Does a Queensland Landscaping Company Need Its Own QBCC Licence for Work Over $3,300?

Generally, yes: if a Queensland landscaping company contracts to carry out building work worth more than $3,300 including labour and materials, it will usually need its own licence under the QBCC Act. The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) explains that this follows from a company’s status as a separate legal entity; figures checked 1 October 2026.

Why does the company need its own QBCC licence?

A company is an independent legal entity with the separate legal capacity of a natural person under the Corporations Law. It has its own legal powers, including entering contracts, borrowing funds, buying and selling property, and suing or being sued.

That legal separation matters when the company contracts to perform building work. The QBCC says the company—not merely one of the people working for it—must hold the required licence.

Is employing a QBCC-licensed individual enough?

No. The QBCC says it is not sufficient to employ a licensed individual, have a licensed director, or put that person’s licence number on the company’s contracts.

A person’s personal or director-level licence therefore does not simply become the company’s licence.

How does the QBCC apply the $3,300 threshold?

The QBCC’s company guidance uses the value of the building work, including both labour and materials.

This threshold concerns the work covered by the QBCC Act. Whether a landscaping contract involves building work must be assessed from the work itself rather than the industry label alone.

Are there exceptions?

Yes. The QBCC notes that some exemptions exist under the QBCC Act, so the licensing rule is not absolute. However, its cited company guidance does not identify which exemptions apply to a particular landscaping business or project.

Do not assume that an employee’s licence, a licensed director or a licence number on a contract is an exemption. Ask the QBCC to assess the company and the proposed work.

What should the company check?

Before taking on work, the company should:

1. Confirm whether the contracted work is building work covered by the QBCC Act.
2. Calculate the value of the work, including labour and materials.
3. Check whether the company itself holds an appropriate licence.
4. Ask the QBCC about any exemption that may apply.
5. Check its insurance policy’s Product Disclosure Statement for coverage conditions and exclusions.

This is general information, not financial or legal advice. Check the QBCC regulator page for the current licensing requirements and your policy’s PDS for the applicable insurance terms.

Sources

• Company | Queensland Building and Construction Commission

FAQ

Does a licensed director make the company licensed?

No. The QBCC says having a director who holds a QBCC licence is not sufficient for the company.

Can the company put an employee’s licence number on contracts?

No. Using a QBCC-licensed individual’s licence number on company contracts does not satisfy the company’s own licensing requirement.

Does the $3,300 threshold include labour and materials?

Yes. The QBCC’s guidance refers to building work exceeding $3,300, with the value including labour and materials.

Are all Queensland landscaping companies affected?

Not necessarily. The rule concerns companies contracting to carry out building work, and the QBCC notes that some exemptions exist under the QBCC Act.