Vegetation management overlay in Queensland — what it means if you want to build
An overlay is an extra layer of planning rules that sits on top of a property's zone.
What it is
The state's regulated vegetation management map shows where native bushland is protected from clearing, including along defined watercourses. Some councils map their own vegetation protection on top, and protected plants mapping flags land where a flora survey may be needed before clearing.
What it means for you
Clearing native trees or bush in a mapped area can need an approval, even on your own lot, and unapproved clearing carries heavy penalties. A house site may be allowed but the cleared footprint, bushfire protection area and driveway are all assessed.
How councils treat it
From the planning scheme tables of assessment of 2 councils: what the overlay changes and which projects it touches. Each tag links to that council's page for the project.
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Gold Coast
Gold Coast City Plan (City Plan) — Part 5 Tables of assessment (v14, 2026-09-29)
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Environmental significance – vegetation management overlay (Table 5.10.8 Environmental significance – vegetation management overlay)
On a site with a mapped 'Vegetation management' type, an otherwise accepted MCU (other than a dwelling house not involving a secondary dwelling), reconfiguration or operational work becomes accepted subject to requirements (Environmental significance overlay code).
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Scenic Rim
Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020
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Environmental Significance Overlay - Vegetation Management Area (OM-04-F) (5.10 Environmental Significance Overlay Map - Vegetation Management Area OM-04-F)
Non-exempt clearing / MCU in the Vegetation Management Area becomes code assessable against the Environmental Significance Overlay Code. Reconfiguring a lot is code assessable.
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Is my property in it?
Search your address in Landbrief's free check: it shows the zone and which planning layers apply to the lot.
Common questions
What is the vegetation management overlay?
The state's regulated vegetation management map shows where native bushland is protected from clearing, including along defined watercourses. Some councils map their own vegetation protection on top, and protected plants mapping flags land where a flora survey may be needed before clearing.
What does the vegetation management overlay mean if I want to build?
Clearing native trees or bush in a mapped area can need an approval, even on your own lot, and unapproved clearing carries heavy penalties. A house site may be allowed but the cleared footprint, bushfire protection area and driveway are all assessed. Of the councils whose tables of assessment we have read, 2 mention it, and each treats it differently — see the table on this page.
How do I find out if my property is in the vegetation management overlay?
Search your address in Landbrief's free check, which shows the state layers that apply to the lot and, for councils whose overlays we read directly, the council layers too. For the council's own mapping, the planning scheme maps and the council's online property report are the official source. Confirm with the council or a town planner before you buy or build.
Other overlays
Bushfire hazardLandslide hazard and steep landAcid sulfate soilsFlood hazardCoastal hazard (storm tide and erosion)Biodiversity, waterways and wetlandsHeritageNeighbourhood characterAirport environsExtractive resources and miningRegional infrastructure and corridorsWater resource catchmentsAgricultural landScenic amenity and landscape characterTransport noise and corridors
Read from each council's planning scheme tables of assessment. General information, not advice. The council's planning scheme and the Planning Act 2016 decide — confirm with the council or a town planner before you build.