General Policies

This policy sets out the guidelines for requests for advice or information by Councillors to local government employees to assist Councillors to carry out their responsibilities under the Local Government Act 2009 (the Act).

To provide a compassionate, consistent and effective approach to the management of requests for acknowledgement, memorials and monuments in public spaces.

This Policy provides for the efficient management of the process of acquiring land for community purposes or for Council’s operational use. This Policy includes acquiring an easement for a public purpose and for any matter to proceed as a compulsory acquisition under the provisions of the Acquisition of Land Act 1967 should voluntary negotiations fail or become protracted and leasing a site not owned by Council for operational purposes.

This policy will ensure accountability in respect to the assistance provided to Councillors in carrying out their responsibilities as elected representatives in an open and transparent manner

To provide guidelines outlining the control on expenditure on advertisements placed by Council in various media to ensure that this advertising is in the public interest.

To outline the process for identifying issues for which Council should consider adopting a formal advocacy position; including developing advocacy position papers, the process for Council endorsement, and ongoing review.

To establish a clear and consistent framework for determining when Council approval is required prior to the submission of external grant applications. This policy ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with Council’s budget and strategic priorities.

This policy establishes guidance on the responsible, ethical, and strategic deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to drive operational excellence, improve service standards, and create sustained value for the community.

A key priority of Cairns Regional Council’s Strategy for Culture and the Arts 2022 is to provide grant funding that builds and sustains the viability and productivity of community-based organisations, and enhances the capacity and capability of local artists and cultural and creative practitioners.

Council commits to the: provision of facilities for the benefit of arts and culture in the region; and the support of arts and cultural facilities operated by entities other than Council. This policy shall apply to arts and cultural facilities on land owned by Council or for which Council is trustee.

A key priority of Cairns Regional Council's Strategy for Culture and the Arts 2022 is to provide grant funding that builds and sustains the viability and productivity of community-based organisations and enhances the capacity and capability of local artists and cultural and creative practitioners.

Cairns Regional Council supports the development of a vibrant, progressive and collaborative arts and cultural community and industry in the Cairns region, contributing to the growth and sustainability of our broader community. This policy has application to Council activities occurring across the Cairns Local Government Area.

To provide direction to the general public on the requirements for the disposal of domestic generated asbestos at Council’s Portsmith Waste Transfer Station. This policy is not intended to provide detailed advice on all aspects of handling and transporting asbestos waste.

Asset Accounting General Policy

To provide clear direction and define the key principles that underpins Asset Management for Cairns Regional Council.

To establish a policy for the creation and operation of an Audit Committee and the establishment of an Audit Committee Charter. This policy shall apply to Council, its Audit Committee, its Internal Auditor and staff subject to or responsible for the various functions of Council’s corporate governance activities.

To outline Cairns Regional Council’s policy regarding the guarantee of third party loan borrowings based upon sound financial management guidelines

The Cairns Esplanade Usage Policy sets out permitted uses of our iconic waterfront.

The Recreational Fishing Working Group provides advice, advocacy, reporting, community feedback and recommendations in relation to recreational fishing strategies.

To establish the overarching position and principles for cemetery management in accordance with the Cemetery Strategy.

Child Safety and Wellbeing General Policy

The intent of this policy is to broadly define Council’s approach to the engagement of our community. It has application across the full range of policy, program and service issues encountered by local government.

This policy guides delivery of Council’s Community Grant Program which provides assistance to community based groups and organisations that enrich the diversity of cultural, social, sport and economic development opportunities available to the residents and businesses located in the Cairns region.

To provide guidance as to how competitive neutrality complaints will be handled by Council.

In accordance with section 306 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 Council must have a written policy and procedure which supports the complaints management process (CMP). The objectives of the CMP are to outline Council’s commitment to the effective management of complaints.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure Council is committed to a centre-led approach to compliance management and embedding a proactive culture of compliance across the organisation.

Cairns Regional Council will provide assistance to qualifying residential and not for profit water customers who have larger than normal water accounts due to the existence of a concealed leak. Provision of assistance is subject to conditions and assistance is calculated using a defined methodology.

This policy demonstrates Council’s commitment to work towards a sustainable future. It embeds sustainability into the operational function of the organisation.

The purpose of this Policy is to provide direction for the management of Councillor Briefing Sessions and Workshops.

Cairns Regional Council (Council) recognises the significant responsibility that comes with handling personal information and is committed to protecting it at all times. To support strong information governance practices and to meet Council’s obligations under the Information Privacy Act 2009 and the Mandatory Notification of Data Breach (MNDB) scheme, Council has established a Data Breach Policy. This policy outlines how Council prepares for, identifies, assesses, contains, notifies, and reviews data breaches involving information in Council’s possession or control.

“sets out how Cairns Regional Council will deal with a complaint that involves or may involve corrupt conduct of its public official as defined in the Crime and Corruption Act 2001. For the purpose of this policy, Council’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is its public official.”

To provide Council with a debt management strategy based on sound financial management guidelines.

This policy applies to all rates and charges levied and other accounts receivables of Council and its commercialised business units.

The intent of the Policy is to provide support to the Cairns economy and encourage development that: - Broadens the economy; - Enlivens and enriches our key centres; - Adds additional housing options into the market; - Is catalytic; - revitalises the Cairns CBD; and - Champions tropical design. Council also provides support via non-financial incentives of: a. Express Assessment of Low-Risk Development Applications; b. Free prelodgement process; c. Access to local intelligence; d. Supporting access to Government funding schemes; and e. Brokering connections with local industry groups, business and other Government Departments.

To provide a framework with guiding principles for Council to advance diversity and inclusion. This policy applies to all Council services, facilities, programs, events and activities (external) as well as elected members and employees of the Cairns Regional Council, including contractors, consultants and temporary employees of Council (internal).

To provide guidelines on the return of dividend to Council from commercialised business units.

To provide Council with a framework for the establishment, provision and improvement of dog off leash areas, fenced dog exercise areas and prohibition and restriction of animals in public places to meet community needs and maintain public and animal safety

To support the implementation and maintenance of a Drinking Water Quality Management System that is consistent with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines

To provide Council with a framework for energy and greenhouse gas emissions management.

To provide clarity as to what is considered reasonable entertainment, why it is important to the role of Council and the administrative processes that support this.

The purpose of this policy is to establish an equitable and transparent approach to a performance review process for all Executive (Chief Executive Officer and Directors) which is to occur at least annually. This policy applies to Councillors, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Directors.

This policy clarifies expenses reimbursement and support for elected representatives of Cairns Regional Council.

This policy allows Council to consider applications from Not-For-Profit organisations for financial assistance in the form of a full or part waiver of specific fees & charges.

Financial contribution arrangement to facilitate road shoulder sealing, kerb & channel and footpath works for existing, developed areas.

To establish a policy for the provision of assistance to ratepayers suffering financial hardship due to the COVID-19 event

Outlines Council’s position on Flying Fox Management within designated urban areas in accordance with relevant legislation.

To demonstrate that Cairns Regional Council is committed to ensuring the community is aware of Council’s standards with regard to the elimination of all corruption and fraud.

To provide clear guidelines and assessment criteria for issuing free registration for dogs owned by aged pensioners (or other pension card holders who would otherwise be eligible for the aged pension) and for guide, hearing and assistance dogs.

To outline the objectives and approach to the facilitate appropriate sponsorship arrangements (financial and in-kind) with organisations for the delivery of community and economic activities that support the achievement of Council’s objectives.

The Tribunal makes recommendations to Council on forms of assistance to ratepayers who are experiencing serious financial hardship.

The intent of this policy is to set out how Cairns Regional Council (Council) will manage and protect the personal information of individuals in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 and the Queensland Privacy Principles (QPPs).

To provide direction with regards to the payment of interest on funds held by Council in Trust.

To establish a policy about the appointment of an Internal Auditor and the relationship to the organisation and the Audit Committee. This policy shall apply to the Internal Auditor and staff subject to or responsible for the various functions of Council’s internal audit process.

This policy establishes Council’s formal position and policy framework with regards to International Relationships.

This is Cairns Regional Council’s investigation policy for how complaints about the inappropriate conduct of Councillors will be dealt with as required by the section 150AE of the Local Government Act 2009 (the LGA). However, this policy does not relate to more serious Councillor conduct.

To outline Cairns Regional Council’s investment policy and guidelines regarding the investment of cash holdings with an objective of maximising earnings whilst minimising risk to ensure the security of Council funds.

To manage the installation of kerbside house numbering by private organisations.

The provisions within this General Policy apply to Cairns Regional Council controlled land. This General Policy applies to any person or organisation undertaking maintenance and or modification to the road verge adjacent to their property, anyone who undertakes landscaping on public open space and those who manage community gardens and pocket gardens.

This Policy establishes the requirement for the provision of legal assistance to Councillors and employees who may require personal legal representation as a direct result of their official roles with Cairns Regional Council.

This policy describes Council’s overall position regarding the operation of licensed venues in the local government area.

To guide the conduct of Councillors and Council Officers during the lead up to local government elections and applies to Council Officers dealing with Councillors and Candidates during the caretaker period.

This document defines the Cairns Regional Council (Council) policy for investment in attracting and supporting Major Events, and the required assessment, procurement, and contracting activities to be undertaken by Council officers.

To ensure Councillors and Officers of Cairns Regional Council understand the requirements for management of release of all confidential reports and information to the public.

To inform Council’s approach to the management of trees on Council controlled land. This Policy applies to all trees on Council owned or controlled land. For the purposes of this policy, such trees will be referred to as ‘Public Trees’.

To regulate markets delivered on Council Controlled land in the Cairns Region

This policy outlines a formal process to ensure all media releases, statements and enquiries relating to Cairns Regional Council are managed professionally and appropriately.

These standing orders provide written rules for the orderly conduct of local government meetings. They incorporate the model meeting procedures.

The intent of this policy is to establish clear and precise practice regarding the contribution and application of funds for the Mount Peter Master Planning project.

To establish a policy for the naming of Community Infrastructure throughout the Cairns Regional Council area.

New Road and Street Naming

This Policy is intended to support the local dimension of the Planning Scheme by ensuring that places of cultural heritage significance are nominated to the local heritage register on a continuous basis.

In accordance with the Local Government Regulation 2012 Council will provide a pensioner rate concession to eligible pensioners. This policy describes the eligibility criteria and the administrative processes used to deal with applications for the granting of pensioner concession.

This document sets out Cairns Regional Council’s policy for the acquisition of goods and services and adherence to the “sound contracting principles” as stipulated in the Local Government Act 2009

To provide a policy for the development, planning, acquisition, maintenance, de-accessioning and integration of public art in the Cairns local government area. To provide a guide and a framework, for Council in the development, planning, maintenance, de-accessioning, acquisition and integration of public art in the Cairns local government area.

To articulate Council’s commitment to responsible collection and management of personal information and ethical use of third party intellectual property

The intent of this policy is to define Council’s obligations and to affirm Council’s commitment to compliance with the Public Interest Disclosure requirements of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 (PID Act).

This General Policy articulates Cairns Regional Council’s overarching position, vision and objectives for providing and improving Public Open Spaces.

To establish a policy for the provision of rates based financial assistance to not for profit recreation, sporting and community groups.

To establish a policy for the management of undertaking recovery of costs for damage to Council assets by external parties

To establish guidelines in relation to the supply and use of recycled water.

To support the development, implementation and ongoing improvement of a Dam Safety Management System that is consistent with the Queensland Dam Safety Management Guidelines

The Regional Arts Development Fund Committee consists of a group of artists and arts workers who are appointed to advise Council on the suitability of diverse culture and geography of the Cairns Regional Council area, and each member has responsibility for a particular arts portfolio.

To outline Cairns Regional Council’s policy regarding the identification and monitoring of related party transactions. This policy applies to all Councillors and Key Management Personnel

This Policy is intended to support the local dimension of the Planning Scheme by identifying the information which the Council may request a proponent to provide to demonstrate that a proposal for development meets the performance criteria and will be ecologically sustainable.

To set out the principles used by Council for: • The levying of rates and charges • Granting concessions for rates and charges • Recovering overdue rates and charges • The establishment of cost-recovery methods (fees) • The purpose of concessions • Infrastructure charges for a new development

Revenue Statement for the current Financial Year General Policy The Revenue Statement is produced in accordance with section 104 of the Local Government Act 2009 and sections 169 and 172 of the Local Government Regulation 2012

To support the community’s right to access information held by Cairns Regional Council (Council) in accordance with the Right to Information Act 2009 and the Information Privacy Act 2009. This policy ensures that access to information is facilitated in a timely, fair and responsible manner, while maintaining appropriate protections for confidential and personal information as required under legislation.

To set guidelines for implementing consistent risk management processes throughout Cairns Regional Council.

The intent of this policy is to provide clear objectives and guidelines for the issuing of approvals to carry out Roadside Vending Activities on roads under Local Law No. 1 (Administration) 2016, Local Law No. 11 (Local Government Controlled Areas and Roads) 2016, and Subordinate Local Law No. 11 (Local Government Controlled Areas and Roads) 2016.

Senior Executive Employee Recruitment and Appointment

Cairns Regional Council’s Service Charter is a statement of our commitment to our community to provide you with a positive customer experience with a clear framework of standards and expectations.

To reduce single use plastics in Council and encourage a transition towards better alternatives in the broader community

To clearly articulate Council's commitment to establishing and maintaining Sister Cities relationships and to describe the role and function of the Sister Cities Ambassador in managing relationships.

The intent of this policy is to allow any member of the public to speak in a public forum within Fogarty Park.

Framework for installation and use of subsidiary water meters (sub-meters) in relation to multi units/lots developed since 1 January 2008. It provides for mandatory requirements prescribed in the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code.

Subsidiary Water Meter Technical Specifications

To incorporate sustainable building design principles in all Council buildings, including new buildings and renovation projects.

To establish general principles for issuing tenure arrangements and disposing of Council property in accordance with legislative requirements. These policy principles will be applied in the allocation, use, management and disposal of Council property through the associated Administrative Instruction.

The Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country are incorporated in Council's official protocol and events to recognise the unique position of Aboriginal people in Australian culture and history.

To provide customers and Council Employees the framework within which Council will manage unreasonable conduct.

The intent of this policy is to clarify the criteria for the use of the Civic areas within the Cairns Regional Council Administration building at 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns

To establish a policy for the adoption of water conservation principles and actions for Cairns Regional Council operational activities, properties and public facilities.

To establish a policy for the installation of water meters in areas of the Cairns Regional Council.

To establish a policy and approval process for the imposition of water restrictions by Cairns Regional Council.

This Policy outlines Council’s policy for the live audio and video streaming of Ordinary and Special Council Meetings on Council’s website, audio and video recording of those meetings, and publishing the audio and video recordings of those meetings on Council’s website.

Cairns Regional Council is committed to ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of our workers by providing safe and healthy working conditions for the prevention of work-related injuries and ill health. This policy applies to all workers, including employees, Councillors, contractors, labour hire employees, apprentices or trainees, work experience students, volunteers, and visitors.