Vegetation Protection Orders

Under the Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL), Council has the authority to protect significant vegetation across Brisbane. Having protected vegetation on your property does not mean that you will not be able to use your land or manage the vegetation that is protected. Council provides advice and support to those who have protected vegetation on their property. 

Nominating vegetation for protection

Nominations to protect vegetation in the Brisbane City Council area can be made using an online form, or writing to Council. Nominations can be made to request protection for an individual tree, a group of trees or an area of vegetation.

The nomination must state how the vegetation meets at least one of the objects of the Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL), including:

• protecting the biodiversity values of the city, and/or
• preserving natural landforms such as waterways, wetlands, bushlands, ridgelines and steep slopes, and/or
• facilitating the retention of the landscape character, or cultural and historical values of the city.

How to nominate

To request Council assess vegetation for possible protection, complete the online nomination form.

For urgent nominations where the vegetation is under immediate threat, or for general vegetation protection enquiries, phone Council on 07 3403 8888.

Alternatively, send a written nomination to:

The Manager
Natural Environment Water and Sustainability
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001.

Written nominations need to include at least the following information:

• nominee's details
• address of vegetation and location on site
• description and approximate dimensions of the vegetation
• a map and/or photos of the vegetation
• values of the vegetation - for example, landscape amenity, habitat features, and/or cultural or historical significance
• reasons for the request, including any possible threats to the vegetation.

Nominations will be assessed against the objects of the Natural Assets Local Law 2003 to determine if a Vegetation Protection Order will be placed on the vegetation.

Council officers will be in contact if further information or a site visit is required.

Have your say on the recently made Vegetation Protection Orders 

The NALL provides an opportunity for affected landowners and the broader community to have their say on these VPO's through the submission process. 

Council provides a list of recently made VPO's in the public consultation phase. 

Any person, other than the person who nominated the vegetation, can make a submission.

Trees identified for protection during the neighbourhood planning process

As a part of the neighbourhood planning process, Council undertakes a survey of the plan area to identify significant landscape trees. The survey is undertaken by a qualified arborist, familiar with the types of vegetation in the Brisbane landscape. It is important to note that these tree surveys are undertaken from publicly accessible areas. Find out more information about neighbourhood plans. 

More information

Find out more about protected vegetation.