Footpath stickers & decals
Council has clear guidelines on the use of adhesive labels or signs which attach to, are drawn on or transferred to the footpath.
Permitted purposes (events)
Footpath stickers and decals will only be considered for events which are:
- Major events including sporting events (Major events refer to events which generate interest, profile or visitation from outside of Cairns.)
- Events or sporting events of state, national or international significance
- High profile business events and conferences
Allowed locations
Footpath stickers and decals will only be considered for the following locations:
- Cairns Central Business District (CBD) – between Wharf Street and Florence Street, Severin Street and the Esplanade. (Does not include the Esplanade Boardwalk, Esplanade Dining Precinct or bicycle paths.)
- Botanic Gardens/Tanks Art Centre – Collins Avenue from Captain Cook Highway to McCormack Street
- Palm Cove – Williams Esplanade from Veivers Road to Palm Cove Jetty.
Note: any textured footpaths in these above locations will not be considered.
Permit application process
Applications to use footpath stickers and decals are assessed as an application for a permit for an alteration of local government controlled areas or roads permit in accordance with Council's Local Law No.11 ( PDF, 0.41 MB ) (Local government controlled areas and roads) 2016 and Local Law No. 1 ( PDF, 3.07 MB ) (Administration) 2016.
A permit will only be approved for a maximum of 10 footpath stickers/decals per event, installed in specified locations (with only one sticker permitted at each site) for a maximum period of one month.
Applicants must:
- Submit a permit application for an alteration of local government controlled areas or roads ( PDF, 0.38 MB )
- Pay the application fee and security bond
- Provide examples of artwork for approval by Council officers
- Take out and maintain for the duration of the permit, a public liability insurance policy to the value of $20 Million, in the name of the permit holder and note the local government as an interested party
- Indemnify the local government against any and all claims, actions, loss and liability, including claims for personal injury and damage to property, that arise or may arise directly or indirectly as a result of the footpath stickers/decals
- Pay a security bond amount as requested by Council to ensure safe and adequate removal of the footpath decal/sticker on expiry of the permit. This bond will be returned to the event organiser once Council has inspected and approved the removal works completed.
Standards and conditions
- Each individual sticker/decal must be less than 1 square metre in size
- Decals must be made from non-slip material.
- Dark colours (such as black and purple) are not supported. Dark stickers/decals may pose a hazard to people with vision impairments.
- Stickers/decals are to be installed in a footpath area that is setback from traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, buildings and street infrastructure with a minimum of 50 metres of footpath between each footpath sticker/decal.
Last Updated: 16 October 2025
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