Brisbane residents and body corporate representatives who want free native plants need to check the current eligibility and application requirements. This article explains what to check before applying and what a body corporate should consider before planting.
Native plants can provide food and shelter for local wildlife. They can also add greenery to a private garden or common property when the proposed location, approval and ongoing maintenance responsibilities are clear.
How do I apply for Brisbane City Council free native plants?
The available source material does not include the current Council program details. Check Brisbane City Council’s current program information for the application method, closing dates, plant allocations, collection locations and evidence requirements before applying.
Do not rely on older instructions about:
- the number of plants available
- eligible applicants
- application locations
- vouchers or participating nurseries
- plant species
- financial-year deadlines
- newly built homes or targeted suburbs
- related street tree services.
Before starting an application, confirm:
- whether the program is currently open
- whether your applicant type is eligible
- whether the plants are for a private property or a body corporate project
- what evidence or authority is required
- how plants are collected or redeemed
- whether the proposed planting location is permitted.
If you are a tenant, check your general tenancy agreement before making changes to a garden or another outdoor area. Depending on the location and the terms of your agreement, you may also need approval from the owner or property manager.
Who is eligible for the Free Native Plants program?
The available material does not confirm the current eligible applicant categories. Older information may refer to residents, tenants, body corporates, schools, community groups, clubs or other organisations. Do not assume these categories apply to the current program.
Check the current Council requirements for your circumstances. In particular, identify whether you are applying as:
- a resident or ratepayer
- a tenant
- a body corporate
- a community organisation
- a school, club or other entity.
The application pathway may also depend on where the plants will be placed. A private lot, an exclusive-use area and common property are not automatically treated in the same way by a body corporate. Confirm the location before applying or making planting arrangements.
For a body corporate, the committee should consider whether the proposal is a body corporate project or an owner’s request to change common property. The Queensland Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997, known as the BCCM Act, distinguishes between maintenance and improvements. A body corporate improvement to common property must be approved, with the required approval depending on the cost and the scheme’s regulation module.
How can a body corporate apply for free native plants?
The current Council source is needed to confirm whether body corporates can apply, whether a bulk application is available and how any allocation is calculated. A previous bulk-order process, plant allocation or online form may no longer be current.
Before making an application, the committee can prepare:
- the scheme’s full address
- the number of lots, if requested by Council
- the proposed planting location
- a simple description of the planting project
- the name of the person authorised to apply
- any body corporate resolution or committee approval needed for the project
- a plan for watering and ongoing care.
If the plants will be placed on common property, the body corporate should identify the common property boundaries and the relevant maintenance responsibility first. The survey plan records the boundaries of lots and common property, while the community management statement identifies the regulation module.
A free plant offer does not approve the work. Council eligibility and body corporate approval are separate questions. Even if the plants are supplied at no cost, the body corporate may still need to approve the planting, decide who will maintain it and consider any effect on access, drainage, structures or other residents.
Where the proposed work changes common property, it may be an improvement rather than routine maintenance. A body corporate should consider the required approval before work begins.
If a lot owner wants to add plants to common property, the owner should obtain approval before proceeding. The committee may approve an owner’s improvement where the total cost is less than $3,000, the improvement does not detract from the appearance of a lot and its use is not likely to breach the owner’s duties as an occupier. Otherwise, approval by ordinary resolution at a general meeting may be required.
For a balcony, courtyard or private garden, see our guide on what to consider when creating a balcony garden.
What evidence or information do applicants need?
The available source material does not confirm the current evidence requirements. Check the Council’s current instructions before submitting an application or visiting a collection location.
Depending on the application type, Council may ask for information that confirms:
- the applicant’s identity
- the property or organisation address
- the applicant’s connection with the property
- authority to apply for another person or a body corporate
- the proposed use of the plants
- the location where the plants will be planted.
Do not submit old rates notices, written authorities, vouchers or other documents unless the current program instructions say they are accepted.
A body corporate should keep a copy of its application and any approval connected with the planting project. It should also record where the plants are located and who is responsible for watering, replacement and general care.
Where can you collect or redeem the plants?
The available sources do not confirm the current collection or redemption arrangements. Check whether the current program uses a Council venue, a nursery, a voucher, delivery or another process.
Check that nursery lists, Council venue details and voucher instructions are current before relying on them. Plant availability and collection conditions may also change.
Before travelling to collect plants, confirm:
- the collection address and opening times
- whether an appointment or voucher is required
- what identification or approval must be shown
- how many plants can be collected
- whether substitutions are allowed
- whether someone else can collect on the applicant’s behalf.
For a body corporate, arrange collection and transport only after the application has been approved. Make sure the proposed planting location is ready and that someone is available to care for the plants after collection.
What should a body corporate check before planting on common property?
A body corporate should confirm the proposed location before agreeing to any planting. Check whether it is common property, part of a lot or an area subject to exclusive use. The scheme’s survey plan and community management statement can help establish the relevant boundaries and regulation module.
The body corporate should then consider:
- whether the planting is maintenance or an improvement
- whether committee or general meeting approval is required
- whether the planting may affect building walls, footings, fences, paving, drainage or services
- whether roots or mature growth could affect another lot
- who will water, prune, replace and maintain the plants
- whether access for maintenance or emergency work will be affected
- whether the proposal is consistent with any applicable by-laws
- whether the project creates an ongoing cost for the body corporate.
The body corporate must maintain common property in a good and structurally sound condition. Lot owners are responsible for maintaining their lots, and the correct responsibility depends on the scheme’s plan of subdivision and regulation module.
A planting project should include an ongoing maintenance plan as well as an application for free plants. Record any approval conditions, including the planting area, plant types, watering arrangements and responsibility for future work.
Free plants may be available, but the current Council eligibility and application rules must be checked before applying, while body corporate approval and maintenance responsibilities should be confirmed before planting. For help reviewing a common-property proposal, contact our team at reception@stratacare.com.au.
