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

Yes, usually — Southern Downs 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 Southern Downs?

Dead or dangerous trees (council-dependent). Trees not covered by a Vegetation Protection Order or local law.

Southern Downs tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Southern Downs 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

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

… Being confirmed

We're still confirming this council's exact rules — any figures shown are a general guide only. Confirm with the council.

Which trees are protected in Southern Downs?

In Queensland, tree removal on private land is controlled by each council's local laws and any Vegetation Protection Order — and many regional councils have none. Check your council's local laws and planning scheme; the state Vegetation Management Act mainly covers rural native vegetation.

When you may not need approval

Dead or dangerous trees (council-dependent).
Trees not covered by a Vegetation Protection Order or local law.

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 Southern Downs?

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