Landscape Plan Endorsement
A Landscape Plan Endorsement is required to be submitted and endorsed where required under a condition of a Development Approval. The timing for the submission of the application for the Landscape Plan Endorsement and to obtain an Endorsement is stated within the condition of the Development Approval.
Generally, The Landscape Plan Endorsement process is managed by your Landscape Architect or Landscape Designer.
Council has a Register of Landscape Designers and Landscape Architects ( PDF, 0.19 MB ) who have demonstrated to Council that they fulfill the following criteria:
- A sound knowledge of Council’s FNQROC Development Manual
- Long-term experience in the landscaping industry, especially in the tropics
- They have submitted several landscaping plans of acceptable quality to Council
- They check their plans against the conditions of the Development Approvals, the Landscaping Code and FNQROC Development Manual.
Applicants should discuss the full requirements with their Landscape Architect, Landscape Designer and Landscaping Contractor to determine the full extent of the landscaping works required and implementation of the works.
The Landscape Plan Endorsement - Application ( PDF, 0.35 MB ) must be emailed to planningadmin@cairns.qld.gov.au, or you can submit it online.
The accompanying Landscape Plan Endorsement - Guideline ( PDF, 0.44 MB ) details the requirements for the application.
The Landscape Plan must be designed by a suitable qualified person, in accordance with the Planning Scheme Policy: Landscaping ( PDF, 1.01 MB ) and the relevant conditions of the approvals.
After we review and accept the complete application, we will send an Endorsement.
We suggest that you contact a Landscape Designer or Landscape Architect to help you prepare a Landscape Plan Endorsement Application. Please see our register of Landscape Designers and Landscape Architects ( PDF, 0.19 MB ) for reference.
A charge is payable for Landscape Plan Endorsement as per the current Fees and Charges Schedule ( PDF, 0.05 MB ). Payment is due at the time of application.
Development & Planning is committed to our Service Charter and we aim to uphold our service operating principles.
The Landscape Plan Endorsement Guideline and Application Form are designed to facilitate the process and ensure consistent, efficient and effective outcomes for all parties.
Our goal is to have the Landscape Plan Endorsed within 20 business days of receiving a properly made application. Timeframes will be impacted where submissions are incomplete or inspections identify unresolved issues.
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: 29 July 2025
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