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Current and superseded planning schemes for the Cairns region.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.

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: 2 November 2026

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