Projects
The Cairns Shipping Development Project aims to develop port infrastructure in order to secure a greater share of the international cruise ship market, enhance Naval capacity and improve port efficiencies.
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Land Use Plan Updates
Land Use Plans
Ports North has prepared Land Use Plans (LUPs) for all strategic port land under its control.
LUPs are statutory planning instruments approved by the Minister for Transport. They provide the framework for how strategic port land is used, developed and managed, including:
- identifying existing and proposed strategic port land
- outlining current and future land uses
- coordinating and integrating relevant planning matters
- defining desired environmental outcomes and measures to achieve them
As a planning document prepared in accordance with the Planning Act 2016, LUPs establish development controls for strategic port land that are broadly consistent with those applied by local governments to surrounding areas.
Development Assessment
Ports North (Far North Queensland Ports Corporation Limited) is responsible for development on strategic port land and acts as the assessment manager for developments wholly within these areas under the Planning Act 2016.
Where development is proposed outside Ports North’s jurisdiction, the relevant State agency or entity will be the assessment manager.
Strategic port land boundaries have been defined to ensure, where possible, that development within each precinct is fully contained within Ports North’s jurisdiction, providing clarity around development assessment responsibilities.
2026 Land Use Plan Updates
Ports North is currently updating Land Use Plans for the following ports:
- Cairns
- Mourilyan
- Thursday Island
- Cape Flattery
- Karumba
As these plans are updated, all information and supporting documents will be made available here. (Link to all the Land Use Plan Statement of Proposals (at this stage just Mourilyan and Thursday Island but we will add to this through the year as the other documents are written)
Make a submission
To make a written submission on a Statement of Proposal during the consultation period, please address correspondence to the Chief Executive Officer by email or in writing:
Email: LUPsubmissions@portsnorth.com.au
Mail:
Chief Executive Officer
Ports North
PO Box 594
Cairns Qld 4870
Key dates:
- Port of Mourilyan: submissions close 1 July 2026
- Port of Thursday Island: submissions close 31 July 2026
- Other ports: submission dates to be confirmed
All correspondence must be received by the relevant closing date for each port.
Port Land Use Plan Update – Q&As
What is a Land Use Plan?
A Land Use Plan guides how land within the port can be used and developed. It helps ensure port land is used in a way that supports jobs and economic activity, while also respecting the environment, cultural values, and the needs of the local community.
For port land managed by Ports North, the Land Use Plan provides the planning framework that applies instead of the local council planning scheme.
What doesn’t a Land Use Plan update do?
A Land Use Plan update does not approve specific projects or developments. It also does not regulate the day-to-day operation of the port, replace environmental approvals required for individual projects, override State or Australian Government laws, or plan broader regional infrastructure outside of port land.
Why is the Land Use Plan being updated?
Land Use Plans need to be reviewed regularly to meet legal requirements and reflect current planning standards.
Updating the Plan helps ensure it remains clear, up to date, and aligned with best practice, while continuing to support the long-term role of Ports North’s ports as important regional assets.
What are the benefits of updating the Plan?
The updated Plan helps guide future use of port land in a way that supports sustainable growth and compatible development.
It provides clarity for industry and the community about how land may be used, while helping ensure port infrastructure and services continue to meet operational needs and community expectations.
How does the Plan consider environmental and cultural values?
Ports North recognises that its ports are located in environmentally and culturally significant areas.
The Land Use Plan helps balance the needs of port operations with protecting environmental values, maintaining community amenity, and supporting the long term, sustainable use of port land.
Who is preparing the updated Plan?
Ports North is responsible for preparing the updated Land Use Plan, working closely with government agencies, industry, stakeholders, and the community.
What will the updated Plan look at?
The Plan will consider a range of factors including land use, infrastructure, environmental management, access, and how the port interacts with surrounding communities.
It reflects the operational role of the port but does not change how day to day port activities are carried out.
How can I have my say?
The update process includes opportunities for the community and stakeholders to provide feedback.
A Statement of Proposal will be released for public consultation, followed by a Draft Land Use Plan for further input before it is finalised.
What happens to feedback?
All feedback received during consultation will be carefully reviewed and considered as the Plan is developed.
A summary of submissions and how they have been considered will be included in consultation reports before the Plan is finalised and approved by the Minister.
LAND USE PLANS
Cairns
Vol 1 - ADMINISTRATION ASSESSMENT
pdf
Vol 2 - CITYPORT LOCAL AREA PLAN
pdf
Vol 2 - CITYPORT LOCAL AREA PLAN - PLANS
pdf
Vol 3 - SEAPORT LOCAL AREA PLAN
pdf
Vol 3 - SEAPORT LOCAL AREA PLAN - PLANS
pdf
Vol 5 - GENERAL CODES
pdf
Annex A - SCHEDULE OF STRATEGIC PORT LAND
pdf
Annex A - SCHEDULE PLANS
pdf