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

Yes, usually — Gladstone 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 Gladstone?

Vegetation clearing within 3 metres of lawful building or structure (unless otherwise required to be retained)

Gladstone tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Gladstone 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 Gladstone?

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

Gladstone Regional Council protects vegetation in mapped Biodiversity Overlay areas through TLPI 01/2024 (effective 24 Jan 2025). ALL vegetation in designated overlay areas is protected (location-based, not size-based). Exemptions apply within 3m of lawful buildings. No general tree size protection found outside overlay areas. State-managed native vegetation rules apply statewide.

When you may not need approval

Vegetation clearing within 3 metres of lawful building or structure (unless otherwise required to be retained)

How to apply

Development permit required for vegetation clearing (any size) in mapped Biodiversity Overlay areas. Applications 10+ business days before work.

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 Gladstone?

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