Extensive tree clearing following the introduction of the controversial 10/50 bushfire mitigation rule in 2014 resulted in a significant loss of canopy on Sydney’s leafy North Shore, according to a recent report in the Sydney Morning Herald.
As residents of North Arm Cove know only too well, in this area it resulted in a great deal of noise from chainsaws and the consequent loss of a lot of trees along the Port Stephens waterfront.
“The 10/50 tree clearing rule was a major mistake by the Baird government and we are now seeing the evidence. It’s been modified but is still a threat,” Jeff Angel from the Total Environment Centre told the SMH.
While not everyone is as critical of the Baird initiative such criticism does highlight a development many in the Cove probably aren’t aware of. This is the fact the 10/50 rule has been reviewed and heavily modified.
The changes that have been made are particularly relevant to North Arm Cove, mainly due to the fact so many of our blocks either are on the waterfront or very close to it.
Under the current 10/50 rules those in bushfire prone areas can clear trees within 10 metres of a home without seeking approval and can clear underlying vegetation such as shrubs within 50 metres of a home, again without seeking approval.
There are a range of specific conditions that govern how these rules work but for any of these to be relevant a home first has to be classified as being covered by the 10/50 system
Whereas the original arrangements did cover virtually all of North Arm Cove a key change made as a result of the review of the system means that a large number – probably a significant majority – can no longer make use of the 10/50 system to cut down trees and remove shrubs and other vegetation.
This change stipulates that land is excluded from the system if it is wholly or partially within 100 metres of the coastline or estuaries of NSW. Not only does this cover all the Cove’s waterfront properties it also means many other properties are also excluded since at least part of their land is within the 100-metre zone.
This is the case, for example, for those non-waterfront properties along Promontory Way, Eastslopes Way and Cove Blvd where the waterfront properties directly in front of them are less than around 70 metres or so deep. In fact, some are no more than 50m deep, and a few only 35m.
If you want to know whether your home is covered by the 10/50 rule go to the NSW Rural Fire Service web site and use its online search tool to check on your situation. The site also provides a lot of other detail on the operation of the10/50 system.
