The 10/50 VCS gives residents living near bushland additional ways to better prepare for fires.
With no need to seek approval, it permits residents of designated areas to clear trees on their property within 10 metres of a home, and underlying vegetation within 50 metres.
The 10/50 VCS doesn’t permit residents to remove trees or vegetation on land that they don’t own, such as Council land (e.g. reserves or parks). While a resident might ask Council to remove trees/vegetation that are 10/50 metres from their home, it’s not mandatory that Council do so under the 10/50 VCS rules. As such, it’s very doubtful this would be considered a basis for a successful claim if a bushfire swept through an area.
However, it should be noted that if trees were in danger of falling and damaging property, a resident would have a right to seek an injunction to prevent property damage.