Not every project will, but it’s more common than most builders realise. Gold Coast City Council requires a Tree Management Plan if your development impacts a Tree Protection Zone (TPZ), mapped environmental overlay, or retained vegetation, including on verges and neighbouring land. 

If there’s even a chance your works come close to a protected tree, council will likely request a TMP either before approval or during compliance checks. We assess this up front and give you a clear answer fast.

Yes, all trees on nature strips, medians, and other council-owned land fall under Gold Coast City Council’s jurisdiction. 

If your construction plans involve machinery access, material storage, or excavation near one of these trees, you must outline protective measures in a TMP. Even incidental damage to verge trees can trigger fines or delays. 

We assess all public trees adjacent to your property and include clear protection methods to keep your crew compliant and avoid unintentional breaches during works.

You may still be responsible. If your proposed works (such as trenching, digging footings, or altering ground levels) encroach on the root zone or canopy of a tree next door (or one on council land), you’ll need to demonstrate how you’re going to avoid damaging it. 

Council often requests a TMP in these cases, especially for boundary trees. We include all relevant off-site trees in our assessment and prepare a protection strategy that satisfies compliance, reduces neighbour conflict, and protects your project timeline.

Definitely. We often liaise with landscape architects, building designers, private certifiers, and construction teams to make sure the TMP fits into the bigger picture. 

Whether you need the report to align with an existing planting plan, fit a staged build sequence, or respond to a DA condition, we make sure the arboricultural advice supports your project goals - not delays them. 

Typically, within 2-4 business days. Urgent reports can be turned around faster depending on the site and scope. 

If you’re under pressure (for example, responding to an RFI, permit condition, or unexpected compliance notice) we can often fast-track your report. Just let us know the urgency and we’ll prioritise accordingly.

Our arborists are experienced with the pace of Gold Coast development and know what council expects, which helps us deliver fast, approval-ready reports with minimal revision needed.

Not recommended. TMPs are highly site-specific - they reflect your construction layout, tree locations, timing of works, and the conditions at that point in time. 

Even if two projects are on the same block or part of a staged development, council will usually expect a fresh report tailored to the current scope. Using an old or recycled TMP can result in rejection or compliance issues. 

If a retained tree is accidentally harmed (say from machinery impact, root disturbance, or unauthorised pruning), you may be required to carry out remedial works or pay a penalty under local laws. 

Council may also request a revised TMP or further monitoring by a qualified arborist. In serious cases, a breach could delay your final sign-off or trigger enforcement action.