Pre-lodgement advice

Council provides opportunities for customers to raise queries and seek clarification or advice on development proposals.

Request pre-lodgement advice

Step 1.Access information online

Step 2.Speak to a planning officer

Contact Council.

Step 3.Lodge an advice request

  1. Sign in to Online Services.
  2. Go to 'Enquiries.'
  3. Find 'Development - Pre-lodgement Advice' enquiry and click 'Start' to begin the process.
  4. Request either General or Detailed pre-lodgement advice - refer to the Types of advice section below for more information.

Your request must include:

  • a meeting agenda
  • a site plan
  • all mandatory information requested.

Requests must be submitted at least seven business days prior to requested meeting date. Meetings are usually scheduled within 10 business days of the request being received. 

Request pre-lodgement advice

All information will be reviewed by the planning team prior to confirmation of meeting request.

Disclaimer: Pre-lodgement meetings provide an exchange of information in respect to proposed development prior to submitting an application. The advice provided should NOT be taken as a commitment as to whether an application would be approved with conditions or refused by council. The pre-lodgement meeting process cannot override council's duty of care and legislative responsibilities in the assessment of development applications including considering matters raised by possible submitters and referral agencies or which come to light during the detailed assessment process.

The pre-lodgement process is to facilitate properly-made applications to enable a quicker decision process for applicants. Through the pre-lodgement advice process, identified matters can be discussed and considered prior to lodging a development application. 

The two types of pre-lodgement advice requests are General or Detailed.

General advice

This type of request is for applicants who are intending to lodge a development application with Council and seek confirmation on matters such as:

  • site-specific planning interpretation, i.e. category of development and assessment
  • confirmation of applicable codes the potential application will be assessed against
  • responses to specific questions where sufficient detail is provided. 

Note: this is not suitable for liquor licensing or checks for accepted development subject to requirements. 

This type of advice can usually be provided through a written response from council.

Detailed advice

This type of request is for an applicant to discuss in detail, matters regarding a proposed development proposal and engage in collaborative assessment prior to the formal lodgement of a development application. 

Applicants are required to provide proposal plans (to an assessable standard) detailed assessment of relevant codes and a list of specific questions highlighting areas of concern (i.e. what performance outcomes you are seeking). 

This type of request will usually result in a formal meeting. 

Council offers several options including:

  • a return phone call with the requested information
  • detailed written response
  • an organised meeting with relevant council officers (with minutes of the meeting).

The response method ultimately chosen by Council is dependent on the complexity of the request, efficient use of resources and Council resources available.

While Council aims to help you through the process, preparing a development application can be a complex task. Prior to lodgement, we suggest engaging an industry expert such as a planner, engineer, certifier who may be able to help with your building or development project. 

Request pre-lodgement advice

If you have any questions regarding the process or are having difficulties completing the online request, contact council.

You will be requested to nominate three preferred days and times for the meeting. Council will attempt to schedule the meeting on one of your nominated dates and time. At least seven business days are required to allow for appropriate scheduling. 

Council offers teleconference for pre-lodgement meetings. If you would like to use this facility please indicate this with your request. 

All information supplied on the pre-lodgement meeting request is used to assist officers in preparing for the meeting and to ensure that appropriate officers attend to address your issues.  

As your proposed development may trigger referral to the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA), discuss your proposal with SARA during the conceptualisation phase of the project. A referral agency may also provide a response on a matter prior to lodging the application with the assessment manager.

Contact the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning on 13 QGOV (13 7468) or visit the SARA website.

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