Tree Removal Gordon
One of Gordon’s most notable trees is in the primary school grounds on Dicker Street: a huge Messmate Stringybark classified by the National Trust. It says a lot about tree work in Gordon. The big gums around town are often local natives, possibly remnants of the original bush, and in the Moorabool Shire that usually means a permit before one comes down.
Tree Removal Ballarat put this page together to explain the permit rules, old gold ground and acreage work around town.
The Gordon Messmate
The National Trust classified the Messmate Stringybark (Eucalyptus obliqua) at Gordon Primary School in 2014 as a tree of regional significance. When it was measured, it stood 28.5 metres tall, with a trunk circumference of 7.1 metres and a canopy spreading about 33 metres. Its origins are unknown, but because Messmate is indigenous to the Gordon area, the Trust notes it may be remnant vegetation.
The practical point for Gordon property owners is that large Messmates and other local eucalypts on your land are native vegetation. Even a single one can need a permit to remove or lop.
Moorabool Shire’s permit rules
Gordon is in the Moorabool Shire, where the council’s guidance is that most trees and vegetation need a planning permit to be removed, destroyed or lopped. Native trees usually also need an offset for the loss. Our Ballan page and Bacchus Marsh page cover the Moorabool rules in more detail, including a Ballan case where even non-native trees needed a permit.
- identify the tree if you can. A native eucalypt is very likely to need a permit.
- check your address on VicPlan for overlays
- contact Moorabool Shire’s planning team before booking
- for clearing close to an existing home, check whether the 10/30 or 10/50 bushfire exemptions apply. See land clearing.
Old gold ground
Gordon grew from the 1850s on the back of gold, like Buninyong and Ballarat. Old workings can still sit under paddocks and house blocks around goldfield towns. Before an excavator goes in to dig out stumps or roots, ask about any known shafts or soft ground, and report any hole that opens up to council rather than filling it. See stump removal for more on sinking ground.
Acreage on the Paddock Creek slopes
Gordon sits on the undulating foothills of the Paddock Creek valley, and much of the land around town is acreage. On these blocks, the useful work is usually keeping driveways passable and fuel down near the house. CFA’s standard conditions call for 4 m of clear height over driveways and at least 2 m under branches near the house. See canopy lifting.
Nearby areas
We also cover Mount Egerton, just south along the Gordon–Egerton Road.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to remove a gum tree in Gordon?
Very likely. Moorabool Shire says most trees and vegetation need a permit, and native eucalypts usually need an offset as well. Check with council before booking.
How do I know if my tree is native?
Messmate Stringybark, with its thick, stringy, fibrous bark, is indigenous to the area. If you’re not sure, send photos of the bark, leaves and whole tree with your quote request, and mention what you think it is.
Can I clear around my house without a permit?
Possibly, under the 10/30 or 10/50 bushfire rules if your home qualifies. They don’t cover clearing for new buildings, and they don’t override covenants or permit conditions.
What should I send for a quote?
Photos of the tree, a rough height and trunk size, what’s nearby (the house, sheds, fences, power lines), access, and your permit number if you have one.
Get a quote in Gordon
Send photos and your address through the form, or call to talk it through.