Do I need council approval to clear trees on my property in Queensland?

The Queensland position

Two things apply. Your council's scheme (often a vegetation or biodiversity overlay) decides whether a development application is needed locally. Separately, clearing native vegetation on land the state maps as regulated vegetation is assessable under state rules — not decided by the council.

What usually happens: check the council's overlay and the Queensland Government's regulated vegetation map (you can request a property map of assessable vegetation) before any clearing.

• Planning Regulation 2017, Schedule 10, Part 3 — clearing native vegetation
• Queensland Government — vegetation management

What else you'll need

• State vegetation check (not the council)

By council

These councils' own tables of assessment, read zone by zone:

• Clear trees in Banana
• Clear trees in Brisbane
• Clear trees in Bundaberg
• Clear trees in Cairns
• Clear trees in Central Highlands
• Clear trees in Gold Coast
• Clear trees in Moreton Bay
• Clear trees in Fraser Coast
• Clear trees in Gladstone
• Clear trees in Ipswich
• Clear trees in Livingstone
• Clear trees in Logan
• Clear trees in Mackay
• Clear trees in Noosa
• Clear trees in Redland
• Clear trees in Rockhampton
• Clear trees in Scenic Rim
• Clear trees in Sunshine Coast
• Clear trees in Toowoomba
• Clear trees in Townsville

Common questions

Do I need council approval to clear trees in Queensland?

It depends. Council schemes often protect vegetation through an overlay, so clearing can need a development application; and clearing native vegetation on land the state maps as regulated vegetation is assessable under state rules (Planning Regulation 2017, Schedule 10, Part 3). Check the council overlay and the state vegetation map for your lot.

Can I remove a tree that is dangerous?

Removing a tree that is an imminent risk to people or property is often exempt, but the exemption is narrow. Keep photos and ask your council before you act; some councils run a tree-removal permit process.

How do I find out if my land has regulated vegetation?

The Queensland Government publishes a regulated vegetation map and lets owners request a property map of assessable vegetation. A Landbrief site report also shows whether the state vegetation layer applies to your lot.

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