Figures checked 1 October 2026. Yes—if the job is residential structural landscaping work valued at more than $5,000 in labour and materials, including GST: the NSW Government’s Structural landscaping work guidance, updated 23 June 2026, says a contractor licence is required to carry out, advertise or contract for the work. The same guidance states that unlicensed work can lead to a $22,000 fine for an individual or a $110,000 fine for a company under the Home Building Act 1989, updated 23 June 2026.
How do I identify residential structural landscaping work?
The NSW Government ties the licensing rule to structural landscaping carried out under a contract for residential building work. It places structural landscaping in the other building category of work and describes it as constructing external landscape features and non-habitable structures—structures that people cannot live in.
Examples listed by the regulator include:
| Type of work | Examples |
|---|---|
| Retaining walls | Retaining walls of any material that do not form part of a habitable building |
| Paving and access | Fencing, driveways, paths and other paving of any material |
| External structures | Cabanas, pergolas, decks and non-habitable shelters |
| Water and ornamental features | Ornamental ponds, water features and other structural ornamentation where development approval is required |
| Recreational structures | Work on concrete tennis courts and similar structures |
A structural landscaping contract may also include specialist work needed for the overall job. For the formal definition, the NSW Government directs readers to Schedule 4 of the Home Building Regulation 2014.
How does the $5,000 value test apply?
The NSW threshold has several connected elements:
| Element | NSW position |
|---|---|
| Type of work | Residential building or trade work, including structural landscaping |
| Threshold | More than $5,000 |
| Value basis | Labour and materials, including GST |
| Covered activities | Carrying out, advertising or contracting for the work |
For the monetary threshold, the regulator uses the wording “more than $5,000”, rather than $5,000 or more. It also states more broadly that a licence or certificate is required to do structural landscaping and that a licence is required where the work is carried out under a contract for residential building work.
Which licence or certificate may apply?
The available type depends on whether you intend to contract to do the work, supervise it, perform it or combine those roles. The NSW Government lists:
- Individual contractor licence
- Endorsed contractor licence
- Company or partnership contractor licence
- Qualified supervisor certificate
A holder of an appropriate endorsed contractor licence or qualified supervisor certificate in the relevant category can subcontract to do this work.
What are the penalties for unlicensed work?
The NSW Government publishes the following fines under the Home Building Act 1989:
| Person or entity | Fine stated by the regulator |
|---|---|
| Individual | $22,000 |
| Company | $110,000 |
Providing false or misleading information in an application is also a serious offence. A licence or certificate obtained using false or misleading information may be cancelled, and the applicant could face criminal prosecution.
What must applicants do before applying?
Applicants need to follow several requirements:
- Qualifications and experience: Complete one of the qualifications listed by the NSW Government and have the required experience before applying.
- Course availability: Some listed qualifications and units may no longer be available. Confirm availability with a registered training organisation and check the National Training Register before starting training or recognition of prior learning.
- Training search: Your Career can be searched by course code or name for organisations delivering nationally recognised training.
- National Police Check: Every individual applicant must submit a National Police Check no more than 4 months old at application. Individual applicants must also have a valid National Police Check certificate.
- Apprenticeship or traineeship: A current apprentice or trainee cannot be issued a licence or certificate. After completing the apprenticeship or traineeship, a person intending to perform or contract for building or trade work must apply for a contractor licence.
- Application term: Applicants can apply for a 1, 3 or 5 year licence or certificate through Service NSW.
- Renewal: Existing holders can renew using the details on their renewal form or through Service NSW.
What should be checked before work starts?
A practical check is to:
- Confirm whether the work is under a contract for residential building work.
- Compare the proposed work with the structural landscaping examples.
- Record the labour-and-materials value, including GST, against the stated threshold.
- Confirm which licence or certificate matches the role being performed.
- Check the NSW Government regulator page for current requirements and the policy’s Product Disclosure Statement for insurance scope, exclusions and conditions.
This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the regulator page and your policy’s PDS before relying on the information or starting work.
Sources
FAQ
Is a $5,000 structural landscaping job licensed in NSW?
The NSW value threshold is worded as more than $5,000 in labour and materials, including GST. The regulator separately says a licence is required where structural landscaping is carried out under a contract for residential building work.
What is structural landscaping?
It involves constructing external landscape features and non-habitable structures that people cannot live in. Examples include retaining walls, fencing, driveways, paving, decks, pergolas, ornamental ponds and concrete tennis courts.
Can a qualified supervisor certificate be used for subcontracting?
The NSW Government says a holder of an appropriate qualified supervisor certificate or endorsed contractor licence in the relevant category can subcontract to do structural landscaping work.
How long can a licence or certificate run?
Applicants can apply for a 1, 3 or 5 year licence or certificate.
What police check must an individual applicant provide?
Every individual applicant must submit a National Police Check no more than 4 months old at the time of application.
Partner links. Using them costs you nothing extra and may earn us a commission.