01What changes in Sydney
NSW defines structural landscaping to include external landscape features such as retaining walls, driveways, paths, paving, decks, pergolas and certain water features. The state says a contractor licence is required to contract for residential structural-landscaping work valued above $5,000 including labour, materials and GST. Specialist work inside the broader contract still needs appropriately authorised providers.
NSW planning guidance also places conditions on earthworks and retaining walls before they can be exempt development, and work on or over public land requires the relevant authority. A Sydney form should therefore ask wall height and purpose, level change, boundaries, public access and known approvals without deciding the pathway. Parramatta, Penrith, Liverpool and the Sutherland Shire span different councils and travel, so campaigns should use the provider’s real design and build zones.
Tree removal, drainage connections and work near utilities need separate checks. A “complete landscape” headline must also state whether design, engineering, approvals, irrigation, lighting and establishment care are included.
