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Current and superseded planning schemes for the Cairns region.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

Babinda Pool reopens following winter closure

Babinda Pool will reopen on Monday, 7 September, following its annual winter closure....

General Updates
20 August 2026

Find your new best friend at Dog Adoption Day

Cairns residents looking to add a furry new family member are invited to attend Cairns Regional Council’s Dog Adoption Day...

Community & Lifestyle
20 August 2026

Wave hello, the Cairns Lagoon is now open!

After a scheduled, biennial 5-week closure, the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon has reopened for everyone to enjoy....

Council Projects & Services
18 August 2026