Vegetation Management

The purpose of council's vegetation management laws is to protect the Sunshine Coast’s natural resources, maintain biodiversity and conserve ecological values. They allow council to prevent unnecessary vegetation damage, and to ensure that necessary vegetation damage is carried out in a responsible manner.

Currently regulations that govern vegetation management on the Sunshine Coast vary according to former shire boundaries. If you are unsure which area your vegetation management issue currently relates to, use council's local office finder.

Vegetation damage or removal

Note: Provisions under state legislation also protect vegetation on private property. For further details contact the Department of Environment and Resource Management on 13 13 04.

Caloundra area

Clearing of vegetation in the former Caloundra shire is regulated by Local Law No.14 [PDF 309KB].

Under Local Law No 14 approval from council is required if: 

• your proposed work may cause land degradation [PDF 230KB] OR
• your property is subject to a vegetation order [PDF 159KB] under Local Law 14

You will not require approval from council if: 

• the vegetation is a weed species [PDF 188KB] or common exotic species [PDF 38KB]
• your proposed work is not defined as clearing [PDF 227KB] under Local Law 14, and
• your proposed work will not cause land degradation [PDF 230KB].

To apply for approval for your proposed works contact council via the customer service centre.  

Maroochy area

Protection of vegetation in the former Maroochy area is managed in accordance with Local Law No.19 [PDF 670KB]. 

• Application for Permit to Damage Vegetation [PDF 67KB]
• Local Law No.19 fact sheet [PDF 68KB] 
• Local Law No. 19 frequently asked questions [PDF 44KB]

Under Local Law No 19 a permit is required if:

• you intend to damage or remove any native vegetation [PDF 341KB] AND
• your property lies within a vegetation preservation area (see maps below). 

You will not require a permit if:

• your property is not in a vegetation preservation area (see maps below) or
• your proposed work is permitted damage [PDF 43KB] or
• the vegetation is non-native, for example weed species [PDF 188KB] or exotic ornamentals [PDF 46KB].

Vegetation preservation areas for the Maroochy area:
To view files over 2MB, you should download them to your PC. Right click on the link and select 'Save target/file as'.

• Vegetation preservation areas map – west [PDF 1.2MB]
• Vegetation preservation areas map – north east [PDF 2.7MB]
• Vegetation preservation areas map – south east [PDF 5MB]

Penalties apply if an individual or corporation damages vegetation without a permit where a permit is required, breaches the conditions of a permit or fails to produce a permit on request.

Noosa area

All vegetation in the former Noosa Shire is protected under Local Law 10 Vegetation Management 2003 [PDF 209KB].

Most interference with vegetation [PDF 33KB] in the former Noosa Shire will require an application for permit [PDF 34KB].

You will not require a permit if:

• the proposed interference is exempt (see Explanatory Statement for exemptions) [PDF 111KB] or 
• the vegetation is an undesirable species [PDF 120KB].