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Current and superseded planning schemes for the Cairns region.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....

Business & Economy
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...

Business & Economy
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...

Business & Economy
17 June 2026