QBCC Licences for Retaining Wall Builders in Queensland
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) is the Queensland Government authority that regulates the building and construction industry. The QBCC sets licensing rules for builders and trade contractors and enforces compliance. You can search licences and view licence history using the QBCC online licence register.
If you’re not in the building industry, Queensland licensing rules for retaining walls can be confusing. A retaining wall is a major investment in your property. Hiring someone without the correct QBCC licence or experience can result in unsafe construction, non-compliant work, and expensive rectification costs.
Why QBCC Licensing Matters for Retaining Walls
In Queensland, most retaining wall projects valued at over $3,300 (including GST) are classed as building work and must be carried out by a QBCC-licensed contractor with the correct licence class for the type and height of wall being built.
Home Warranty Insurance (HWI) applies to residential construction work over $3,300 (including GST) when the work requires a QBCC licence.
Important:
Not every retaining wall automatically requires HWI.
Regardless of whether HWI applies, if the work is building work over $3,300, the contractor must be QBCC-licensed for that scope of work.
QBCC Licence Types for Retaining Wall Construction
- Heavy Machinery Operator / Earthmover
No QBCC licence is required to operate machinery alone.
A person without a QBCC licence cannot carry out building work over $3,300, including earthworks forming part of a retaining wall project.
- Site Supervisor (QBCC Licensed)
Can supervise work for a licensed contractor.
Cannot contract directly with homeowners.
This licence does not authorise the holder to perform building work unless they also hold the appropriate trade or builder licence.
- Nominee Supervisor (QBCC Licensed)
The licensed individual responsible for supervising building work carried out by a company.
- Structural Landscaping (Trade) Licence
Trade contractor licence that includes construction of certain retaining walls.
Limited to retaining walls that do not require engineering under local council or building rules (commonly up to 1 metre height).
Does not permit construction of higher or engineered retaining walls.
- Builder – Restricted to Structural Landscaping Licence
Builder licence with a defined scope that includes structural landscaping.
Permits construction of retaining walls of any height, subject to engineering design and council requirements.
Requires higher qualifications and experience than a trade-only licence.
How to Check a QBCC Licence
Before you hire a retaining wall builder:
- Ask for their QBCC licence number.
- Search the QBCC licence register.
Select “Search QBCC Act Licensees”.
Search by licence number, individual name, trading name, or company name.
Check:
The licence class (must cover retaining wall construction and the required wall height).
The full licence history for compliance issues.
If the licence belongs to a company, also check the licence of the Nominee Supervisor. Disciplinary history may appear on one licence and not the other.
Red Flags When Hiring a Retaining Wall Builder
No QBCC licence number displayed in advertising (this is a breach of QBCC advertising rules).
Claims of being licensed that don’t match the QBCC register.
The licence does not cover retaining wall construction or the required wall height.
A different person turns up to build the wall — always check their licence before work begins
Why Checking QBCC Licensing Protects You
Retaining wall failures are often caused by unlicensed, under-licensed, or inexperienced operators. Checking QBCC licensing before you hire helps protect your investment, ensures legal compliance, improves safety outcomes, and reduces the risk of costly rectification works later.