Development & Planning industry concierge
Our Industry Concierge aims to support Industry members throughout the development application process: from pre-lodgement to post-approval. These services can involve a range of meetings in which applicants will work together with Council officers during the development process.
Advice provided by Council through the below services will only address the applicable matters raised. It will not confirm Council's acceptance of the development outcome. Any advice provided does not constitute approval.
Note: Council will determine, based on the information provided, the most appropriate method of engagement (for example, email, informal meeting, Pre-lodgement Meeting).
Consultant Workload Meetings are intended for consultants who frequently submit development applications to Council (approximately 10-15 or more projects under assessment at one time). These sessions provide an opportunity to review and discuss current applications, explore upcoming projects, and address general enquiries.
This service is available online or in-person.
What we need from you
- At least two business days prior to the meeting, you must provide the meeting agenda identifying the active consultancy projects.
How to book
For meetings relating to Planning applications, contact the Planning Leads:
- Planning Lead: Dylan Thomas (dylan.thomas@cairns.qld.gov.au, phone 4044 3593)
- Planning Lead: Justin Phipps (justin.phipps@cairns.qld.gov.au, phone 4044 3536)
For meetings relating to Operational Works applications, contact the Principal Development Engineer:
- Principal Development Engineer: Gloria Li (gloria.li@cairns.qld.gov.au, phone 4044 3199)
For meetings relating to Post Approvals matters, contact the Technical Lead:
- Acting Technical Lead: Charles Ingham (charles.ingham@cairns.qld.gov.au, phone: 4044 4985)
Developer project meetings are held with a specific developer and/or their consultants who have a range of current development projects in the Cairns region to discuss current projects and advise Council of upcoming developments.
This service:
- is available online or in-person
- may include the involvement of several specialists, subject to availability
- includes the provision of meeting notes provided within five business days of each meeting.
What we need from you
- At least two business days prior to the meeting, you must provide the meeting agenda, including
- the property address that each matter relates to
- discussion points and
- specific questions.
How to book
For meetings relating to Operational Works applications, contact the Coordinator Development Services (Engineering):
- Coordinator Development Services (Engineering): Chris Chastre (chris.chastre@cairns.qld.gov.au, phone 4044 3549)
For meetings relating to Planning applications, contact the Coordinator Development Services (Planning):
- Coordinator Development Services (Planning): Gary Warner (g.warner@cairns.qld.gov.au, phone 4044 3532)
Roundtable/workshop discussions facilitate collaborative discussions between applicants, consultants and Council to proactively address and overcome any obstacles associated with development applications to achieve good development outcomes.
To be eligible for this meeting, you are required to have lodged the development application and these meetings will be undertaken at key milestones throughout the development assessment process. This service does not constitute as a pre-lodgement meeting.
This service:
- is best delivered in-person
- may include pre-assessment of technical matters
- may include the involvement of several specialists, subject to availability
- is an opportunity for Council and the applicant to work collaboratively towards resolving matters, where possible, to work toward good development outcomes.
What we need from you
At least 5 business days prior to the meeting, you must provide a meeting agenda including:
- the property address
- file reference number/s
- specific questions and discussion points
- specific performance outcomes you seek feedback on
- any previous advice received.
Request a roundtable/workshop discussion
If you would prefer a PDF version of this request form, please email us with your request.
Last Updated: 24 June 2025
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