Bonds

Construction Security Bond

The construction security bond is used as a security against the works that are being constructed. Typically, this bond is given to Council at the start of the project together with any pre-start documentation.

Construction security bonds are 5% of the estimated cost of the construction/works and which is prepared and certified by the consulting engineer (RPEQ). The bonds are refundable at work acceptance has been achieved however, these bonds typically roll over to become the defects liability bond.

Defects Liability Bond

The defects liability bond is held as a security after works acceptance has been achieved as a bond against any defects in the work that has been completed.

The defects liability bond is 5% of the value of the work and is held for the duration of the defect’s liability period which is typically 12 months and Council grants Final Works Acceptance. The bond can be refunded following written request and after Council has issued final works.

Uncompleted Works Bond

The uncompleted works bond is held as a security bond for works that are yet to be completed. This bond is used usually required when requesting Early works and Early Plan Sealing.

This bond may be used as alternative security in accordance with Schedule 18 of the Planning Act when approving plans of a subdivision at the full discretion of Council. An Uncompleted works bond is calculated at 1.5 times the value of works. These bonds will be held until all works are complete and generally should not exceed more than 90 days. The bond becomes refundable once works achieve works acceptance.

Bond return

In order to have your bond returned, you must submit a formal request to Council. Depending on the bond you have, the timing of when that bond may be returned varies. The following table is a guide.

*The bonds are refundable at work acceptance has been achieved however these bonds typically roll over to become the defects liability bond.

Bond refund request are generally made by the consulting engineer overseeing the project. Please complete either the Cash Bond return request form or the Bank Guarantee returns request form below. Submit electronically to planningadmin@cairns.qld.gov.au.

Bond return forms

To request the return of a Cash Bond, complete the cash bond return request form and submit it by email to Planning Administration. Note: this form is only for development bond returns and cannot be used for refunds or other transactions.

To request the return of a Bank Guarantee, complete the bank guarantee return request form and submit to Planning Administration. Note: this form is only for development bond returns and cannot be used for refunds or other transactions.