Two councils, one table
Gold Coast and Tweed tree rules, side by side
Cross the border at Coolangatta and the tree rules change: different size tests, different exemptions, and a different fee.
Side by side
The rules for private land, compared
Each column links to the council's own page.
| City of Gold Coast | Tweed Shire | |
|---|---|---|
| What is protected | Assessable vegetation under the City PlanMore than 4 metres in height, or a trunk more than 40 centimetres around at 1.3 metres up. | Declared vegetation in non-rural areasA native plant at 4m in height or 10cm diameter at standard height, and any tree at 40 cm diameter. |
| Pruning | Covered as well as removal | Heavy canopy pruning, or damage to structural roots, needs an application |
| Common exemptions | Accepted casesFor example vegetation within 1.5 metres of an existing pool fence. | Camphor laurel under 100 cmMeasured as diameter at standard height. |
| Application fee | $210.00Operational works tree application, one to three trees. | No fee to lodge |
| How to apply | State Government DA form 1With a site plan for tree works. | The council's online form |
| Special cases | Body corporate landThe council guidance does not cover land managed by a body corporate: the body corporate decides first. | Rural landRemoving native vegetation on RU1 and RU2 land may need approval under the Local Land Services Act 2013 instead. |
Koala food trees are declared vegetation in Tweed Shire, including Eucalyptus robusta (Swamp Mahogany).
Also compared: removal, lopping or pruning, stump grinding or stump removal
Council rules
Questions about the two councils
Which rules apply at my address?
The council you pay rates to. Everything north of the border at Coolangatta and Tweed Heads is the City of Gold Coast; south of it is Tweed Shire, in New South Wales.
Why does Tweed measure diameter and the Gold Coast circumference?
Each council writes its own test. A trunk 40 centimetres around is much thinner than one 40 cm across, so the same tree can be protected on one side of the border and not the other.
Can someone check my tree for me?
Send the tree, the address and what is underneath it. We pass it to a local tree contractor, who looks at it and quotes the job in writing. The council gives the answer that counts.
