Business & investment

Cairns is perfectly positioned for local, national and international businesses and investors to live, visit and do business.

Building & renovating

Information on building guidelines and certification, driveways, easements, fences, garages and sheds, pools, siting dispensation and tropical building design.

Property information

We offer a range of useful maps and property searches for residents, land owners, property developers and business owners.

Development

Information about the types of development, levels of assessment, making and lodging a Development Application, public notification and submissions.

Planning schemes

Current and superseded planning schemes for the Cairns region.

Plumbing

Information on plumbing approvals and inspections, plumbing and sewer plan records, backflow prevention, and overflow relief gullies.

Operational Works

Information on when you need approval for operational works and how to apply.

Tropical building design

Designing for the tropics is essential in our climate. Use our resources to help design a home or building that responds to our environment, climate, local character and community needs, including the Designing for Density in the Tropics Design Guide.

Last Updated: 5 October 2021

Latest News > All News

64th Cairns Festival wraps up in style

The 2026 edition of Cairns Festival came to a close on Sunday with Carnival on Collins once again transforming Collins...

Arts & Culture
8 September 2026

Cairns leads Queensland in mobile phone recycling

Cairns residents have helped the region top Queensland for mobile phone recycling....

Environment & Sustainability
7 September 2026

Lots on for Cairns Festival's final weekend

With Cairns Festival heading into its final weekend, residents and visitors have plenty of opportunities to experience live music, theatre,...

Arts & Culture
4 September 2026