Business activities on Council land

Businesses can be given approval to undertake a range of commercial activities on Council-controlled community land in the Cairns region, where it benefits the area and local residents.

If you are interested in conducting business activities on public land, you need to apply for a permit.

Council's Best Practice Management Guideline for Commercial Use of Public Open Space ( PDF, 0.23 MB ) details how to we balance the value the community places on public open space with increasing demand from small businesses to use those spaces for commercial activity.

General Activity Permit

A General Activity Permit ( PDF, 0.26 MB ) is required for many different activities including (but not limited to):

• Personal training and fitness activities
• Recreational health and fitness classes (eg Zumba, running, group fitness)
• Tours
• Stationary roadside vending
• Hire of equipment such as paddle boats and canoes
• Fun Runs
• Markets
• Community march/rally
• Fundraising
• Goods for sale on footpath outside the CBD

Temporary Entertainment Event Permit

A Temporary Entertainment Event is any social, sport, community or entertainment event that is open to the public, requires exclusive use of an area (indoor or outdoor).

Examples of temporary entertainment events include but are not limited to a concert, live music or entertainment or festival.

You must complete the Application for Temporary Entertainment Event form ( PDF, 0.38 MB ) whether your event is being held on private land or on public (Council-controlled) area or road, and whether there is an entry charge or not. If you wish to close a road, lane or Council car park/parking bay, you must also apply for an application for temporary road closure.

You do NOT need to complete this form for private parties, functions or activities.

Permits for other business activities on public land

Separate permits are required for:

• Commercial photography and filming
• Footpath dining in the Cairns CBD
• Activities on the Cairns Esplanade ( DOCX, 0.08 MB ) eg commercial health and fitness activities (maximum of 50 clients), tours, amusement activities and rides, and vending.

Permits are considered on a case-by-case basis and will include strict conditions to ensure public safety and protection of Council's assets. Organisers may be required to submit a Risk Management Plan, Waste Management Plan and a Public Liability Certificate prior to a permit being issued.

Be aware you may need additional permits and approvals, for instance if you are selling or offering food or broadcasting music.

Fees and charges vary depending on the type, duration and location of the activity.

Fireworks

Fireworks displays can only be performed by professional contractors who are licenced by Queensland Government under the Explosives Act.  Only licensed fireworks contractors are legally allowed to put on displays in Queensland using approved firework products.

Unlicensed use and possession of fireworks (other than unrestricted items such as sparklers, bonbons, streamer cones or caps for toy pistols), is an offence. Offenders can be fined, face imprisonment and risk severe injury.

If you plan to have fireworks at your event, you will need to engage an appropriately licensed fireworks contractor.  They need to submit a Fireworks notification form to Queensland Government at least seven calendar days before the event.

Approved upcoming fireworks display dates are listed on the Queensland Government's website.