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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 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.