Property & Business
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Current and superseded planning schemes for the Cairns region.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
Council improves community safety
Cairns Regional Council has completed the installation of new CCTV infrastructure at four locations across the Cairns Local Government Area....
22 June 2026
Investing in safe, resilient, connected communities
Cairns’ residents will benefit from a significant investment of $36.4 million in community infrastructure, active travel, recreation facilities and public...
22 June 2026
Council seeks certainty from State for major projects
Council commends significant investment already committed to major projects across housing, health and roads, however the city now needs clear...
19 June 2026