Final Works Acceptance
Final Works Acceptance Certification is the concluding step in the Post Approval process.
Following a defects liability period of at least twelve (12) months, we will inspect the site to ensure the infrastructure we are taking possession of is free of defects as defined in the FNQROC Development Manual. In addition to defects, landscaping must be established and maintained in accordance with the Landscaping Practical Completion Endorsement.
The Final Works Acceptance inspection ensures that the performance of future Council assets is satisfactory and that any defects that may have arisen during the Defects Liability period have been repaired to the appropriate standard, including any defects noted in the Works Acceptance process.
As Final Works Acceptance is the concluding step in the Post Approval process, we will not issue a conditional certificate. All relevant conditions and approvals including any items noted at Works Acceptance and Landscaping Practical Completion Endorsement must be satisfied and completed.
After the defects liability period has been completed, you can email Final Works Acceptance Submission to planningadmin@cairns.qld.gov.au. The Final Works Acceptance Submission ( PDF, 0.37 MB ) details all the required documentation for the submission. The Consulting Engineer’s signature is required on the declaration.
Prior to Final Works Acceptance Inspection, you must provide evidence of Landscaping Practical Completion Endorsement conditions being satisfied, if applicable to the relevant Development Approval. After we have reviewed the complete submission, we will send a meeting invitation to your representative.
Representatives from across Council may be present at the inspection, to ensure the workmanship and infrastructure at the site meet the required standards.
Once the inspection is complete, and all Council representatives are satisfied the infrastructure and landscaping works can be accepted, we will issue a Final Works Acceptance Certificate.
Overview of Process
The following is an overview of the process to a pass a Final Works Acceptance Inspection and receive a Final Works Acceptance Certificate.
Step 1 – Submission
Download and review the Submission Guideline ( PDF, 0.44 MB ) and the Final Works Acceptance Submission Form ( PDF, 0.37 MB ).
The Submission Guideline complements the Submission Form and provides advice and notes to help ensure your application is complete and the resulting inspection is geared towards passing, allowing for the efficient issue of a Final Works Acceptance Certificate.
Once you have collated all your documents, ensure they are clearly labelled with the according Document Order Number, outlined on the Submission Form. For example, the ‘Final Acceptance Checklist’ must be labelled as “Document 1”, evidence of repaired defects must be labelled as “Document 2” and so on.
We have processes in place to ensure an efficient turnaround from submission to inspection to certification. It is vital that you lodge a complete and compliant Final Works Acceptance Submission. An incomplete submission will not proceed past an initial assessment.
Step 2 – Assessment
The assessment of the Submission is a two-part process.
- The initial assessment is an administrative check to confirm all documents required for the Works Acceptance have been submitted.
- The technical assessment is a detailed review of the documents undertaken by Council Officers to confirm the content is correct and compliant.
Due to the administrative nature of the initial assessment, your application form must be entirely completed, including the documentation checklist. Our assessment will be carried out based on what has been detailed on the application form, missing information or incomplete sections will result in an application that cannot be assessed, and it will be returned to the you for resubmission.
You will be advised if Council identifies any errors or omissions in the Submission.
Step 3 – Inspection
Once we have completed and accepted the technical assessment, we will send a calendar invitation to your representative – typically the Consulting Engineer - for the Final Works Acceptance Inspection. Your representative is required to attend the inspection.
If we identify any areas of concern, we will communicate this at the inspection. Depending on the level of concern, we will also include details in a Final Works Acceptance Failure Notice.
Step 4 – Inspection Outcome
We will determine the outcome of the inspection based on the requirements outlined in the FNQROC Development Manual, Works Acceptance and Landscape Practical Completion conditions and requirements and the approved Planning or Operational Works Permit.
If the inspection outcome is determined to be a pass, we will notify you in writing shortly after the inspection. We will then issue a Final Works Acceptance Certificate.
If the inspection identifies defects, or the site is not ready at the time of inspection, it will not pass. In this instance, we will provide a Final Works Acceptance Failure Notice. This notice details the conditions that must be met and charges due before a re-inspection can be booked. We will not issue a certificate with conditions to rectify issues, as there is no recourse for incomplete works after this stage.
Step 5 – Post Final Works Acceptance Certification
After we have issued the Final Works Acceptance Certificate, you may request the release of any bonds held over the development. This request must be in writing.
If the bond was paid in cash, please also include a complete and signed copy of the Refund Request Form. If the bond was paid with a bank guarantee, we will contact you to return the bank guarantee once we receive your request for release.
We suggest that you contact an Engineering Consultancy to help you prepare a Final Works Acceptance Submission. Many documents necessary for a complete submission require the certification of an RPEQ qualified engineer.
There is no initial charge for a Final Works Acceptance inspection. However, if the initial inspection does not pass, a re-inspection fee will be due before a re-inspection can be booked. Any and all outstanding payments due to Council resulting from the development must also be paid.
Development & Planning is committed to our Service Charter and we aim to uphold our service operating principles.
The Final Works Acceptance Guideline and Submission Pack are designed to facilitate the process and ensure consistent, efficient, and effective outcomes for all parties. Our goal is to have an inspection booked within 12 business days of the receipt of a complete submission and a Final Works Acceptance Certificate issued within 10 business days of the successful inspection.
We welcome feedback on this process to ensure that it continually responds to the needs of customers. You can submit written feedback via email where it will be collected, reviewed and where necessary, actioned.
For assistance or questions, you can contact us via the following methods:
Phone
Call 1300 69 2247. Our Customer Service team will create a Customer Enquiry and a Council officer will contact you in a timely manner.
In person
Our Customer Service Centre at 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm weekdays (excluding public holidays). Customer Service can create a Customer Enquiry and a Council officer will contact you in a timely manner.
You can email a written enquiry.
Last Updated: 27 March 2025
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