Development

Cairns Regional Council oversees development in the Cairns region in accordance with the CairnsPlan 2016 (planning scheme). Under the scheme, applicants may need Development Approval for certain developments.

A Development Application (also known as a Development Permit) is only required when proposed development is classified as assessable development under the Planning Act 2016. Assessable development means that the proposal needs to be checked against the Planning Scheme requirements to ensure that development is appropriate and aligns with the requirements for the area as a whole.

The Development Application provides information about the proposed development so that Council can assess the application against the requirements of the CairnsPlan 2016 and other legislation.

To determine whether you need to lodge a Development Application:

Determine the property’s zone. This can be done by using the CairnsPlan 2016 Property Report Tool. Zones indicate areas of preferred land use (eg community facilities, industry, rural residential, conservation) and set out controlled or prohibited uses. They also contain controls relating to buildings and subdivision, and may specify information that must be submitted with a development application. In addition, some areas are covered by Local Plans which set out specific requirements in localised areas.
Check if any overlays apply. Generally, overlays apply to a single control or related set of controls (such as heritage, environmental concerns, natural hazards or built environnment). Multiple overlays can apply to a single block of land. You can check your property using the CairnsPlan 2016 Property Report Tool.
Use the Table of Assessment in the CairnsPlan to identify if the proposed development is Code Assessable or Impact Assessable. Check if any codes apply that will need to be addressed in a Development Application.

Planning & Development Service Charter

Council is working to provide the best development services in Queensland. To achieve this, we have developed a Planning & Development Service Charter to optimise the level of service provided to our community.

Planning & Development Industry Reference Group

The Planning and Development Industry Reference Group works collaboratively on long-term strategic planning for the region and strategic advice about planning and development functions.

Development enquiries

There are a number of ways to gain advice about planning and development in Cairns. You can use our online tools and information, talk to a planner, request a pre-lodgement meeting or seek formal pre-lodgement advice.

Making & lodging a Development Application

Information on preparing and lodging a properly made Development Application.

Standard development conditions

The Standard Development Conditions Suite is a collaborative document for use by Cairns Regional Council, industry and the community. It covers most forms of development Council routinely approves and sets out key technical and constraint-based conditions Council typically imposes on specific development.

Development Applications online

DA Online is Council's lodgement and viewing portal. You can lodge a Development Application, or view and track applications at any time.

Development support

Council's Development and Investment Incentive Support Policy (effective 1 July 2023 until 30 June 2026) aims to support the Cairns economy and encourage development.

Exemptions

Under the Planning Act, Council may provide an exemption from a development application. Exemption certificates are only issued under special circumstances for otherwise assessable development.

Public notification & submissions

Submissions can be made on impact assessable development proposals during the notification period. Read how to find a proposed development, make and lodge a submission, amend or withdraw a submission, decision notices and appeals.

Infrastructure planning & charges

Council levies infrastructure charges as part of the development assessment process. These charges contribute to the provision of trunk infrastructure networks required to support regional growth and development.

Plan of Subdivision

Everything you need to know about lodging a Plan of Subdivision. Plans must be approved by Council before you can register the subdivision with the Queensland Titles Office.

Express DA

Express DA is an accelerated assessment initiative offering a simple, faster way to progress low-risk development applications. Development industry representatives can participate by attaining Express DA accreditation.

Last Updated: 11 August 2022