Bushland is defined as, "land on which there is vegetation which is either a remainder of the natural vegetation of the land or, if altered, is still representative of the structure and floristics of the natural vegetation". It applies to the whole ecosystem which encompasses not only the vegetation but also the surface and subsurface soils, leaf litter, the seed bed, and any rocks stones or pebbles. The bushland may be disturbed or degraded and some bushland types such as woodland do not have an understorey - only a canopy and a ground cover. The resilience of bushland and its ability to regenerate, given proper management is well noted.
Urban bushland is considered to be any bushland, whether publicly or privately owned, which is situated in or adjacent to a city or town and which is subject to effects from urban use and development or is proposed for future urban development.