Vegetation and the local law

Brisbane City Council's Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL) helps to protect our natural assets, including bushland areas, wetlands, waterway corridors and trees in urban areas. The NALL also allows better management of the impacts of weeds and hazardous vegetation.

Council has been protecting vegetation with Local Laws since 1991. The NALL delivers a balance between protecting the city’s environment and people, property and lifestyle.

The local law is not a land use control. However, along with the Brisbane City Plan 2014 it requires landowners to consult Council to adopt a responsible approach in deciding what vegetation will be retained as part of any proposal to build a house, subdivide or develop land.

To find out if your property has protected vegetation, you can request a map and report online or contact Council.

Reporting interference with protected vegetation

You can report interference with protected vegetation online if you suspect vegetation has been cleared or damaged unlawfully.

If you are reporting protected vegetation that is being cleared or interfered with now, please phone Council's Contact Centre on 07 3403 8888.

Find what you need

Gum tree

All vegetation protected under the Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL) falls into one of four categories - Council vegetation, waterway and wetland vegetation, significant urban vegetation and significant native vegetation. Find out more.

Landowners must seek Council permission to clear, remove or work on protected vegetation, unless an exemption applies. Find out more about the permit application process and what type of permit you might need.

Council identifies protected vegetation under the Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL). Use our frequently asked questions and responses to better understand the local law and whether it impacts your property.

Under the Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL), Council has the authority to protect significant vegetation across Brisbane with Vegetation Protection Orders. Find out more.

Some work is allowed on protected vegetation without a permit. These permit exemptions are set by the NALL. Find out more. 

Council plants and maintains street trees to ensure Brisbane residents receive all the benefits trees bring to our streets.

Council has developed guidelines to support residents establish verge gardens between property boundaries and the road kerb on residential zoned lands. Learn more about the guidelines, starting a footpath garden, who is responsible for maintenance of verge gardens and recommended plants.

Council’s local laws help reduce the impacts of invasive pest plants and help manage overgrown and unsightly vegetation.

More information

For more information, download the Natural Assets Local Law 2003 from the Queensland Government website.

To find out if your property has protected vegetation, you can request a map and report online or contact Council.

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Brisbane City Council acknowledges this Country and its Traditional Custodians. We pay our respects to the Elders, those who have passed into the Dreaming; those here today; those of tomorrow.