Vegetation management on public land

Council manages the largest urban canopy of any Australian City, with tree coverage of 79% of the LGA. Council is responsible for the largest stock of coconut palms maintained and de-nutted by any Australian council. We aim to protect, enhance and restore natural areas while maintaining the biodiversity values of our unique tropical environment.

Council spends significant resources on managing the trees in our parks and foreshores and lining our streets, with over 3,000 Council managed trees in the CBD alone. Council adopted a tree management policy ( PDF, 0.21 MB ) in October 2022, mapping our trees within our parks, foreshores and streets and working within our community to improve our environment through our Green Space Our Place volunteer program.

Our Arborist team are highly qualified, with all staff who assess trees having at least a level 5 certification (diploma level). All other team members are in training to receive a level 5 certification.

Council also strives to balance the city’s environment, people, property and lifestyle through local and the CairnsPlan 2016 and the FNQROC development manual. This is also managed through Council’s Landscaping and Gardens on Council Controlled Land Planting Removal and Maintenance General Policy ( PDF, 0.39 MB ).

Vegetation damage (clearing)

The CairnsPlan 2016 Planning Scheme defines vegetation damage (clearing) as:

Remove, cut down, ring bark, push over, poison or destroy in any way including by burning, flooding, or draining.

In the event vegetation damage is proposed by a resident or developer on Council land and the proposed vegetation damage is not associated with a Development Approval, a Local Law Permit must be obtained.

For any proposed damage to Council vegetation to facilitate a proposed development, Council must be contacted to provide a tree health and suitability assessment and provide consent for the removal and replacement of public trees. The resident may be required to obtain Secondary Arboriculture Assessment at their cost. Any supported vegetation clearing, and replacement will be at no cost to Council.

Note: Where a resident has concerns relating to a tree potentially impacting powerlines, the resident should contact Ergon Energy.

Exceptional Trees

Trees make remarkable contribution to the social, cultural, economic and environmental vitality of our region. A tree is determined as exceptional through a range of factors. Trees may be considered exceptional due to their character, size, age, botanic, commemorative, cultural heritage, habitat or legislative. Commonly, exceptional trees often carry a high level of community interest and concern.

Public Tree applies to all trees on Council land and are the responsibility of Council regardless of who planted the tree. Council aims to protect and enhance the network and ensure a balance between risks and benefits without compromising safety.

It is important to note that residents or property owners are not permitted to modify, prune or remove Public Trees or vegetation without obtaining a Permit from Council.

A Tree Audit and a Retention Value Report, demonstrating an assessment that is in accordance with an industry accepted methodology, may be required to be submitted as part of the Permit application for any proposed removal of an Exceptional Tree.

If you are looking for further information Council’s General Policy, Management of Trees on Council Controlled Land, is a great place for all there is to know about Public Trees and Council’s approach.

Refer to our Exceptional Trees fact sheet ( PDF, 1.43 MB ) for more information.

It is important to note that any removal of a street tree will require a replacement street tree(s) to be planted. Any supported vegetation clearing and replacement will be at no cost to Council. This activity must be completed in accordance with the Street tree planting guide fact sheet ( PDF, 0.54 MB ).