It’s common to think just because a tree is on your property that you can cut it down or have a professional do it for you. But it’s not quite that simple.
If you live on the Gold Coast, you might need permission from the Gold Coast City Council before pruning or cutting down a tree, especially if it’s an endangered species. Getting caught cutting down a tree without a permit when one is needed can incur on-the-spot fines or larger breaches, so it’s important to know what you can and can’t do.
Our complete guide to the Gold Coast City Council tree removal process will give you all the information you need on when you need a permit, potential fines for not seeking a permit and how to get this pass if you do need one. When in doubt, you can call our team at Arborsafe Tree Services for advice, or your local council.
Why You Might Need to Remove a Tree On Your Property
Before we get into permits, let’s talk about why you might need to remove a tree on your property. There are many reasons why you may need to prune or fully remove a tree on private land, including:
- Risk to people or property from a hazardous tree, such as one that is diseased.
- Dying or dead trees that can’t be revived.
- Overgrown trees blocking views or interfering with powerlines or property.
- Needing to clear land, such as to accommodate new pools or structures.
- Pest problems, such as termites, that can’t be treated effectively.
If you have a small tree, you may be able to remove it yourself if you have the right equipment. For larger trees, it’s best to call in a professional arborist for tree removal.
How to Know If You Need Gold Coast City Council Tree Permits
Under the Vegetation Management Code, you need a permit to cut down or remove most trees on private land on the Gold Coast, especially if they are a protected species of tree in Queensland. Rare, endangered and native trees you’ll need a permit for include:
- Spotted gums (Corymbia Maculata)
- Rough-barked apples (Angophora Floribunda)
- Hoop pines (Araucaria Cunninghamii)
- Red mahogany (Eucalyptus Resinifera)
- Blue quandongs (Elaeocarpus Grandis)
- Bunya pines (Araucaria Bidwillii)
This is not an all-inclusive list. It’s best to check with your local arborist if you’re unsure if you have an endangered, rare or native tree on your property.
When a Tree Cutting Permit is Not Required on the Gold Coast
A tree cutting permit is not required from the Gold Coast City Council when assessable vegetation and trees meet the following criteria:
- Property Boundaries: Along an existing property boundary fence or for the construction of a new boundary fence (distances vary by lot size).
- Proximity to Structures: Close to an existing approved building such as a house, shed, or garage (distances vary by lot size).
- Pool Safety: Within 1.5 metres of an existing pool fence.
- Native Under Growth: Includes native herbs, grasses, and small trees (less than 4m in height or 40cm circumference at 1.4m above ground) under taller trees on lots under 1000m².
- Pest Species: Identified by a Level 3 Arborist. Find a qualified arborist at the Queensland Arboricultural Association.
- Bushfire Risk: Located in a City Plan Bushfire Hazard Map zone with no approved bushfire management plan.
- Dangerous Trees: Determined as dangerous by a Council Level 5 Arborist.
What is accessible vegetation?
The Gold Coast City Council refers to accessible vegetation as vegetation that is:
- More than 4 metres in height
- The trunk is more than 40 centimetres around the circumference when measured 1.3 metres above the ground
- Remnant vegetation or native understorey, as defined on our Vegetation Management Overlay Map or
- Part of disturbed or regrowth vegetation or wetland or its understorey, as defined on our Vegetation Management Overlay Map.
What is accessible vegetation?
The Gold Coast City Council refers to accessible vegetation as vegetation that is:
- More than 4 metres in height
- The trunk is more than 40 centimetres around the circumference when measured 1.3 metres above the ground
- Remnant vegetation or native understorey, as defined on our Vegetation Management Overlay Map or
- Part of disturbed or regrowth vegetation or wetland or its understorey, as defined on our Vegetation Management Overlay Map.
How to Apply for Tree Removal on the Gold Coast
Gather your documents.
To apply for a tree permit on the Gold Coast, you will need to download the
Queensland Government DA Form 1.
Complete the application.
To complete documentation for a tree permit with the Gold Coast City Council, you will need some of your property information, including longitude and latitude.
Apply in person or online.
You can submit your application for a permit to cut down a tree on the Gold Coast online or in person at one of the Gold Coast City council’s customer service centres, Monday to Friday, 8:15am to 4:30pm.
What happens if you don’t get a tree permit?
If you’re caught cutting down a tree without a permit, you may be up for a penalty or larger breach. On the Gold Coast, you may receive a $550 on-the-spot fine for a smaller tree, while larger tree can incur larger breaches of upwards of $110,000. So, you don’t want to risk it. Contact us today!