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Current and superseded planning schemes for the Cairns region.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
King tides expected in Cairns this week
King tides are expected to affect Cairns from Monday 26 – Wednesday 28 October.These king tides are all expected to...
26 October 2026
It's Cairns' annual cemetery clean-up time
The Cairns community is being encouraged to visit the resting places of loved ones ahead of Council’s annual cemetery clean-ups...
26 October 2026
What's happening in your suburb this month?
Friendlier and safer community spaces, coastal protection and smart water meter upgrades are being delivered across the Cairns region....
22 October 2026