Development within our region follows a planning process set by the Queensland Government. Our planning officers have an important role in this process by assessing and deciding development applications. Development applications can be proposals to:
- subdivide land (reconfiguring of a lot)
- commence, change or intensify a use (material change of use)
- conduct building work within an area with certain restrictions, such as in an identified flood zone (building work assessable against the planning scheme).
Development applications are assessed against the Mareeba Shire Council Planning Scheme 2016. The Planning Scheme incorporates local, regional and state planning policy and aims to balance the social, economic and environmental needs of the community. The scheme identifies different zones, which have different types of activities and uses that can be conducted within them.
Some development applications may include a period of public notification where the community is invited to make submissions in support of or opposing a development. Some development applications require assessment by the Queensland Government and our planning officers. These applications are referred to the State Assessment and Referral Agency as part of the assessment process.
Our planning officers also conduct strategic planning for the region, write and review the planning scheme, and act as a referral agency for building work.
Lodging a Planning Application
To lodge a properly made reconfiguring of a lot application you will need:
- a completed DA form 1
- a planning report responding to the relevant planning scheme codes
- a proposed lot layout (usually prepared by a surveyor)
- proof of lot ownership (or owner’s consent)
- to pay the application fee.
Forms
Infrastructure Charges
Trunk infrastructure is significant or higher order infrastructure that supports large areas or catchments, such as water supply, parks and road networks for an entire neighbourhood.
We levy infrastructure charges as part of the development assessment process to help pay the cost of providing additional trunk infrastructure because of increased demand. These charges apply when a subdivision (reconfiguring a lot) or material change of use generates additional demand on trunk infrastructure networks.
Check the requirements before undertaking any work.