Tree removal laws in Queensland

In Queensland, tree removal on residential land is mainly controlled by your council's local laws and any Vegetation Protection Order (for example Brisbane City Council's Natural Assets Local Law). Rural and native vegetation clearing is also regulated by the State. See your council's page for its specific local-law rules.

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.

Usually yes — a genuinely dead, dying or imminently dangerous tree can often be removed without prior council approval in Queensland. But this is council-dependent and the exemption falls away for heritage or registered trees, so most councils expect evidence: get a qualified arborist's report and keep dated photos before the tree comes down. If the danger is immediate, make the area safe and call an arborist — and your electricity distributor first if powerlines are involved.

Even where an exemption would normally apply, approval can still be required because of: Council Vegetation Protection Orders / significant tree registers. State Vegetation Management Act (native vegetation). Federal EPBC Act. When any of these apply, assume the tree is protected and check before removing it.

Tree removal in Australia typically ranges from about $150–$500 for a small tree to $1,000–$3,000+ for a large gum, and $3,000–$15,000 for very large or difficult jobs near buildings or powerlines. The price depends on size, access, and whether stump grinding and green-waste removal are included — the only way to know yours is a free on-site quote from a local arborist.

Tree removal in Queensland is governed by Planning Act 2016 + council local laws and Vegetation Protection Orders; Vegetation Management Act 1999 (mainly rural/native vegetation). Your local council administers the day-to-day rules — always confirm the current requirements before removing a tree.