Tree Removal Waubra
The 128 turbines of the Waubra Wind Farm, built in 2009 on both sides of the Sunraysia Highway, are there for a reason: the site was chosen for its high exposure to consistent strong winds. When it was finished, it was the largest wind farm in the Southern Hemisphere. Waubra itself is split between the City of Ballarat and the Pyrenees Shire, so the rules for tree work depend on which side of the line a property sits.
This page is from Tree Removal Ballarat. It covers what constant wind, old windbreaks and the council boundary mean for tree work on a Waubra property.
Trees in wind country
The wind farm sits on cleared, undulating farmland, and the same steady wind works on every windbreak and house tree in the district. Trees that grow up in constant wind can lean away from it and carry heavy, one-sided canopies.
The useful checks on a Waubra property are:
- Windbreaks near buildings. Old rows of cypress or pine beside houses, sheds and yards are worth inspecting before winter, especially where trees have started dropping limbs.
- Trees after rain. Saturated ground plus strong wind is when trees are most likely to go over. A tree that has started leaning more, or lifts the soil on one side, needs checking.
- Driveway access. CFA’s standard conditions call for 4 m of clear height over driveways for fire trucks. See canopy lifting.
See our arborist page for what an assessment involves.
Which council’s rules apply?
| If your property is in… | What to expect |
|---|---|
| City of Ballarat | Native vegetation rules, plus any overlays on your land. The City’s Exceptional Tree Register covers private land too. |
| Pyrenees Shire | Removing, destroying or lopping native vegetation, including grasses, is illegal without a permit or valid exemption. Our Beaufort page covers the shire’s checklist. |
Your rates notice will show which council you’re in, or check your address on VicPlan.
Roadside trees on the Sunraysia Highway
Trees along the highway aren’t private, even where they overhang your fence or driveway. Report problems to the relevant council, or to the Department of Transport and Planning for trees on the highway reserve.
Nearby areas
Learmonth is further south on the Sunraysia Highway, with its own Avenue of Honour.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to remove an old cypress windbreak?
Native vegetation rules don’t cover cypress, but other overlays can still apply depending on which council you’re in. Check VicPlan before removing a large row.
Should I thin a windbreak rather than remove it?
Often, yes. Removing dead and weakly attached limbs can make a windbreak safer while keeping the shelter. An assessment will show whether the trees are sound enough to keep.
How do I know which council I’m in?
Your rates notice shows it. Waubra is split between the City of Ballarat and the Pyrenees Shire.
What should I send for a quote?
Photos of the trees, rough heights, what’s nearby (the house, sheds, yards, power lines), and access for equipment.
Get a quote in Waubra
Send photos and your address through the form, or call to talk it through.