Development and Investment Incentive Support Policy

Council's Development and Investment Incentive Support Policy ( PDF, 1.2 MB ) (effective 1 July 2023 until 30 June 2026) aims to support the Cairns economy and encourage development which:

  • Broadens the economy;
  • Enlivens and enriches our key centres;
  • Adds additional housing options into the market;
  • Is catalytic;
  • Revitalises the Cairns CBD; and
  • Champions tropical design.

The policy aligns with Council’s Economic Development Strategy 2026-2030.

Development support

Council’s positive planning framework aims to enable development and support economic growth. We support the Development Industry through:

  • Express Assessment of low-risk Development Applications;
  • Free pre-lodgement process;
  • Access to local intelligence;
  • Development and investment incentives;
  • Facilitating access to Government funding schemes;
  • Brokering connections with local industry groups, business and other Government departments; and
  • Committing to our Planning & Development Service Charter.

For more information on business and investment support, visit our Business & Investment webpage.

More information

Council’s Development & Planning Branch is focused on working collaboratively with the development industry and community, to facilitate quality and sustainable growth within our region. Refer to the topics below, or visit our Development page for information on:

  • Planning & Development Service Charter
  • Planning & Development Industry Reference Group
  • Types of development
  • Standard conditions
  • Infrastructure planning & charges

Last Updated: 26 June 2026

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