Development, Planning & Approvals

PLANNING & APPROVALS

Ports North has played a significant role in the growth and development of the region over the past 100 years with pioneering developments across export and import facilities, tourism and community well-being.

Our approval process is governed by the Planning Act 2016 (Planning Act) which allows us  jurisdictional powers and responsibilities to manage development on our Strategic Port Land.

The Planning Act ensures any development plan is accountable, effective and efficient and delivers sustainable outcomes; manages the effects on the environment, including the use of premises; and continues the coordination and integration of planning at the local, regional and State levels.

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Ports North is actively involved in the marketing and promotion of the Far North Queensland region as a tourist destination, and as a trade hub through its ports.

Ports North has ownership and planning control over more than 500 hectares of freehold land, with significant landholdings in Cairns. These landholdings include tourism-related development in areas adjacent to the Cairns CBD as well as port-related development at industrial port locations.

DEVELOPMENT APPROVALS

Any activity classified as development in Queensland must obtain approval under the Planning Act 2016.

The approval process is facilitated by an assessment manager (generally your local council).  However, as part of the process, where development impacts on state transport interests, applications must be forwarded (referred) to the Department of Transport and Main Roads for assessment.

The Planning Act 2016 (Planning Act) is the primary planning and development assessment legislation in Queensland and affords Port jurisdictional powers and responsibilities to manage development on Strategic Port Land.

The Planning Act integrated the approvals process in Queensland by facilitating a 'one stop shop' approach to development assessment.

The purpose of the Planning Act is to seek to achieve ecological sustainability by:

• Managing the process by which development takes place, including ensuring the process is accountable, effective and efficient and delivers sustainable outcomes;
• Managing the effects of development on the environment, including managing the use of premises; and
• Continuing the coordination and integrating of planning at the local, regional and State levels.

For Development Assessment or Planning Enquiries:

E planning@portsnorth.com.au