Gold Coast Tree Regulations: What Property Owners Need to Know

Understanding the local regulations around tree removal is more than just good practice – these are legal requirements for Gold Coast property owners.

Removing or significantly lopping a tree on your property without checking council guidelines could result in costly fines or even legal action.

Let's get to what you need to know about navigating Gold Coast tree regulations.

Why Our Gold Coast Tree Regulations Exist

Tree laws in Queensland are in place to protect biodiversity, manage stormwater, maintain habitat for native wildlife, and preserve the leafy beauty of our suburbs.

Some trees are protected due to their species, size, or location. Others fall under regulations because they’re within mapped vegetation overlays or part of a broader ecological corridor.

Local governments, including the City of Gold Coast, aim to strike a balance between urban development and ecological preservation. For residents, that means any substantial change to mature vegetation needs to follow the correct process.

Ignorance of the law isn’t an excuse — and with the volume of property development and landscaping on the Gold Coast, council compliance is increasingly enforced.

When Council Approval Is Needed

Approval is typically required when:

• The tree is of significant height or trunk diameter

• The tree provides habitat to protected species

• The tree is part of a Vegetation Protection Order (VPO)

• The tree is located within an environmental overlay zone

• The site is affected by Bushfire Hazard or Waterway Corridor overlays

In many cases, even pruning beyond a certain percentage may trigger a need for formal council review. For example, removing more than 20% of a tree’s canopy in one year could be considered unlawful if the tree is protected.

To determine if your tree is regulated, you can access the City of Gold Coast’s online mapping tool or speak directly to a planning officer.

Exemptions from Approval

Some scenarios allow for tree removal or lopping without prior approval:

• The tree is dead, dying or poses an immediate risk to safety

• The tree is within a set distance (e.g., 3 metres) of a dwelling or shed

• The work is part of routine maintenance (e.g., removing minor dead branches)

• The work is under direction of a qualified arborist with supporting documentation

If you're in doubt about whether an exemption applies or not, it’s always safer to double-check with council or get written confirmation. Relying on verbal advice or outdated neighbour knowledge is risky.

Steps to Apply for Tree Removal

1. Confirm whether the tree is protected using council tools

2. Obtain an arborist report if necessary

3. Complete the application form on the City of Gold Coast’s website

4. Await determination (may take 1–2 weeks depending on complexity)

Applications that include expert reports and photographs tend to move faster through council assessment. The more detail you provide, the smoother the process will go.

Council may approve the request with conditions, such as replacement planting, limitations on the amount to be removed, or guidance on the timing of the works to avoid nesting seasons.

Risks of Non-Compliance

The environmental damage from removing a tree with habitat value can take decades to repair. Homeowners have a responsibility to preserve the integrity of their green space.

Fines for unauthorised removal or damage can be steep – into the tens of thousands of dollars. Council may also require replanting or initiate enforcement orders.

The Role of Arborists

Qualified Gold Coast arborists, such as you'll find at The French Crew, play a key role in helping property owners comply with regulations while maintaining safe and beautiful properties. We can inspect the tree, provide a detailed report, and even liaise with council on your behalf.

Arborists are also trained to spot diseases, structural weaknesses, or environmental risks that the untrained eye might miss. Our goal is to keep both people and nature safe.

Our fully qualified and insured Gold Coast arborist is ready to help you.

Taking Responsibility

Before reaching for the chainsaw or calling in the loppers, make sure you're clear regarding your legal obligations.

Our leafy streets are part of what makes the Gold Coast such a desirable place to call home – and preserving its canopy should be done responsibly.

Call The French Crew. We are here to help with fully qualified Gold Coast tree care, including navigating council regulations, and professional tree pruning and tree removal.