Development Application Online is a self-help service that allows you to lodge a Development Application or view and track applications at a time that is convenient to you without having to visit or contact Council.
Planning Act 2016
Please note that the Planning Act 2016 comes into effect on 3 July 2017. Applications lodged prior to 3 July 2017 will continue to be assessed under Sustainable Planning Act 2009 in accordance with sections 285-289 of Planning Act 2016.
References to the Sustainable Planning Act will be changed and updated to the Planning Act 2016 in due course. Information on the new Planning Act 2016 can be found at www.dilgp.qld.gov.au/planning-reform
Please note that the CairnsPlan 2016 was prepared under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and therefore refers to outdated terminology and categories of development. Please refer to the fact sheet on the CairnsPlan 2016 and the new Planning Act 2016 ( PDF, 0.32 MB ) for guidance on how to interpret the CairnsPlan 2016 from 3 July 2017.
DA Online: technical issues
Council's DA Online site is experiencing intermittent technical issues.
Uploading attachments with your application: Please combine all documents into a single file prior to uploading to our website. Ensure any password protection is removed from your file.
If you lodge an application but do NOT receive a confirmation email, please email your details to planningadmin@cairns.qld.gov.au as soon as possible to ensure that your application is processed in a timely manner.
Various fees apply to Development Applications and building works. More
Cairns Regional Council Infrastructure Charges Resolution (ICR) contains the infrastructure charge rates for development. The ICR can be found here. More
Information about development types, levels of assessment, applicable zoning and overlays. More
A guide to help you prepare and lodge a properly made application, plus information on Council's pre-lodgement service and fast-track application service for simple, well made applications. More
The Development Application process involves a number of steps including lodgement and review, information and referral, public notification, decision, applicant appeals, post-approval actions and compliance. More
Under s46 of the Planning Act 2016, Council may provide, in limited circumstances, an exemption from a development application. An application to Council is required. More
Development Applications Online (DA Online) is Cairns Regional Council's online lodgement and viewing portal. More
For certain building works applications, Cairns Regional Council is a Referral Agency. This section contains information on when and how to make an application for Referral Agency Assessment. More
Use our free online tool to access planning information about properties in the Cairns region. More
A submission is a written statement made to Council which outlines your support or objection to a proposed plan or new development. More
Upgrades at the Port of Cairns to improve access for larger ships, including cruise ships More
Please note
- Cairns Regional Council provides an online DA lodgement and payment service to ensure continuity 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Council's online DA lodgement and payment service is for Cairns Regional Council only and does not include any State requirements or referrals (eg MyDAS).
- Acceptance of an application lodged via Council's online DA service may not constitute a properly made application. This is to be determined by Council during normal working hours.
- Cairns Regional Council ensures all new development applications are available online. However applications made prior to 1 January 2012 may not be available online.
- If you need help finding information on a Development Application that is not online please contact Council's Customer Service Centre on 1300 69 22 47.
