Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the Douglas area?

Yes, usually — Douglas requires approval to remove or significantly prune a protected tree under its Development Control Plan, unless an exemption (such as a dead or dangerous tree) applies. Check the details on this page and confirm with the council.

What trees are exempt in Douglas?

Self-assessable vegetation damage (specific exemption criteria in council's unpublished Table of Assessment)

Douglas tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Douglas area — which trees are protected, the main exemptions, and how to apply for approval. This is the authoritative summary we keep for this council; always confirm against the official source linked below.

Check my tree Official council page ↗

Legal basis: Planning Act 2016 + council local laws and Vegetation Protection Orders; Vegetation Management Act 1999 (mainly rural/native vegetation).

● Researched· last checked 2026-06-29official source ↗

Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.

Which trees are protected in Douglas?

Douglas protects effectively all trees on private land — removing or significantly pruning a tree generally needs council approval unless an exemption applies (see below).

Douglas Shire Council protects all vegetation on private land through the Planning Scheme Vegetation Management Code. No specific numeric thresholds (height/diameter) are published in accessible official documents. Applicants must contact council (07 4099 9444, enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au) to determine permit requirements using the Table of Assessment.

When you may not need approval

Self-assessable vegetation damage (specific exemption criteria in council's unpublished Table of Assessment)

How to apply

Self-assessable vegetation damage for minor removal in some zones; Code Assessable or Impact Assessable permits required for other areas, determined via Planning Scheme Table of Assessment

Other rules that can override the above

Council Vegetation Protection Orders / significant tree registers.
State Vegetation Management Act (native vegetation).
Federal EPBC Act.

Do I need a permit in Douglas?

Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.