The CairnsPlan 2016 is Cairns Regional Council's plan for the future development and sustainable growth of Cairns. CairnsPlan 2016 is a balanced plan that encourages growth while maintaining the qualities and characteristics that make the Cairns region special.

The CairnsPlan 2016 Version 3.1 is the current version of the planning scheme. It was adopted by Cairns Regional Council on 13 July 2022 and commenced on and from 2 August 2022.

The CairnsPlan 2016 is made up of two key components: the document and the associated maps. The maps are available as PDF maps or can be viewed using the interactive mapping.

CairnsPlan 2016 version 3.1 document

View and download the complete version of the current Cairns Plan including Parts 1 to 10, Schedules 1 to 6 and Appendices.

CairnsPlan 2016 Version 3.1 Compliance Tables

View and download compliance tables for Part 6 Zones, Part 7 Local Plans, Part 8 Overlays and Part 9 Development Codes.

CairnsPlan 2016 version 3.1 Maps

Access the current CairnsPlan interactive mapping, or view and download PDF maps.

CairnsPlan 2016 Planning Scheme Policies

These Planning Scheme Policies support Council's planning scheme. They contain standards, provide information that may accompany a development application, and include guidance on assessment benchmarks.

CairnsPlan 2016 V3.1 fact sheets

Council has developed a series of fact sheets to assist in the understanding and application of the CairnsPlan 2016. The contents in the fact sheets are an outline only.

CairnsPlan Property Report tool

Council's CairnsPlan 2016 Property Report tool is an easy and convenient way to access planning scheme information that relates to a specific property.

CairnsPlan 2016 Amendments

This page lists the amendments to the CairnsPlan 2016. Amendments are required from time to time to keep the CairnsPlan 2016 up to date and operating effectively.

More information

For enquiries, phone us on 1300 69 22 47 or email townplanner@cairns.qld.gov.au.

Provide feedback on the CairnsPlan 2016

We are committed to continuously improving the CairnsPlan 2016 and ensuring it stays up to date through an ongoing program of amendments. We welcome your feedback on the CairnsPlan 2016 and your suggestions for improvements.

To provide feedback, please complete the online feedback form below. Once submitted, you will receive an email confirming that your feedback has been received.

You will be advised when amendments are available for review and comment. Please note that undertaking amendments to the CairnsPlan 2016 involves research, consultation and review from both Council and the State Government and this process can take more than 6 months. If you have any enquiries about the amendments process, please contact planningscheme@cairns.qld.gov.au

Last Updated: 21 October 2022

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