Working with your Council for Biodiversity

The Sunshine Coast has some of the most progressive policies in Queensland for residents wanting to green their neighbourhoods. Council actively supports street trees, verge gardens, native planting and urban cooling initiatives.

Backyards for Biodiversity encourages residents to work with Council to create healthier habitats for birds, butterflies, native bees and other wildlife.

Topic              Status

Street tree requests✅ Yes

Residents plant street trees❌ No

Verge gardens✅ Supported

Native species encouraged✅ Yes

Council free tree programs✅ Yes

Community nurseries✅ Yes 

 Can I request a street tree?

Yes.

Residents can ask Sunshine Coast Council to assess locations for new street trees. Council will inspect the site, determine whether a tree is suitable and select an appropriate species.

Street trees remain the responsibility of Council.

Can I plant my own street tree?

No.

Street trees are planted and managed by Council to ensure they are compatible with footpaths, underground services, roads and public safety.

Who should apply?

Backyards for Biodiversity recommends that the resident apply directly.

This demonstrates local community support and helps Council understand where people would like to see more urban shade and habitat.

B4B can assist by providing:

• information and advice
• sample application wording
• guidance on suitable locations
• encouragement for neighbourhood planting projects

Can B4B apply on my behalf?

Potentially, but our preferred approach is to empower local residents to become biodiversity champions in their own streets.

 Sunshine Coast Council supports residents wishing to improve the road verge (nature strip) outside their homes.

Verge gardens may include:

• native gardens
• edible gardens
• pollinator gardens
• raingardens

Many verge gardens can be created without formal approval if they comply with Council's self-assessable guidelines.

If a proposal falls outside those guidelines, a permit may be required.

Backyards for Biodiversity strongly encourages the use of local native species.

Sunshine Coast Council actively promotes native vegetation through a range of initiatives.

These include:

• 🌱 Land for Wildlife 
• 🌳 Community and environmental grants 
• 🌿 Annual free native plant and tree programs 
• 🏡 Support for community native nurseries 
• 🌏 Biodiversity conservation initiatives 
• 🌳 Urban Forest and Street Tree programs 
• 🤝 Community planting and habitat restoration projects 

The B4B Recommendation

Where possible, choose plants that are indigenous to the Sunshine Coast region. Local native species are generally better adapted to local conditions and provide the greatest benefits for local birds, butterflies, native bees and other wildlife.

Native Nurseries

(To be developed.)

Community Nurseries

(To be developed.)

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

Community Groups

• Landcare groups
• Bushcare volunteers
• Native plant societies
• Citizen science organisations

1. Request a street tree.
2. Plant local native species in your garden.
3. Create a verge garden.
4. Add habitat for pollinators.
5. Record wildlife observations and share your successes with Backyards for Biodiversity.

 Working with your Council for Biodiversity

Noosa is recognised internationally as part of the UNESCO Noosa Biosphere Reserve. The Council places a high value on protecting and restoring the natural environment and encourages residents to contribute to a greener, more biodiverse shire.

Backyards for Biodiversity encourages residents to work with Council to create habitat for birds, butterflies, native bees and other wildlife.

Topic                  Status

Street tree requests✅ Yes

Residents plant street trees❌ No

Verge gardens✅ Supported

Native species encouraged✅ Strongly Council biodiversity focus✅ Excellent UNESCO Biosphere context✅ Yes 

Can I request a street tree?

Yes.

Residents can ask Noosa Council to assess a location for a new street tree.

Can I plant my own street tree?

No.

Street trees are managed by Council as public assets. Council does not permit residents to plant trees on nature strips because species selection, infrastructure conflicts and long-term maintenance need to be managed consistently. Council invites residents to submit requests for new street trees instead.

Who should apply?

Backyards for Biodiversity recommends that the adjoining resident applies directly. This helps Council understand community demand for increased urban canopy and habitat.

B4B can assist with:

• information and advice
• encouraging neighbourhood participation
• biodiversity education
• identifying opportunities for habitat corridors

Noosa Council supports appropriately designed road verge gardens.

Residents wishing to establish a verge garden should review Council's guidelines and self-assessment criteria before commencing work.

Suitable verge gardens may include:

• local native plants
• pollinator gardens
• attractive low-growing landscapes
• climate-resilient gardens

Council places importance on:

• pedestrian safety
• vehicle sightlines
• underground services
• access to infrastructure

Backyards for Biodiversity strongly encourages the use of local native species.

Noosa Council actively promotes the use of local native plants to help protect the unique natural environment of the Noosa Biosphere Reserve.

These include:

• 🌱 Land for Wildlife
• 🌳 Environment and community grants
• 🌿 Support for community native nurseries
• 🌏 Biodiversity conservation initiatives
• 🤝 Bushcare, Landcare and community revegetation projects
• 🏖 Coastal dune and foreshore restoration programs
• 📚 Local native plant information resources

The B4B Recommendation

Where possible, choose plants that are indigenous to the Noosa region. Local native species are better adapted to local conditions and provide food and shelter for the birds, butterflies, native bees and other wildlife that make Noosa such a special place.

Native Nurseries

(To be developed.)

Community Nurseries

(To be developed.)

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

Community Groups

• Landcare groups
• Bushcare volunteers
• Native plant societies
• Citizen science organisations

1. Request a street tree.
2. Plant local native species in your garden.
3. Create a verge garden.
4. Add habitat for pollinators.
5. Record wildlife observations and share your successes with Backyards for Biodiversity.

 Working with your Council for Biodiversity

The North Burnett is a region of forests, woodlands, rivers and productive agricultural landscapes. Native plants play an important role in protecting biodiversity, supporting pollinators and maintaining healthy waterways.

Backyards for Biodiversity encourages residents to work with Council and local community groups to enhance habitat for wildlife across the region.

Topic                      Status

Street tree requests⚪ Check with Council

Residents plant street trees❌ Approval required

Verge gardens⚪ Check with Council

Native plant programs✅ Yes

Land for Wildlife⚪ Not currently identified

Community native nurseries⚪ To be confirmed 

Can I request a street tree?

Yes.

Can I request a street tree?

There does not appear to be a dedicated public street tree request program similar to those offered by some larger South East Queensland councils.

Can I plant my own street tree?

Residents should not plant trees on Council-controlled road reserves without Council approval.

Who should apply?

Any proposal involving planting or works within the road reserve should be discussed with Council before work begins. 

Can B4B assist?

Backyards for Biodiversity can help residents identify suitable native species and provide information on creating wildlife-friendly landscapes.

At present, North Burnett Regional Council does not appear to have a publicly promoted verge garden policy similar to those adopted by some SEQ urban councils.

Residents should seek Council advice before undertaking planting on public land or within the road reserve.

Backyards for Biodiversity recommends:

• using local native plants; 
• maintaining pedestrian and vehicle safety; 
• avoiding underground services and infrastructure; and 
• obtaining any necessary approvals. 

North Burnett Regional Council supports the protection and management of native vegetation and natural landscapes.

These include:

• 🌿 Natural resource management partnerships 
• 🌱 Habitat restoration and revegetation projects 
• 🌳 Community and environmental initiatives 
• 🏞 Protection of significant natural areas 
• 🤝 Community tree planting activities 

The B4B Recommendation

Where possible, choose plants indigenous to the North Burnett region. Local native species are generally more resilient and provide the greatest benefits for local birds, butterflies, native bees and other wildlife.

Native Nurseries

(To be developed.)

Community Groups

• Landcare groups 
• Catchment and natural resource management organisations 
• Local environmental volunteer groups 

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

1. Plant a local native species.
2. Create habitat for pollinators.
3. Protect existing mature trees.
4. Join a local environmental group.
5. Share your biodiversity project with Backyards for Biodiversity.

 Working with your Council for Biodiversity

The South Burnett is a landscape of forests, woodlands, productive farmland and the iconic Bunya Mountains. Native plants play an important role in protecting biodiversity, supporting pollinators and maintaining healthy waterways.

Backyards for Biodiversity encourages residents to use local native plants and work with community groups to strengthen habitat across the region.

B4B Quick Guide

Topic                    Status

Street tree requests ⚪ Check with Council

Residents plant street trees  ❌ Approval required

Verge gardens ⚪ Check with Council

Native plant programs   ✅ Yes

Land for Wildlife ⚪ Under investigation

Community native nurseries ⚪ To be developed

Can I request a street tree?

South Burnett Regional Council does not currently promote a dedicated public street tree request program similar to some larger South East Queensland councils.

Can I plant my own street tree?

Residents should seek Council approval before planting trees on road reserves or other Council-managed land.

Who should apply?

Any proposal involving planting on Council-controlled land should be discussed with Council before work begins.

Can B4B assist?

Backyards for Biodiversity can provide information on suitable native species and wildlife-friendly landscaping.

South Burnett Regional Council does not currently have a publicly promoted verge garden policy similar to those adopted by some urban councils.

Residents should seek Council advice before undertaking planting on public land or within the road reserve.

Backyards for Biodiversity recommends:

• using local native plants;
• maintaining pedestrian and vehicle safety;
• avoiding underground services; and
• obtaining any necessary approvals.

South Burnett Regional Council actively promotes the use of native vegetation through a range of initiatives.

These include:

• 🌿 Community and environmental grants
• 🌱 Natural resource management programs
• 🌳 Branching Out tree planting and landscaping guide
• 📚 Regional planting guidelines and native plant information
• 🌏 Threatened species awareness initiatives
• 🤝 Habitat restoration and revegetation projects

The B4B Recommendation where possible, choose plants that are indigenous to the South Burnett region. Local native species are generally better adapted to local conditions and provide the greatest benefits for local birds, butterflies, native bees and other wildlife.

Native Nurseries

(To be developed.)

Community Groups

• Landcare groups 
• Catchment and natural resource management organisations 
• Local environmental volunteer groups 

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

1. Plant a local native species.
2. Create habitat for pollinators.
3. Protect existing mature trees.
4. Join a local environmental group.
5. Share your biodiversity project with Backyards for Biodiversity.

 Working with your Council for Biodiversity

The Gympie Region is blessed with forests, river systems, coastal habitats and productive farmland that support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Native plants play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and creating habitat corridors across the landscape.

Backyards for Biodiversity encourages residents to work with Council and local community groups to create wildlife-friendly gardens and landscapes.

B4B Quick Guide

Topic           Status

Street tree requests ⚪ Check with Council

Residents plant street trees  ❌ Approval required

Verge gardens ⚪ Check with Council

Native plant programs  ✅ Yes

Free tree program  ✅ Yes

Community native nurseries ✅ Yes

Environment grants ✅ Yes

Can I request a street tree?

Gympie Regional Council does not currently promote a dedicated public street tree request program similar to some larger South East Queensland councils.

Can I plant my own street tree?

Residents should seek Council approval before planting trees on road reserves or other Council-managed land.

Who should apply?

Any proposal involving planting on Council-controlled land should be discussed with Council before work begins.

Can B4B assist?

Backyards for Biodiversity can provide information on suitable native species and wildlife-friendly landscaping.

Gympie Regional Council does not currently have a publicly promoted verge garden policy similar to those adopted by some urban councils.

Residents should seek Council advice before undertaking planting on public land or within the road reserve.

Backyards for Biodiversity recommends:

• using local native plants;
• maintaining pedestrian and vehicle safety;
• avoiding underground services; and
• obtaining any necessary approvals.

Gympie Regional Council actively promotes native vegetation through a range of initiatives.

These include:

• 🌿 Free Trees for Ratepayers program
• 🌳 Environment and community grants
• 🏡 Support for community native nurseries
• 🌱 Tree Banking program for schools and community groups
• 🌏 Biodiversity conservation initiatives
• 🤝 Habitat restoration and revegetation projects

The B4B Recommendation

Where possible, choose plants that are indigenous to the Gympie region. Local native species are generally better adapted to local conditions and provide the greatest benefits for local birds, butterflies, native bees and other wildlife.

Community Native Nurseries

• Gympie & District Landcare
• Cooloola City Farm Nursery

Community Groups

• Landcare groups
• Coastcare groups
• Koala conservation groups
• Catchment and natural resource management organisations

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

1. Claim your free native plants.
2. Plant a local native species.
3. Create habitat for pollinators.
4. Support a local community nursery.
5. Share your biodiversity project with Backyards for Biodiversity.

 Working with your Council for Biodiversity

The Fraser Coast is home to internationally significant natural areas, including K'gari, the Great Sandy Strait and extensive coastal and riverine ecosystems. Native plants play an important role in supporting wildlife, improving urban environments and strengthening habitat corridors.

Backyards for Biodiversity encourages residents to work with Council and community groups to help create a greener and more biodiverse Fraser Coast.

B4B Quick Guide

Topic                     Status

Street tree requests      ✅ Yes

Residents plant street trees    ❌ No

Verge gardens    ✅ Supported

Native plant programs        ✅ Yes

Land for Wildlife         ✅ Yes

Community native nursery     ✅ Yes

Can I request a street tree?

Yes.

Residents can request street tree planting and suitable locations may be considered as part of Council's capital tree planting program.

Can I plant my own street tree?

No.

Council does not permit residents to plant trees on nature strips or interfere with existing street trees.

Who should apply?

Backyards for Biodiversity recommends that residents apply directly. This helps demonstrate community support for increased urban canopy and biodiversity.

Can B4B assist?

B4B can provide information about the benefits of street trees and encourage community participation.

Fraser Coast Regional Council supports the greening and beautification of eligible nature strips.

Many verge gardens can proceed without formal approval if they meet Council's self-assessable guidelines and a completed checklist is submitted before work begins.

Backyards for Biodiversity recommends the use of local native plants wherever possible.

Fraser Coast Regional Council actively promotes native vegetation through a range of initiatives.

These include:

• 🌱 Land for Wildlife support
• 🌳 Community and environmental grants
• 🌿 Community nursery and Plant Donation Program
• 🌏 100,000 Trees initiative
• 🤝 Community Environment Program (Bushcare)
• 🌳 Street tree and urban forest initiatives
• 🌱 Fraser Coast Greening Guide

The B4B Recommendation

Where possible, choose plants that are indigenous to the Fraser Coast region. Local native species are generally better adapted to local conditions and provide the greatest benefits for local birds, butterflies, native bees and other wildlife.

Community Native Nursery

Fraser Coast Community Nursery grows hundreds of species of local native plants to support community revegetation projects.

Community Groups

• Bushcare groups
• Community Environment Program volunteers
• Land for Wildlife participants
• Landcare and environmental organisations

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

1. Request a street tree.
2. Create a native verge garden.
3. Plant local native species.
4. Join a Bushcare or community planting project.
5. Share your biodiversity project with Backyards for Biodiversity.

 Working with your Council for Biodiversity

The Bundaberg region is home to a remarkable diversity of coastal, riverine and woodland habitats. Native plants play an important role in supporting wildlife, improving urban environments and protecting the region's natural heritage.

Backyards for Biodiversity encourages residents to work with Council and local community groups to create greener, healthier neighbourhoods.

B4B Quick Guide

Topic                     Status

Street tree requests      ✅ Yes

Residents plant street trees    ❌ No

Verge gardens    ✅ Supported

Native plant programs        ✅ Yes

Land for Wildlife         ✅ Yes

Community native nursery     ✅ Yes

Can I request a street tree?

Bundaberg Regional Council supports the planting and management of urban trees and provides information about planting trees on footpaths.

Can I plant my own street tree?

Residents should not plant trees on Council-controlled land or footpaths without Council approval.

Who should apply?

Any proposal involving planting within the road reserve should be discussed with Council before work begins.

Can B4B assist?

Backyards for Biodiversity can provide information about suitable native species and encourage community participation in urban greening.

Bundaberg Regional Council does not currently promote a dedicated verge garden program similar to some South East Queensland councils.

Residents should seek Council advice before undertaking planting on public land or within the road reserve.

Backyards for Biodiversity recommends:

• using local native plants;
• maintaining pedestrian and vehicle safety;
• avoiding underground services; and
• obtaining any necessary approvals.

Bundaberg Regional Council actively promotes native vegetation through a range of initiatives.

These include:

• 🌿 Plant Swap Program
• 🌱 Community and environmental grants
• 🌳 One Million Trees initiatives
• 🏡 Support for community native nurseries
• 🌏 Biodiversity conservation initiatives
• 🌳 Urban tree management programs
• 🤝 Habitat restoration and revegetation projects

The B4B Recommendation

Where possible, choose plants that are indigenous to the Bundaberg region. Local native species are generally better adapted to local conditions and provide the greatest benefits for local birds, butterflies, native bees and other wildlife.

Community Native Nurseries

• Bundaberg and District Landcare Association

Community Groups

• Landcare groups
• Catchment and natural resource management organisations
• Community revegetation projects

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

1. Request a street tree.
2. Create a native verge garden.
3. Plant local native species.
4. Join a Bushcare or community planting project.
5. Share your biodiversity project with Backyards for Biodiversity.