Permitted locations
Markets and events
The best place for mobile food vehicles to operate is at organised and approved markets and events.
Private property
Mobile food vehicles can operate on private property by arriving at work places, selling and then moving on.
Mobile vehicles that intend to operate on private property in any other way may require planning approval from Council’s Development Services team. Contact the team by emailing TownPlanner@cairns.qld.gov.au or phone 1300 69 22 47 to discuss your specific situation with a town planner.
Regulated or restricted locations
Roadside
Mobile food vehicles are not permitted to operate from the roadside in the Cairns region unless approved under Council’s Local Laws or, if state controlled road, approved by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads. Council’s Roadside Vending General Policy ( PDF, 0.04 MB ) provides guidance on the food types that will be considered for approval under a Roadside Vending Permit ( PDF, 0.12 MB ).
Council parks
Generally, mobile food vehicles are not permitted to trade from Council land unless as part of an already approved temporary entertainment event (eg, Carols by Candlelight). Should Council decide to allow mobile food vehicles to trade from a specific location, it will undertake an expression of interest process.
