Vegetation Management and Watercourses

Trees are an important and valuable part of the Adelaide Hills landscape. They provide amenity and environmental benefits and play an important role in maintaining a 'sense of place' for Hills townships and countryside. Although trees can sometimes cause a nuisance to individuals, trees are generally considered to be a part of the natural environment and there is an expectation by the community numerous benefits of trees outweigh any minor inconveniences.

The maintenance of Council trees is prioritised by the risk that a tree presents. For example, a branch/tree that has fallen across public roads or has imminent potential to fall are prioritised above normal tree pruning requests. Tree pruning will only be carried out when necessary to ensure that a tree grows to its potential or when it does or is likely to, interfere with public infrastructure or to prevent safe passage by pedestrians or vehicles.

Removal of trees under the care and control of Council will be carried out in accordance with principles outlined in the Tree Management Policy and relevant legislation.

Creeks and watercourses running through private property are the land owner's responsibility. Council is only responsible where there are pits and pipes within your property and within an easement to Council. Information about Certificate of Titles can be found on sa.gov.au

All creeks and watercourses operate under common law and as the resident or landowner you are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the watercourse and to ensure the watercourse can take adequate flow without blockages, causing flooding to yourself or upstream.

If your creek or watercourse is causing flooding, please ensure it has adequate capacity to take all flows and work with your adjoining land owner to ensure they have no blockages or flow restrictions.

Are you planning work in a watercourse or dam? Make sure you have a Water Affecting Activity (WAA) permit.

Undertaking a water affecting activity without a permit or, in breach of the permit conditions is an offence under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019. If you are unsure whether the works you are proposing will require a permit, call the Water Resources team for advice before undertaking any works.

Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu

Mount Barker Office:
Upper level, Corner of Mann and Walker Streets, Mount Barker SA5251