Do I need a permit to remove a tree in the Bundaberg area?

Yes, usually — Bundaberg requires approval to remove or significantly prune a protected tree under its Development Control Plan, unless an exemption (such as a dead or dangerous tree) applies. Check the details on this page and confirm with the council.

What trees are exempt in Bundaberg?

Dead or dangerous trees (council-dependent). Trees not covered by a Vegetation Protection Order or local law.

Bundaberg tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Bundaberg area — which trees are protected, the main exemptions, and how to apply for approval. This is the authoritative summary we keep for this council; always confirm against the official source linked below.

Check my tree Official council page ↗

Legal basis: Planning Act 2016 + council local laws and Vegetation Protection Orders; Vegetation Management Act 1999 (mainly rural/native vegetation).

● Researched· last checked 2026-06-29official source ↗

Compiled from the council's published rules and cross-checked. Always confirm with the council.

Which trees are protected in Bundaberg?

Bundaberg generally does not require council approval to remove trees on private property — its tree controls don't apply to private land. Other laws (native vegetation, heritage, threatened species) may still apply, so confirm with the council.

Bundaberg Regional Council's Planning Scheme 2015 explicitly states it does not require Council approval to remove significant vegetation on private property where no development is proposed. Vegetation protection controls are delegated to the Queensland State Government (Vegetation Management Act 1999). No local law, VPO, or NALL protects trees on private residential land.

When you may not need approval

Dead or dangerous trees (council-dependent).
Trees not covered by a Vegetation Protection Order or local law.

Other rules that can override the above

Council Vegetation Protection Orders / significant tree registers.
State Vegetation Management Act (native vegetation).
Federal EPBC Act.

Do I need a permit in Bundaberg?

Fill in the tree details and we'll estimate whether you likely need council approval.