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Site set up (including tree protection)

Tree protection

Guidance on tree protection 

LIM_site setup_pic_TPZ fence.jpg

Successful preservation of trees on development sites is an outcome of good planning, site responsive and sensitive design; and a commitment to tree protection during project implementation.

Planning for tree protection

See AS 4970: Protection of trees on development sites for detailed tree protection strategies and guidance.

See Table 1: Tree protection planning as an example of the required stages of tree protection, for each stage of a standard Sunshine Coast Council project.

Table 1: Tree protection planning
Project stage 
Tree protection recommendations
Survey
Accurate plotting of all existing trees.
Preliminary tree assessment for early identification of important trees
Project arborist evaluation of existing trees to identify and report on specimens suitable for retention. TPZs (Tree protection zones) should be calculated at this time as they will be indicative of setbacks required.
Preliminary design development
Project arborist review of preliminary plans/concepts to determine development impact on trees. Design modifications to minimise impacts should be suggested at this time.
Development of design detail and approval of design

Designer to ensure all detail relevant to trees is shown (to scale) on plans including levels, batters and locations of services. 

Project arborist to develop a tree protection management plan or specific tree protection conditions.

See LIM Site set up – section 7.0 SCC Standard tree protection conditions.

Pre-construction and pre-start meeting
TPZs to be formally established and fenced where necessary. Any protective tree maintenance works to be undertaken prior to works commencement. Responsible officer/contractor to brief workers in tree protection requirements at a pre-start meeting.
Construction phase
Project arborist to supervise works where necessary and monitor TPZs throughout duration (especially during excavation). TPZs to remain in place until project completion. 
Post construction
Project arborist certification of tree condition.

Source: AS 4970 – Protection of trees on development sites.

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Sunshine Coast Open Space Landscape Infrastructure Manual (LIM) DISCLAIMER

Disclaimer

Information contained in this document may change without notice and you should use the current material available from Council’s website and not rely on material previously printed or stored by you.

All figures and diagrams are intended to be used as an aid to design and include Council’s preferred elements but they are not intended to be prescriptive and may need to be varied as dictated by site specific factors. While Council has exercised reasonable care in preparing this document, it does not warrant or represent that it is accurate or complete. The Council will not accept responsibility for any loss, damage, cost or expense that you may incur as a result of the use of or reliance upon any material contained in this document.

This document is produced to convey general information and is not intended to constitute advice whether professional or legal. Any reference to legislation in this document is not an interpretation of the law. It is to be used as a guide only. Consult relevant authority websites for current documents, revisions and amendments.

Where a particular product or supplier is profiled in this document, Council is NOT nominating this product or supplier as the selected choice. Product/supplier information has been provided to allow users to source products which contain the correct elements required for Council embellishments. Each product profiled states ‘or equivalent’ which means that different products may be supplied provided they satisfy the identified performance criteria, recommended standards, equal access guidance and product specifications.

Product design, manufacture and installation requires appropriately qualified people to provide site specific solutions to ensure the embellishment is appropriately adapted to local conditions and data.

This document does not override requirements stipulated in a development approval. Project specific variations may be appropriate as a result of site, environmental or other constraints. Any variations to these standards must be approved in writing by council prior to commencement of variation works. Components of this document may be used within a contract document but users should undertake their own investigations to confirm the information is suitable for this purpose.

Drawings contained in this document are NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION.

Details in this document are deemed to be the minimum standard and the user may wish to apply a higher standard subject to approval by council.

Acknowledgements

Council wishes to thank all contributors and stakeholders involved in the development of this document.

Copyright

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https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au[email protected]07 5475 7272

Sunshine Coast Open Space Landscape Infrastructure Manual (LIM)

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Last Updated: 01/04/2026 12:27 AM

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