Development approvals
A development approval is required for activities that are classed as assessable development by the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (IPA). Refer to the The department web site about information on making an application for a development approval under IPA for development assessed by the department. IPA provides the approval process for development applications and is administered by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.
The aspects of development triggering assessment by the department are set out below.
- A material change of use of premises for an ERA (other than mining or petroleum activities) and development for a mobile and temporary ERA are defined to be assessable development under Schedule 8 of IPA. Refer to Guide 4 (PDF)* on the Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP) website (PDF)*.
- A development approval is required to undertake certain types of development associated with contaminated or potentially contaminated land. Refer to Guide 5 (PDF)* on the DIP website.
- Operational works for activities in the coastal zone are defined as assessable development in Schedule 8 of IPA and material change of use of premises, reconfiguration of a lot and building works in the coastal zone are identified in Schedule 2 of the Integrated Planning Regulation 1998 (IP Reg) as requiring referral to the EPA. Development in the coastal zone is managed by the department through the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995. Refer to Guide 18 (PDF)* and Guide 24 (PDF)* on the DIP website.
- Assessable development on a State heritage place as defined in the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 also requires an IDAS development application. Refer to Guide 19 (PDF)*.
- The department is a concurrence agency for certain types of development in Koala Conservation and Koala Sustainability Areas. Refer to Guide 26 (PDF)* on the DIP website.
- The department is an advice agency for proposed developments that may impact on wetlands, the department Conservation estate and properties that share a common boundary with a place on the Queensland Heritage Register. For more information, see the The department Advice Agency role under IPA/IDAS.
- The Wild Rivers Act 2005 changed the department's role in the assessment of some aspects of development. For applications made within declared wild river areas please look at Activities in Wild River Areas. Refer to Guide 27 (PDF)* on the DIP website.
Development applications are lodged with the assessment manager. If the only assessable development in the application is the ERA, the administering authority is the assessment manager. The assessment manager varies depending on what other assessable development is involved in the development proposal. Where the administering authority is not the assessment manager, it is a concurrence or advice agency.
NOTE: If you are unsure whether your development proposal is assessable against a planning scheme, contact your local government. To contact the department regarding information or any queries you may have in relation to the department's role within IDAS contact the Ecoaccess Customer Service Unit on 1300 368 326.
For application forms and guidelines go to the DIP website.
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Last updated: 07 April 2009