We are committed to making sure the planning scheme responds to legislative updates and changing community and industry needs. To achieve this the planning scheme is amended from time to time.

We have also recently completed the Towards 2050 Growth Strategy, a long-range, community-informed initiative that establishes strong foundations and comprehensive strategies for managing future growth and development of Cairns. To put the Growth Strategy into action, Council will begin work on a new planning scheme to supersede the CairnsPlan 2016. This will be the city’s primary tool for guiding the growth and development of our region and will ensure decisions reflect the community’s long-term vision.

Sign up to our e-newsletter to stay informed of future planning scheme amendments and the development of the new planning scheme.


Last Updated: 18 November 2025

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