South East Queensland Land & Water Rules, by Council
Queensland's shed exemption rules change based on cyclone wind region, which is the one piece of good news for South East Queensland — the entire region sits in Wind Region B (non-cyclonic), so the standard 10m² self-assessable shed exemption applies normally everywhere on this page, alongside the statewide 200m farm-building exemption (see the state-wide QLD article for the full detail). What still varies by council is water licensing detail and local planning scheme specifics.
Brisbane City Council
Brisbane sits in Wind Region B, so the standard shed exemption thresholds apply without cyclone-region restriction. Dam and water licensing for any property with access to a watercourse falls under the Water Act 2000's stock-and-domestic exemption for basic use, with anything beyond that needing a water authorisation from the Department of Resources, regardless of council area.
Source: Brisbane City Plan; Queensland Development Code; AS/NZS 1170.2 wind region classification
City of Gold Coast
Gold Coast sits in Wind Region B. Genuine rural land in the Gold Coast hinterland (western parts of the LGA) may have access to the 200m farm-building shed exemption; the built-up coastal strip is capped at the standard self-assessable thresholds.
Source: Gold Coast City Plan; Queensland Development Code; AS/NZS 1170.2 wind region classification
Sunshine Coast Regional Council
Sunshine Coast sits in Wind Region B. The hinterland areas away from the coast have genuine rural land where the 200m farm-building exemption may apply, distinct from the built-up coastal strip.
Source: Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme; Queensland Development Code; AS/NZS 1170.2 wind region classification
Moreton Bay Regional Council
Moreton Bay sits in Wind Region B. Given Moreton Bay's own ratio-based livestock stocking system extends across genuine rural land in the LGA's northern and western areas, the 200m farm-building shed exemption has real application in those same areas.
Source: Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme; Queensland Development Code; AS/NZS 1170.2 wind region classification
City of Ipswich
Ipswich sits in Wind Region B. Given council's own livestock rules require rural zoning and a 4,000m² minimum lot for stock-keeping, the same rural areas have access to the 200m farm-building shed exemption on top of the standard thresholds.
Source: Ipswich Planning Scheme; Queensland Development Code; AS/NZS 1170.2 wind region classification
Logan City Council
Logan sits in Wind Region B. The standard shed exemption applies without cyclone restriction across this LGA, with genuine farm-building exemption potential on the same rural-zoned land where council's own sheep-and-goat density rules apply.
Source: Logan Planning Scheme; Queensland Development Code; AS/NZS 1170.2 wind region classification
Redland City Council
Redland sits in Wind Region B. Given council's own poultry rules already scale up sharply above 4,000m² of land, the same larger rural blocks are where the 200m farm-building shed exemption would have application.
Source: Redlands Coast Planning Scheme; Queensland Development Code; AS/NZS 1170.2 wind region classification
Scenic Rim Regional Council
Scenic Rim sits in Wind Region B, and is the most rural council in this SEQ group — consistent with its Planning Scheme's Rural Zone emphasis and its distinctive intensive-animal-industry provisions covered in our livestock rules page. The 200m farm-building shed exemption has substantial real application across this Shire.
Source: Scenic Rim Planning Scheme; Queensland Development Code; AS/NZS 1170.2 wind region classification
Lockyer Valley Regional Council
Lockyer Valley sits in Wind Region B (bordering Region A further inland), and is rural in character, consistent with its own detailed large/small-animal livestock tiers covered in our livestock rules page. The 200m farm-building shed exemption has substantial real application here.
Source: Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme; Queensland Development Code; AS/NZS 1170.2 wind region classification
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the cyclone wind region shed restriction apply in Brisbane or the Gold Coast?
No. All of South East Queensland, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, sits in Wind Region B (non-cyclonic), so the standard 10 square metre self-assessable shed exemption applies without the restriction that affects North and Central Queensland's Wind Region C areas.
Does the 200 square metre farm-building exemption apply in SEQ?
Yes, wherever genuine agricultural land exists more than 200 metres from a property boundary. It's a statewide provision, not limited by wind region, though SEQ's more built-up councils have less land where it applies compared to Scenic Rim or Lockyer Valley.
Where do I find my own council's exact rules if it isn't listed here?
Check your council's own planning scheme, viewable through the Queensland Government's planning portal, or contact council directly.