Clearing on your property
Vegetation on urban lots is protected by Local Law 6, Subordinate Local Law 6 and, in some instances Vegetation Protection Orders made under Local Law 6. However, the Local Law does contain exemptions which allow clearing within 10 metres of a lawfully constructed dwelling or within three metres of a lawfully built structure.
Some clearing is permitted for building and maintaining a fence but this does not usually include removal of larger trees.
The penalties for damaging protected vegetation are severe. Even if you are sure you are entitled to cut down a tree, check first, by contacting a Council Officer on 3829 8943. We will tell you if you need to make an application. Fees apply from 1 July 2006.
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Vegetation (with some exceptions) on the southern Moreton Bay islands is protected by a Vegetation Protection Order made under Local Law 6 and Subordinate Local Law 6, and it is unlawful to damage vegetation without a Council permit. However, the Local Law does contain exemptions which allow clearing within 10 metres of a lawfully constructed dwelling or within three metres of a lawfully built structure.
Some clearing is permitted for building and maintaining a fence but this does not usually include removal of larger trees.
You cannot clear vegetation on the expectation of development approval or to make the property appeal to potential buyers.
The penalties for damaging protected vegetation are severe. Even if you are sure you are entitled to cut down a tree, check first, by contacting a Council Officer on 3829 8943. We will tell you if you need to make an application. Fees apply from 1 July 2006.
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Throughout the Redlands, a number of Vegetation Protection Orders have been made under Local Law 6 and Subordinate Local Law 6 to protect vegetation with historical or heritage importance. These often include exotic species.
The penalties for damaging protected vegetation are severe. Even if you are sure you are entitled to cut down a tree, check first, by contacting a Council Officer on 3829 8943. We will tell you if you need to make an application. Fees apply from 1 July 2006.
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Vegetation on most properties is protected by Local Law 6 and Subordinate Local Law 6. In some instances, the Local Law does allow you to clear within 10 metres of a lawfully constructed dwelling or within three metres of a lawfully built structure. Some clearing is permitted for building and maintaining a fence, but this does not usually include removal of larger trees.
Your property may contain a 'development area' (what used to be called a 'building envelope') or be subject to a 'conservation covenant' and these exemptions may not apply.
The penalties for damaging protected vegetation are severe. Even if you are sure you are entitled to cut down a tree, check first, by contacting a Council Officer on 3829 8943. We will tell you if you need to make an application. Fees apply from 1 July 2006.
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You can only clear vegetation once full development approval has been granted and you must comply with the requirements of the approval.
Local Law 6 and Subordinate Local Law 6 do make exemptions for survey work to be carried out but you cannot clear vegetation on the expectation of approval or to make the property appeal to potential buyers.
The penalties for damaging protected vegetation are severe. Even if you are sure you entitled to cut down a tree, check first, by contacting a Council Officer on 3829 8943. We will tell you if you need to make an application. Fees apply from 1 July 2006.
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Under the Redlands Planning Scheme you may be allowed to clear for certain agricultural activities. Normal farm maintenance for an existing rural purpose is usually exempt if you are re-establishing a use after a short period of inactivity.
If you wish to extend the area of agricultural use, you will probably need to make a Development Application. The penalties for damaging protected vegetation are severe.
Even if you are sure you entitled to cut down a tree, check first, by submitting a Development Application.
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Acacias (wattles) and casuarinas (she-oaks) often grow quickly on cleared land. Despite the popular myth that they harbour mosquitoes, termites and are ‘rubbish trees’ they play a vital role in the regeneration of our woodlands. They are able to fix nitrogen in the soil and clearing affects the long-term fertility of our soils.
In addition, she-oak seeds are the only source of food for the spectacular but threatened Glossy Black Cockatoo. Melaleucas (tea trees) are also little valued but are vital in managing ground water levels.
Wattles, she-oaks and tea trees on most properties are protected by Local Law 6 and Subordinate Local Law 6. However, the Local Law does contain exemptions which allow clearing within 10 metres of a lawfully constructed dwelling or within three metres of a lawfully built structure.
The penalties for damaging protected vegetation are severe. Even if you are sure you are entitled to cut down a tree, check first, by contacting a Council Officer on 3829 8943. We will tell you if you need to make an application. Fees apply from 1 July 2006.
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In the past, Local Laws have required property owners to remove vegetation deemed to provide a harbourage, or potential harbourage, for 'vermin'.
We now have a better understanding of the value of under-storey vegetation within our eco-systems and recognise that vermin is just as likely to live in your house as in the bush!
The relevant local laws are being changed in the light of our better understanding.
If you think that you may have an issue with 'vermin', call the Council Environmental Health Team on 3829 8855. The penalties for damaging protected vegetation are severe.
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Under exemptions within Local Law 6 and Subordinate Local Law 6 you may be allowed to clear for fire breaks or for fire management purposes. Check first, by contacting a Council Officer on 3829 8943. We will tell you if you need to make an application.
Council also provides a free property fire management planning service. Contact the Senior Extension Officer - Habitat Protection on 3824 8611 to arrange for an assessment. Council will have the plan approved by Queensland Fire and Rescue Service.
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