Planning Schemes
The existing planning schemes for the former Cairns City and Douglas Shire Councils will remain in force until a new planning scheme covering the Cairns region is developed. This process is due to commence in 2010 and will take several years to complete. It will also involve extensive community consultation prior to commencement.
The following is more specific information regarding planning schemes.
Current schemes & policies
Current (2009) planning schemes for the former Cairns City and Douglas Shire Councils will remain in force until a new planning scheme covering the Cairns region is developed.
Superseded & transitional schemes
The (superseded) CairnsPlan came into effect Jan 2005. The (superseded) Douglas Shire Planning Scheme 2006 came into effect Sep 2006.
Scheme amendments
Council is required to notify the public of any proposed amendments. Applications for either area can be made at the Cairns or Mossman office.
Cairns Region Planning Scheme
Cairns Regional Council has commenced preparations of a new planning scheme for the whole Cairns Region.
Dual occupancy development
Dual occupancy development Prior to 18 December 2009, development of a Dual Occupancy or Multi-Unit Housing (2 dwelling units) required a ‘Development Approval’ from Council. On 18 December 2009, with the introduction of the Sustainable Planning Act and Sustainable Planning Regulation, the approval process for this type of development changed in certain circumstances.