Policies & laws
Local Laws
Local Laws govern most of Council's roles and responsibilities including parking, swimming pools, advertising signage, animal control, outdoor dining, overgrown allotments, pests and weeds, and nuisances such as noise and dust.
- Read more about Local Laws
General Policies
Council's General Policies are statements of the principles and/or values that Council will take into consideration during its decision making processes. Policies are in place to fulfil the community's needs and are continually being reviewed and updated. The policies approved by Council are listed below.
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50:50 Financial Contribution for Road Shoulder Sealing, Kerb & Channel, Street Landscaping and Footpath Works General Policy (83.3 KB)
Financial contribution arrangement to facilitate road shoulder sealing, kerb & channel and footpath works for existing, developed areas.
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Acceptable Requests Guidelines (222.9 KB)
The purpose of these Guidelines is to inform Councillors of their obligations in dealing with Council employees and to provide a framework for constructive interactions between Councillors and Council employees.
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Access and Inclusion General Policy (30.5 KB)
To provide guiding principles for Council to ensure residents and visitors to the region have equitable access to Council facilities, services, programs and activities.
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Acid Sulphate Soils General Policy (19.0 KB)
This Policy is intended to support the local dimension of the Planning Scheme by ensuring that development takes account of the presence of acid sulfate soils.
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Acquisition of Land General Policy (132.1 KB)
Process of acquiring land for community purposes or for Council’s operational use, including easements for public purposes and compulsory acquisitions under provisions of the Acquisition of Land Act 1967.
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Adornment of Graves General Policy (104.7 KB)
Policy in relation to the placement of tributes on graves at Council’s Cemeteries.
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Advertising Spending General Policy (30.4 KB)
To provide guidelines outlining the control on expenditure on advertisements placed by Council in various media to ensure that this advertising is in the public interest.
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Arts and Cultural Assistance Grant Policy (122.8 KB)
A key priority of Cairns Regional Council’s Strategy for Culture and the Arts 2022 is to provide grant funding that builds and sustains the viability and productivity of community-based organisations, and enhances the capacity and capability of local artists and cultural and creative practitioners.
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Arts and Cultural Facilities General Policy (150.0 KB)
Council commits to the: provision of facilities for the benefit of arts and culture in the region; and the support of arts and cultural facilities operated by entities other than Council. This policy shall apply to arts and cultural facilities on land owned by Council or for which Council is trustee.
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Arts and Culture General Policy (55.4 KB)
Cairns Regional Council supports the development of a vibrant, progressive and collaborative arts and cultural community and industry in the Cairns region, contributing to the growth and sustainability of our broader community. This policy has application to Council activities occurring across the Cairns Local Government Area.
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Asbestos Disposal General Policy No 10109 (148.4 KB)
To provide direction to the general public on the requirements for the disposal of domestic generated asbestos at Council’s Portsmith Waste Transfer Station. This policy is not intended to provide detailed advice on all aspects of handling and transporting asbestos waste.
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Asset Capitalisation General Policy (30.7 KB)
To set a threshold monetary value for the capitalisation (recording) of Non-Current Assets for Cairns Regional Council.
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Asset Management General Policy (44.5 KB)
To provide clear direction and define the key principles that underpins Asset Management for Cairns Regional Council.
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Audit Committee General Policy (442.1 KB)
To establish a policy for the creation and operation of an Audit Committee and the establishment of an Audit Committee Charter. This policy shall apply to Council, its Audit Committee, its Internal Auditor and staff subject to or responsible for the various functions of Council’s corporate governance activities.
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Bank Guarantee General Policy (678.5 KB)
To outline Cairns Regional Council’s policy regarding the guarantee of third party loan borrowings based upon sound financial management guidelines
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Cairns Cultural Diversity General Policy (23.1 KB)
Cairns Regional Council will have an inclusive, integrated, collaborative and culturally sensitive approach to the development and delivery of Council related services, programs and initiatives that engage, involve, impacts on and represents residents and visitors from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
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Cairns Recreational Fishing Working Group Terms of Reference (100.1 KB)
The Recreational Fishing Working Group provides advice, advocacy, reporting, community feedback and recommendations in relation to recreational fishing strategies.
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Cairns Regional Council Markets General Policy (150.3 KB)
To control and regulate the conduct of markets on Council owned or controlled land.
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Code of Conduct for Councillors General Policy (295.2 KB)
Principles and standards of behaviour expected of Councillors and Mayors when carrying out their roles, responsibilities and obligations. Adherence will increase public confidence in Local Government and Council decisions.
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Community Engagement General Policy (48.0 KB)
The intent of this policy is to broadly define Council’s approach to the engagement of our community. It has application across the full range of policy, program and service issues encountered by local government.
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Community Gardens General Policy (1.4 MB)
To provide Council and the community with a framework for the establishment and management of community gardens on Council owned or controlled land to foster access to healthy eating and food choices.
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Community Grant General Policy (326.9 KB)
This policy guides delivery of Council’s Community Grant Program which provides assistance to community based groups and organisations that enrich the diversity of cultural, social, sport and economic development opportunities available to the residents and businesses located in the Cairns region.
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Community Sport Events and Cultural Services Committee Terms of Reference (177.7 KB)
Establish the framework within which the above Standing Committee operates with reference to obligations specified in the Local Government Act 2009.
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Competitive Neutrality Complaints General Policy (44.4 KB)
To provide guidance as to how competitive neutrality complaints will be handled by Council.
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Concealed Water Leak General Policy (184.7 KB)
Cairns Regional Council will provide assistance to qualifying residential and not for profit water customers who have larger than normal water accounts due to the existence of a concealed leak. Provision of assistance is subject to conditions and assistance is calculated using a defined methodology.
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Corporate Sustainability General Policy (170.6 KB)
This policy demonstrates Council’s commitment to work towards a sustainable future. It embeds sustainability into the operational function of the organisation.
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COVID -19 Response Investment Incentive Policy (90.6 KB)
The intent of the Policy is to provide an economic stimulus for the development and construction industries and associated local employment across the Region in response to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Dealing with a Complaint Involving the Public Official General Policy (1.2 MB)
“sets out how Cairns Regional Council will deal with a complaint that involves or may involve corrupt conduct of its public official as defined in the Crime and Corruption Act 2001. For the purpose of this policy, Council’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is its public official.”
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Debt General Policy (170.3 KB)
To provide Council with a debt management strategy based on sound financial management guidelines.
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Debt Recovery General Policy (34.6 KB)
This policy applies to all rates and charges levied and other accounts receivables of Council and its commercialised business units.
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Development Interaction Guidelines General Policy (62.2 KB)
This Policy provides ethical guidance for Councillors and staff when dealing with parties involved in or associated with a development application.
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Dividend General Policy (31.4 KB)
To provide guidelines on the return of dividend to Council from commercialised business units.
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Dog off leash areas, fenced dog exercise areas and prohibition of animals in public places General Policy (490.0 KB)
To provide Council with a framework for the establishment, provision and improvement of dog off leash areas, fenced dog exercise areas and prohibition of animals in public places areas to meet community needs and maintain public and animal safety.
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Drinking Water Quality General Policy No 10126 (24.5 KB)
To establish a policy for the implementation and maintenance of a Drinking Water Quality Management System that is consistent with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
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East Woree Development Strategy General Policy (58.6 KB)
This Policy is intended to describe the external works necessary within the East Woree Development Precinct and to allow the costs of these works to be apportioned equally.
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Energy and Emissions Management General Policy (127.8 KB)
To provide Council with a framework for energy and greenhouse gas emissions management.
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Entertainment and Hospitality Expenditure General Policy (33.6 KB)
To provide clarity as to what is considered reasonable entertainment, why it is important to the role of Council and the administrative processes that support this.
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Esplanade Management General Policy (37.1 KB)
To ensure that the management and programming reflects the key objectives of the reserve and to recognise the Indigenous Land Use Agreements in place, and the traditional owners of Cairns Esplanade
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Expenses Reimbursement and Support for Elected Members General Policy (104.4 KB)
This policy clarifies expenses reimbursement and support for elected representatives of Cairns Regional Council.
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Fair Use of Council Facilities and Services General Policy (26.5 KB)
To provide direction concerning access and use of Cairns Regional Council managed facilities by the public. This policy applies to facilities provided by Council for the benefit of the public.
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Financial Assistance for Not-for-Profit Organisation - Fees & Charges General Policy (99.6 KB)
To establish a policy for the provision of financial assistance for Not-For-Profit organisations of specific fees & charges. This policy will allow Council to consider applications from Not-For-Profit organisations for financial assistance in the form of a full or part waiver of specific fees & charges.
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Financial Hardship Policy - Rates and Water Usage (302.2 KB)
To establish a policy for the provision of assistance to ratepayers suffering financial hardship due to the COVID-19 event
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First Peoples Advisory Committee Terms of Reference General Policy (110.3 KB)
The First Peoples Advisory Committee aims to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with input into Council decision making processes.
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Flying Fox Advisory Committee - Terms of Reference (1.9 MB)
Council wishes to engage the community and vested stakeholders in assisting with the education and awareness of flying-foxes in the Cairns Regional Council area as per its Management Approach adopted by Council on 29 July 2015.
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Fraud General Policy (119.2 KB)
To demonstrate that Cairns Regional Council is committed to ensuring the community is aware of Council’s standards with regard to the elimination of all corruption and fraud.
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Free Registration for Dogs Owned by Pensioners; and for Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs General Policy (30.2 KB)
To provide clear guidelines and assessment criteria for issuing free registration for dogs owned by aged pensioners (or other pension card holders who would otherwise be eligible for the aged pension) and for guide, hearing and assistance dogs.
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General Complaints Management Process General Policy (4.9 MB)
In accordance with section 306 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 Council must have a written policy and procedure which supports the complaints management process (CMP). The objectives of the CMP are to outline Council’s commitment to the effective management of complaints.
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Governance and Economics Committee Terms of Reference (177.8 KB)
Establish the framework within which the above Standing Committee operates with reference to obligations specified in the Local Government Act 2009
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Inbound Sponsorship General Policy (30.8 KB)
A policy for the acknowledgment of Sponsorship of Council Activities and Assets by Businesses, Organisations, Communities and Individuals.
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Independent Rate Relief Tribunal General Policy (258.1 KB)
The Tribunal makes recommendations to Council on forms of assistance to ratepayers who are experiencing serious financial hardship.
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Interest on Trust Funds General Policy (36.6 KB)
To provide direction with regards to the payment of interest on funds held by Council in Trust.
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Internal Audit General Policy (33.3 KB)
To establish a policy about the appointment of an Internal Auditor and the relationship to the organisation and the Audit Committee. This policy shall apply to the Internal Auditor and staff subject to or responsible for the various functions of Council’s internal audit process.
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International Relationship General Policy (45.9 KB)
This policy establishes Council’s formal position and policy framework with regards to International Relationships.
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Investigation Policy – Councillor Conduct (187.6 KB)
This is Cairns Regional Council’s investigation policy for how complaints about the inappropriate conduct of Councillors will be dealt with as required by the section 150AE of the Local Government Act 2009 (the LGA). However, this policy does not relate to more serious Councillor conduct.
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Investment General Policy (49.3 KB)
To outline Cairns Regional Council’s investment policy and guidelines regarding the investment of cash holdings with an objective of maximising earnings whilst minimising risk to ensure the security of Council funds.
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Kerbside House Numbering General Policy (24.8 KB)
To manage the installation of kerbside house numbering by private organisations.
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Liquor Licensing and Adult Entertainment Permits General Policy (81.8 KB)
This policy describes Council’s overall position regarding the operation of licensed venues in the local government area.
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Management of Confidential Information General Policy (159.6 KB)
To ensure Councillors and Officers of Cairns Regional Council understand the requirements for management of release of all confidential reports and information to the public.
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Management of Flying Foxes General Policy (37.9 KB)
Outlines Council’s position on Flying Fox Management within designated urban areas in accordance with relevant legislation.
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Media Management General Policy (39.4 KB)
This policy outlines a formal process to ensure all media releases, statements and enquiries regarding Cairns Regional Council issues are managed professionally and appropriately.
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Metering of Cairns Regional Council Properties and Public Facilities General Policy No 10104 (10.1 KB)
To establish a policy for metering of Cairns Regional Council properties and public facilities.
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Model Meeting Procedures (234.8 KB)
These procedures ensure Local Government principles are reflected in the conduct of meetings and committee meetings, to strengthen public confidence in Local Government to deal with the conduct of Councillors in meetings.
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Mount Peter Reserve General Policy (23.7 KB)
The intent of this policy is to establish clear and precise practice regarding the contribution and application of funds for the Mount Peter Master Planning project.
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Naming of Bridges General Policy (25.4 KB)
To ensure there is a consistent approach to bridge naming throughout the Cairns Regional Council area in relation to provisions contained within Local Law 22.
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Naming of Parks and Reserves General Policy (116.3 KB)
To establish a policy for the naming of Parks & Reserves throughout Cairns Regional Council area in relation to provisions contained within Local Law No 26 and Local Law Policy No 5.
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Nominations for the inclusion or removal of a place from the Local Heritage Register General Policy (24.0 KB)
This Policy is intended to support the local dimension of the Planning Scheme by ensuring that places of cultural heritage significance are nominated to the local heritage register on a continuous basis.
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Planning and Environment Committee Terms of Reference (359.6 KB)
Establish the framework within which the above Standing Committee operates with reference to obligations specified in the Local Government Act 2009.
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Plaques, Memorials and Monuments General Policy No 10441 (47.0 KB)
To advise Council’s approach to the management of requests for the installation of commemorative plaques, memorials and monuments in public spaces in the Cairns Regional Council, avoiding duplication of the memorial facilities and services provided by cemeteries in the region.
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Procurement General Policy (339.9 KB)
This document sets out Cairns Regional Council’s policy for the acquisition of goods and services and adherence to the “sound contracting principles” as stipulated in the Local Government Act 2009
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Public Art and Creative Placemaking Policy (87.0 KB)
To provide a guide and a framework, for Council in the development, planning, maintenance, de-accessioning, acquisition and integration of public art in the Cairns local government area.
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Public Information Security and Management (including Intellectual Property) General Policy (84.4 KB)
To articulate Council’s commitment to responsible collection and management of personal information and ethical use of third party intellectual property
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Public Interest Disclosure General Policy (22.5 KB)
The intent of this policy is to define Council’s obligations and to affirm Council’s commitment to compliance with the Public Interest Disclosure requirements of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2010 (PID Act).
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Public Open Space General Policy (681.2 KB)
This General Policy articulates Cairns Regional Council’s overarching position, vision and objectives for providing and improving Public Open Spaces.
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Rates Based Financial Assistance for not for profit Recreation, Sporting and Community Groups General Policy (360.2 KB)
To establish a policy for the provision of rates based financial assistance to not for profit recreation, sporting and community groups.
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Recycled Water General Policy (29.1 KB)
To establish guidelines in relation to the supply and use of recycled water.
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Regional Arts Development Fund - Terms of Reference General Policy (150.1 KB)
The Regional Arts Development Fund Committee consists of a group of artists and arts workers who are appointed to advise Council on the suitability of diverse culture and geography of the Cairns Regional Council area, and each member has responsibility for a particular arts portfolio.
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Related Parties Disclosure General Policy (30.9 KB)
To outline Cairns Regional Council’s policy regarding the identification and monitoring of related party transactions. This policy applies to all Councillors and Key Management Personnel
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Reports and Information Council May Request General Policy (146.0 KB)
This Policy is intended to support the local dimension of the Planning Scheme by identifying the information which the Council may request a proponent to provide to demonstrate that a proposal for development meets the performance criteria and will be ecologically sustainable.
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Reserves General Policy (32.5 KB)
To establish an accounting policy for reserves for Cairns Regional Council that is in line with Council's Budget and Operational Plan.
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Revaluation of Non-Current Assets General Policy (662.5 KB)
To outline Council's policy for determining the carrying value of non-current assets and applies to tangible non-current assets (property, plant and equipment)
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Revenue General Policy (393.8 KB)
Principles used by Council for levying rates and charges; granting concessions for rates and charges; recovering overdue rates and charges; establishing cost-recovery methods (fees); and infrastructure charges for new development.
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Revenue Statement (1.1 MB)
The Revenue Statement is produced in accordance with section 104 of the Local Government Act 2009 and sections 169 and 172 of the Local Government Regulation 2012
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Risk Management General Policy (112.4 KB)
To set guidelines for implementing consistent risk management processes throughout Cairns Regional Council.
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Roadside Vending General Policy (101.9 KB)
The intent of this policy is to provide clear objectives and guidelines for the issuing of approvals to carry out Roadside Vending Activities on roads under Local Law No.22.
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Service Quality Strategy.pdf (397.6 KB)
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Sewer Construction - Replacement of Trees General Policy No. 10109 (10.4 KB)
To establish a policy for a uniform approach in dealing with claims for compensation for the loss of trees and other flora resulting from construction of sewers.
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Shared Vision Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (119.6 KB)
The Shared Vision Advisory Committee will provide advice, advocacy, feedback and recommendations about further development and implementation of the Shared Vision for Cairns.
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Sister Cities General Policy (228.7 KB)
To clearly articulate Council's commitment to establishing and maintaining Sister Cities relationships and to describe the role and function of the Sister Cities Ambassador in managing relationships.
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Speaker's Corner General Policy (45.3 KB)
The intent of this policy is to allow any member of the public to speak in a public forum within Fogarty Park.
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Standing Orders for Council Meetings Including Standing Committees 'Best Practice Guide' (225.2 KB)
To provide written rules for the orderly conduct of Council Meetings.
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Subsidiary Water Meter General Policy (411.1 KB)
Framework for installation and use of subsidiary water meters (sub-meters) in relation to multi units/lots developed since 1 January 2008. It provides for mandatory requirements prescribed in the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code.
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Sustainable Building Design General Policy (90.8 KB)
To incorporate sustainable building design principles in all Council buildings, including new buildings and renovation projects.
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Tenure Arrangements and Disposal of Council Property General Policy (164.6 KB)
To establish general principles for issuing tenure arrangements and disposing of Council property in accordance with legislative requirements. These policy principles will be applied in the allocation, use, management and disposal of Council property through the associated Administrative Instruction.
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Traditional Custodian Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country General Policy (431.8 KB)
The Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country are incorporated in Council's official protocol and events to recognise the unique position of Aboriginal people in Australian culture and history.
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Use of Council Civic Areas General Policy (16.7 KB)
The intent of this policy is to clarify the criteria for the use of the Civic areas within the Spence Street, Cairns Regional Council building.
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Vegetation on Council controlled land: Planting, removal and maintenance General Policy (234.2 KB)
Outlines Council's management of vegetation on Council-controlled land, including planting, removal and maintenance. It does not apply to vegetation on private property unless potentially hazardous to public, Council infrastructure or it is a declared weed species.
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Water Conservation General Policy (31.5 KB)
To establish a policy for the adoption of water conservation principles and actions for Cairns Regional Council operational activities, properties and public facilities.
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Water Meter Installation General Policy No 10103 (10.2 KB)
To establish a policy for the installation of water meters in areas of the Cairns Regional Council.
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Water Restrictions General Policy (24.4 KB)
To establish a policy and approval process for the imposition of water restrictions by Cairns Regional Council Water and Waste.
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Webcasting of Council Meetings General Policy (153.4 KB)
This Policy outlines Council’s policy for the live audio and video streaming of Ordinary and Special Council Meetings on Council’s website, audio and video recording of those meetings, and publishing the audio and video recordings of those meetings on Council’s website.
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Work Health and Safety General Policy (180.9 KB)
Cairns Regional Council is committed to ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for employees, councillors, contractors and visitors to the workplace. This General Policy outlines Council's approach to Work Health and Safety.
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Works Committee Terms of Reference (264.6 KB)
Establish the framework within which the above Standing Committee operates with reference to obligations specified in the Local Government Act 2009.