Applications under Integrated Planning Act (IPA)
Council is currently operating under four separate transitional planning schemes until Council adopts a new Planning Scheme under IPA. During this time, planning applications will be made under the transitional provisions of the Act. This means applications will continue to be assessed against the relevant provisions of the repealed Local Government (Planning and Environment) Act, the Planning Schemes for the City of Cairns, relevant State Planning Policies and other relevant Local Laws.
Under IPA there are two types of assessment process: 'code assessment' and 'impact assessment'.
The "Table of Development" contained within the relevant Planning Scheme determines whether a development proposed is self-assessable (as-of-right), code assessable or impact assessable. Impact assessable applications require public notification.
Completing the application form
Under IPA it is mandatory that applicants provide certain information when lodging a development application.
The application forms must be properly completed in order to make the application.
The application forms contain both information that is mandatory (required by IPA) and supporting which provides Council with additional information necessary to undertake assessment of the application.
All application forms are available from Council's Customer Service Centre, 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns or at www.dip.qld.gov.au
Submitting the application
There are currently two ways to lodge an application:
Council requires the application to be accompanied by the application fee at the time of lodging an application. Fees are based on a Schedule determined as part of the annual Council budget. The Fee schedule can be accessed via the Council Fees & Charges page
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