application.

 6. Make your payment (this is $115 for tree removal or $58 for tree pruning)

Please note:  SPEAR will enter a default fee of $102, You must change this to $115 or $58 depending whether your application is for tree removal or pruning.

Make your payment (this is $110 for tree removal or $55 for tree pruning)

    7. You are now free to logout of SPEAR. You will receive an email notification once Council has processed your application and you may login to SPEAR at this point to retrieve your decision.

Further help

If lodging your application in person at our Rosanna Office, Planning Officers can assist you in lodging your application through SPEAR so that you can receive your decision online.

Please contact the SPEAR Helpdesk on 8636 3049 or Council on 9457 9926 for assistance in lodging your application.