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

Yes, usually — Mackay 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 Mackay?

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

Mackay tree removal rules

Everything you need to know before removing or pruning a tree in the Mackay 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 Mackay?

Mackay protects effectively all trees on private land — removing or significantly pruning a tree generally needs council approval unless an exemption applies (see below).

Mackay Regional Council requires approval for 'protected trees and vegetation' on private property per ABLIS listing. Specific numeric thresholds (height/trunk diameter) are not publicly available online. Protection appears to be based on tree classification (e.g. significant trees, large trunk diameter), location (e.g. within Biodiversity overlay areas), or vegetation type rather than simple size cutoffs. Governed by Local Law No. 3 (Community and Environmental Management 2011) and Mackay Region Planning Scheme 2017. Council website PDFs are not accessible externally. References mention natural environment protection via Natural Environment Levy (introduced 2003, extended 2008) which aims to protect vegetation on both public and private land.

When you may not need approval

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

How to apply

Approval required from Mackay Regional Council for removal of protected trees and vegetation on private property. Contact council at 1300 622 529 or council@mackay.qld.gov.au to determine if your tree is protected and to apply for removal permission.

Other rules that can override the above

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

Mackay tree removal rules

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Which trees are protected in Mackay?

When you may not need approval

How to apply

Other rules that can override the above

Do I need a permit in Mackay?

Suburbs in Mackay