You may have seen or heard the term ‘NALL’ before, but what is Natural Assets Local Law?
The NALL was implemented by the Brisbane City Council and serves as a crucial measure for safeguarding the city’s natural resources, including its bushland areas, wetlands, waterway corridors, and trees situated in urban areas. In addition to protecting these resources, the NALL also allows for the efficient management of the negative impacts of invasive weeds and hazardous vegetation.
The council has been utilising local laws to protect vegetation since 1991, and the NALL serves as a balance between preserving the environment and accommodating consideration for the people, property, and lifestyle within the city. It should be noted that the NALL is not a land use control measure (that is, it isn’t a layer listed within the planning scheme). That said, it does work in conjunction with the City Plan 2014 to require landowners to consult with the council before making decisions about which vegetation will be retained during any proposed construction, house building, land subdivision, or development. This approach encourages responsible land use and preservation of the city’s natural assets.
Download a full copy of the local law by clicking here.
As a general rule of thumb, if you encounter a property that is heavily vegetated, it is possible that your property is affected by Natural Assets Local Law (NALL). Some indications that your property may have protected vegetation include:
- Its proximity to the Brisbane River or a waterway corridor
- Its location in a bushland or rural area
- The presence of large, significant trees even in an urban area
- Heritage values associated with the property
- Any vegetation located on Council owned land (e.g. Street trees)
To confirm if your property has protected vegetation under the NALL, you can request a map and report online FOR FREE or reach out to New Ground who can also assist.
If you are uncertain about whether or not removing vegetation from your property requires approval, it is always advisable to consult with a consultant and New Ground is here to help. Please feel free to reach out to one of our staff in the below contact form.
Learn more about our vegetation removal permits and our services here: https://newground.com.au/environmental-approvals/