Property & Business
Business & investment
Cairns is perfectly positioned for local, national and international businesses and investors to live, visit and do business.
Building & renovating
Information on building guidelines and certification, driveways, easements, fences, garages and sheds, pools, siting dispensation and tropical building design.
Property information
We offer a range of useful maps and property searches for residents, land owners, property developers and business owners.
Development
Information about the types of development, levels of assessment, making and lodging a Development Application, public notification and submissions.
Planning schemes
Current and superseded planning schemes for the Cairns region.
Plumbing
Information on plumbing approvals and inspections, plumbing and sewer plan records, backflow prevention, and overflow relief gullies.
Operational Works
Information on when you need approval for operational works and how to apply.
Tropical building design
Designing for the tropics is essential in our climate. Use our resources to help design a home or building that responds to our environment, climate, local character and community needs, including the Designing for Density in the Tropics Design Guide.
Last Updated: 5 October 2021
Latest News > All News
Backing tourism, events and sporting activities
Targeted investments designed to attract visitors, support events and promote sporting activities are key component of Council’s 2026/27 Budget....
18 June 2026
Changes to city parking
Cairns Regional Council is introducing a series of updates to CBD parking arrangements from 1 July designed to improve bay...
17 June 2026
Meeting today’s challenges and building for the future
Council has adopted its 2026/27 Budget, delivering a plan that responds to current challenges while continuing to invest in the...
17 June 2026