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The Gold Coast is internationally recognised for its beaches, forests and hinterland landscapes. Native plants play an important role in supporting wildlife, cooling our suburbs and strengthening habitat corridors across the city.

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   ⚪ Check with Council

Native plant programs     ✅ Yes

Free Tree Program  ✅ Yes

Urban Forest initiatives  ✅ Yes

Can I request a street tree?

Yes.

Residents can request a new or replacement street tree for the verge outside their property. Council arborists assess each site and determine the most suitable species.

Can I plant my own street tree?

No.

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

Who should apply?

Backyards for Biodiversity recommends that residents apply directly. This helps demonstrate community support for more shade and urban habitat.

Can B4B assist?

B4B can help residents understand the process and promote the benefits of urban greening..

The City of Gold Coast does not currently have a broad resident verge garden program comparable to some neighbouring 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.

The City of Gold Coast actively promotes native vegetation through a range of initiatives.

These include:

• 🌿 Free Trees Program
• 🌳 Street Tree Planting Program
• 🌏 Greening our City initiatives
• 🌱 Urban Forest planning
• 🤝 Community tree planting and volunteer programs
• 🏡 Support for native backyard planting
• 🌿 Native vegetation protection and restoration initiatives

The B4B Recommendation

Where possible, choose plants that are indigenous to the Gold 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 Groups

• NaturallyGC volunteer programs
• Landcare and Bushcare groups
• Community planting initiatives

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

1. Request a street tree.
2. Collect your free trees.
3. Plant a local native species.
4. Create habitat for pollinators.
5. Share your biodiversity project with Backyards for Biodiversity.

Logan is one of Queensland's fastest-growing cities and contains an impressive diversity of forests, wetlands, river corridors and urban bushland. Native plants play an important role in supporting wildlife, cooling neighbourhoods and strengthening habitat connections across the city.

Backyards for Biodiversity encourages residents to work with Council and local community groups to create greener and more biodiverse communities.

B4B Quick Guide

Topic                  Status

Street tree requests ⚪ Check with Council

Residents plant street trees 

❌ Approval required

Verge gardens   ✅ Supported

Native plant programs  ✅ Yes

Free Trees Program ✅ Yes

Community tree planting  ✅ Yes

Can I request a street tree?

Logan City Council encourages tree planting and the beautification of public spaces, however residents should contact Council regarding street tree planting opportunities and approvals.

Can I plant my own street tree?

No.

Residents should not plant trees on Council-controlled land without 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 help residents understand Council requirements and encourage neighbourhood greening projects.

Logan City Council supports the beautification of nature strips and allows residents to establish verge gardens, subject to Council guidelines and an application process. 

Backyards for Biodiversity recommends:

• using local native plants;
• maintaining pedestrian and vehicle safety;
• avoiding underground services; and
• following Council's approved planting guidelines.

Logan City Council actively promotes native vegetation through a range of initiatives.

These include:

• 🌿 Free Trees Program
• 🌳 Community and environmental grants
• 🌱 Support for schools and community tree planting
• 🌏 Native vegetation protection initiatives
• 🤝 Community planting and volunteer programs
• 🏡 Promotion of local native plants and biodiversity conservation
• 🌳 Nature strip greening initiatives

The B4B Recommendation where possible, choose plants that are indigenous to the Logan 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

• Bushcare and volunteer groups
• Landcare organisations
• Community planting initiatives

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

1. Apply for your free native trees.
2. Create a native verge garden.
3. Plant a local native species.
4. Create habitat for pollinators.
5. Share your biodiversity project with Backyards for Biodiversity.

The Scenic Rim is one of Australia's great biodiversity regions, containing ancient rainforests, open forests, productive farmland and spectacular mountain landscapes. Native plants play an important role in supporting wildlife, protecting waterways and maintaining the natural character of the region.

Backyards for Biodiversity encourages residents to work with Council and local community groups to strengthen habitat across the Scenic Rim.

B4B Quick Guide

Topic                  Status

Street tree requests ⚪ Check with Council

Residents plant street trees 

❌ Approval required

Verge gardens   ✅ Supported

Native plant programs  ✅ Yes

Free Trees Program ✅ Yes

Community tree planting  ✅ Yes

Can I request a street tree?

Residents can contact Council regarding the planting, pruning or management of trees on Council-controlled land.

Can I plant my own street tree?

No.

Residents should not plant trees on Council-managed land or road reserves without Council approval.

Who should apply?

Any proposal involving planting or works 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 encourage community greening projects.

Scenic Rim Regional Council does not currently promote a dedicated verge garden program similar to some larger 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.

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

These include:

• 🌱 Land for Wildlife
• 🌳 Community Environmental Grants
• 🌿 Annual Free Trees Program
• 🏡 Council Native Plant Nursery
• 🌏 Habitat Protection Program
• 🤝 Conservation Agreements and Nature Refuges
• 🌳 Habitat restoration and wildlife corridor projects

The B4B Recommendation where possible, choose plants that are indigenous to the Scenic Rim 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.

Council Nursery

Scenic Rim Regional Council operates a native plant nursery and provides free trees to eligible ratepayers.

Community Groups

• Land for Wildlife participants
• Wildlife Queensland Scenic Rim
• Landcare and Bushcare groups
• Community revegetation projects

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

1. Collect your free native trees.
2. Join Land for Wildlife if possible
3. Plant a local native species.
4. Create habitat for pollinators.
5. Share your biodiversity project with Backyards for Biodiversity.

The Lockyer Valley is renowned for its productive agricultural landscapes, scenic mountain ranges and rich natural heritage. Native plants play an important role in protecting waterways, supporting wildlife and strengthening habitat corridors across the region.

Backyards for Biodiversity encourages residents to work with Council and community groups to create healthier landscapes for both people and nature.

B4B Quick Guide

Topic                  Status

Street tree requests ✅ Guidelines available

Residents plant street trees ✅ Approval required

Verge gardens ✅ Approval required

Native plant programs ✅ Yes

Land for Wildlife ✅ Yes

Free Native Plant Program ✅ Yes

Community Environmental Grants ✅ Yes

Can I request a street tree?

Lockyer Valley Regional Council has developed Road Reserve: Street Tree and Landscape Guidelines to help ensure the right trees are planted in appropriate locations. 

Can I plant my own street tree?

Yes, with approval.

If you wish to plant trees or shrubs on a road reserve or footpath area, you must lodge an Application to Undertake Works on a Road Reserve.

Who should apply?

Residents wishing to undertake planting within the road reserve should apply directly to Council.

Can B4B assist?

Backyards for Biodiversity can assist by providing information on suitable local native species and wildlife-friendly planting design.

Residents wishing to undertake planting within the road reserve should contact Council and obtain any necessary approvals.

Council recommends considering:

• underground services;
• power lines;
• pedestrian access;
• vehicle sightlines; and
• public safety.

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

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

These include:

• 🌱 Land for Wildlife
• 🌿 Free Native Plant Program
• 🌳 Community Environmental Grants
• 🤝 Community tree planting events
• 🌏 Habitat restoration and revegetation projects
• 🐨 Koala habitat restoration initiatives
• 📚 Native vegetation education and workshops

The B4B Recommendation where possible, choose plants that are indigenous to the Lockyer Valley 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.

 Nursery

(To be developed.)

Community Groups

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

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

1. Plant local native species.
2. Create habitat for pollinators.
3. Put bird baths in your backyard
4. Participate in a community planting day.
5.  Share your biodiversity project with Backyards for Biodiversity.

The Somerset region is home to forests, waterways, productive farmland and the internationally significant Wivenhoe and Somerset catchments. Native plants play an important role in supporting wildlife, protecting waterways and strengthening habitat across the landscape.

Backyards for Biodiversity encourages residents to work with Council and community groups to create healthier habitats for nature.

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   ✅ Yes

Community grants  ✅ Yes

Free Tree Days    ✅ Yes

Can I request a street tree?

Residents should contact Council regarding the planting and management of trees on Council-controlled land.

Can I plant my own street tree?

No.

Residents should not plant trees on road reserves or other Council-managed land without approval.

Who should apply?

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

Can B4B assist?

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

Somerset Regional Council does not currently promote a dedicated verge garden program similar to some larger 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.

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

These include:

• 🌱 Land for Wildlife
• 🌳 Community Assistance Grants
• 🌿 Annual Free Tree Days
• 🐨 Koala and wildlife habitat planting
• 🤝 Community tree planting and environmental education
• 🌏 Habitat restoration and revegetation initiatives

The B4B Recommendation

Where possible, choose plants that are indigenous to the Somerset 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.

 Nursery

(To be developed.)

Community Groups

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

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

1.  Redeem your free native trees.
2. Plant local native species.
3. Create habitat for pollinators.
4. Put bird baths in your backyard
5. Share your biodiversity project with Backyards for Biodiversity.

Ipswich is home to forests, woodlands, river corridors and productive rural landscapes that support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Native plants play an important role in cooling our suburbs, protecting waterways and creating habitat for birds, butterflies, native bees and other wildlife.

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

B4B Quick Guide

Topic                  Status

Street tree requests         ✅ Yes

Residents plant street trees     ❌ No

Verge gardens   ⚪ Check with Council

Native plant programs       ✅ Yes

Habitat Connections           ✅ Yes

Free Plant Program            ✅ Yes

Community planting events      ✅ Yes

Can I request a street tree?

Yes.

Ipswich City Council operates a Street Tree Program with planting rounds held every six months. Residents can request a street tree and Council selects an appropriate species for the location.

Can I plant my own street tree?

No.

Street trees are planted and managed by Council to ensure they are suitable for the site and do not conflict with infrastructure.

Who should apply?

Backyards for Biodiversity recommends that residents apply directly and commit to watering and caring for the young tree during establishment.

Can B4B assist?

B4B can help residents understand the process and encourage neighbourhood greening projects.

Ipswich City Council encourages residents to green their neighbourhoods and supports a range of urban greening initiatives.

Residents should contact Council 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
• following Council guidelines.

Ipswich City Council actively promotes native vegetation through a range of initiatives.

These include:

• 🌿 Habitat Connections Program
• 🌱 Free Plant Program
• 🌳 Street Tree Program
• 🤝 Greening Your Suburb community planting events
• 🏡 Landholder Conservation Partnerships
• 🌏 Environmental education programs
• 🐨 Community habitat restoration initiatives

The B4B Recommendation

Where possible, choose plants that are indigenous to the Ipswich 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.

 Nursery

(To be developed.)

Community Groups

• Habitat Connections participants
• Landholder Conservation Partnerships
• Landcare groups
• Community planting volunteers
• Native Plants Queensland (Ipswich Branch)

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

1. Request a street tree.
2. Collect your free native plants.
3. Join Habitat Connections.
4. Create habitat for pollinators.
5. Share your biodiversity project with Backyards for Biodiversity.

Redlands Coast is renowned for its bayside landscapes, islands, forests and wetlands. Native plants play an important role in supporting wildlife, protecting waterways and strengthening habitat connections across the city. 

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

B4B Quick Guide

Topic                  Status

Street tree requests         ✅ Yes

Residents plant street trees     ❌ No

Verge gardens     ✅ Approval required

Native plant programs   ✅ Yes

Free koala food trees     ✅ Yes

Native nursery   ✅ Yes

Community Bushcare    ✅ Yes

Can I request a street tree?

Yes.

Residents can ask Council to plant a street tree on the footpath in front of their property. Council will assess the site and determine whether it is suitable.

Can I plant my own street tree?

No.

Residents should not plant trees on road verges or other Council land without an approved landscape permit.

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 help residents understand the process and encourage neighbourhood greening projects.

Redland City Council allows landscaping on footpaths and road verges through an approval process.

Residents should seek Council approval before undertaking planting on public land.

Backyards for Biodiversity recommends:

• using local native plants;
• maintaining pedestrian and vehicle safety;
• avoiding underground services; and
• following Council guidelines.

Redland City Council actively promotes native vegetation through a range of initiatives.

These include:

• 🌱 Your Backyard Garden Program
• 🌳 Five Free Koala Food Trees program
• 🌿 IndigiScapes Native Nursery
• 🤝 Community Bushcare
• 🌏 Native gardening education and resources
• 🏡 Habitat restoration assistance
• 🌳 Street tree planting program

The B4B Recommendation

Where possible, choose plants that are indigenous to the Redlands 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 Nursery

IndigiScapes Native Nursery offers a wide range of local native plants suitable for home gardens and habitat restoration.

Community Groups

• Community Bushcare
• Habitat restoration volunteers
• Native gardening programs
• Local environmental groups

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

1. Request a street tree.
2. Collect your free koala food trees.
3. Visit IndigiScapes Native Nursery.
4. Plant local native plants in your backyard
5. Share your biodiversity project with Backyards for Biodiversity.

Brisbane is Australia's largest local government area and is home to an extensive network of parks, bushland reserves, creeks and urban forests. Native plants play an important role in cooling our suburbs, protecting waterways and creating habitat for birds, butterflies, native bees and other wildlife.

Backyards for Biodiversity encourages residents to work with Council and community groups to create greener and more biodiverse neighbourhoods.

B4B Quick Guide

Topic                  Status

Street tree requests    ✅ Yes

Residents plant street trees   ❌ No

Verge gardens     ✅ Supported

Native plant programs    ✅ Yes

Free Native Plants Program  ✅ Yes

Community conservation programs ✅ Yes

Participating native nurseries  ✅ Yes

Can I request a street tree?

Yes.

Residents can request a street tree outside their property and Council will assess the location and select an appropriate species.

Can I plant my own street tree?

No.

Council does not permit residents to plant trees on Council land or road verges. Street trees are planted and managed by Council.

Who should apply?

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

Can B4B assist?

B4B can provide information and encourage neighbourhood greening projects.

Brisbane City Council supports verge gardens and provides guidelines for residents.

Verge gardens may include low-growing native plants, flowers and shrubs, however trees and large shrubs are not permitted.

Backyards for Biodiversity recommends:

• using local native plants;
• maintaining pedestrian and vehicle safety;
• avoiding underground services; and
• following Council's verge garden guidelines.

Brisbane City Council actively promotes native vegetation through a range of initiatives.

These include:

• 🌱 Free Native Plants Program
• 🌳 Street Tree Program
• 🌿 Community gardens
• 🤝 Community conservation programs
• 🌏 Sustainable gardening initiatives
• 🏡 Support for participating native plant nurseries
• 🌳 Urban forest and biodiversity initiatives

The B4B Recommendation

Where possible, choose plants that are indigenous to the Brisbane 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 Plant Nurseries

 Moggill Creek Catchment Group

Gold Creek Rd, Brookfield

 Oxley Creek Catchment Association Archerfield Wetlands, 455 Bowhill Road Durack.

 Paten Park Native Nursery 

57 Paten Rd, The Gap

 Kumbartcho Nursery 

15 Bunya Pine Ct, Eatons Hill, QLD 4037

Community Groups

• Habitat Brisbane and community conservation groups
• Community gardens
• Bushcare and volunteer organisations
• Local native plant societies

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

1. Request a street tree.
2. Claim your free native plants.
3. Create a verge garden.
4. Plant a local native species.
5. Share your biodiversity project with Backyards for Biodiversity.

The City of Moreton Bay is home to beaches, wetlands, forests and river systems that support an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Native plants play an important role in cooling our suburbs, protecting waterways and creating habitat corridors for birds, butterflies, native bees and other wildlife.

Backyards for Biodiversity encourages residents to work with Council and community groups to create greener and more biodiverse 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

Free native plant vouchers  ✅ Yes

Community native nurseries  ✅ Yes

Bushcare groups     ✅ Yes

Can I request a street tree?

Yes.

Residents can request the maintenance of street trees and contact Council regarding street tree matters.

Can I plant my own street tree?

No.

Residents are not permitted to plant trees on the footpath unless it forms part of an approved verge garden.

Who should apply?

Backyards for Biodiversity recommends that residents contact Council directly regarding street tree requests and management.

Can B4B assist?

B4B can help residents understand the process and encourage neighbourhood greening projects.

City of Moreton Bay actively encourages residents to establish verge gardens and has developed a special Biodiverse Verge Garden Project.

Residents are encouraged to use plants that are:

• native to their local area;
• beneficial for birds, bees and other wildlife; and
• suitable for the local streetscape.

Before commencing, residents should review Council's guidelines and complete the Verge Garden Checklist.

Backyards for Biodiversity strongly supports this initiative and recommends the use of local native species.

City of Moreton Bay actively promotes native vegetation through a range of initiatives.

These include:

• 🌱 Land for Wildlife
• 🌳 Voluntary Conservation Agreements
• 🌿 Free Native Plant Voucher Program
• 🏡 Community Native Nurseries
• 🤝 Bushcare volunteer groups
• 🌏 Biodiverse Verge Garden Project
• 🌳 Native plants and ecosystem education programs

The B4B Recommendation

Where possible, choose plants that are indigenous to the Moreton Bay 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

City of Moreton Bay supports a network of community nurseries supplying local native plants.

Community Groups

• Land for Wildlife
• Bushcare volunteer groups
• Voluntary Conservation Agreement participants
• Community revegetation projects

Biodiversity-Friendly Landscapers

(To be developed.)

1. Apply for your free native plant voucher.
2. Create a biodiverse verge garden.
3. Visit a community native nursery.
4. Plant a local native species.
5. Share your biodiversity project with Backyards for Biodiversity.