Forms & Permits
New home for Planning & Development forms
Date published 20 November 2024
Please note that all Planning & Development related forms have relocated to our new Townsville Planning & Development website.
Examples of Planning & Development forms include:
- Compliance, design and exemption certificates
- Property and application information requests
- Subdivisions
- Referral Agency Responses
- Trade Waste
- Road work permits
Council Forms & Permits
Following is a complete list of forms and permits used across Council.
Animal Registrations
Application for approval to keep three to four dogs (PDF 128.5 KB)
You need approval from Council in order to keep three to four dogs on your property.
Application for cat approval (online)
Online form - You need approval to keep a cat. This application is for approval to keep one to two cats per property.
Application for cat approval – one to two cats (PDF 86.4 KB)
You need approval to keep a cat. This application is for approval to keep one to two cats per property.
Application for cat approval – up to six cats on properties 4,000m² or greater (PDF 145.5 KB)
You need approval to keep a cat. This application is to seek approval for the keeping of up to six cats on a property 4,000m² or greater.
Application to conduct a kennel or cattery (PDF 166.0 KB)
If you wish to keep more than four dogs or more than six cats, you will need approval for a kennel or cattery. This form is also to renew your current kennel or cattery approval.
Please Note: You will be required to complete a Cat and/or Dog Details form.
Application for dog registration (PDF 87.7 KB)
Registration form for new dog registrations. All dogs must be registered with Council.
Application for dog registration (online)
Online registration form for new dog registrations. All dogs must be registered with Council.
Application for excess cat approval – between 3-6 cats on property (PDF 128.1 KB)
You need approval to keep a cat. This application is to seek approval to keep between three to six cats on a property over 400m².
Application for large bird approval (PDF 125.9 KB)
Council approval is required for the keeping of up to one large bird (Cockatoo, Galah, other bird of similar size, Peacock or Peahen) on properties less than 4000m².
Cat details form (PDF 79.4 KB)
This form is to be used when you need to give Council additional cat details.
Change of animal registration details (online)
Online form - Make a change to the details of your animal registration, e.g. if you have changed address, desexed your dog, or your dog or cat has died.
Change of animal registration details (PDF 83.2 KB)
Printable PDF - Make a change to the details of your animal registration, e.g. if you have changed address, desexed your dog, or your dog or cat has died.
Change of animal registration ownership (PDF 80.0 KB)
Let us know about the change of ownership of an animal, whether you are a new owner or the previous owner.
Request for refund application (PDF 134.5 KB)
Use this form to apply for a partial refund of dog registration fees and business licences in certain circumstances.
Cemeteries
Form 1 - Reserve a grave/site application (PDF 153.1 KB)
Application to reserve a grave/site at Belgian Gardens Cemetery. (Must also complete "Internment consent application" if the reserve and interment is to occur simultaneously.)
Form 2 - Interment consent application (PDF 259.3 KB)
Interment Consent application form. (Must also be completed with "Reserve a grave/site application" if the reserve and interment is to occur simultaneously.)
Form 3 - Traditional burial acknowledgement (PDF 134.1 KB)
The Traditional Burial Acknowledgement applies when a family requests to backfill a grave in accordance to their tradition.
Form 4 - Monument construction permit (PDF 243.4 KB)
To be completed when applying for the construction of a Plaque with base on Lawn area, Headstone, kerb and ledger/or concrete top or other monument.
Form 5 - Right of burial transfer application (PDF 190.1 KB)
Right of Burial Application form to transfer certificate of grave/site.
Form 6 - Grave/site surrender application (PDF 145.3 KB)
To be completed by right of burial holder and applies to unused plots only.
Form 7 - Exhumation application (PDF 255.9 KB)
This is an application for the exhumation of a Deceased person’s body or their cremated ashes in a Townsville City Council controlled Cemetery.
Commercial Use of Council Areas
Access to a Local Government controlled area application (PDF 310.7 KB)
To ensure the safe access and egress to private property over a Local Government controlled area. Before you can access a Local Government controlled area with a motor vehicle, you must complete and submit this application to be assessed in accordance with Subordinate Local Law 1.18 (Bringing or Driving a Motor Vehicle onto a Local Government Controlled Area) 2011.
Commercial approval application
Businesses applying to use Council land for a commercial activity are required to complete this form. Please ensure you submit a completed Commercial Permit Risk Assessment Form and any other relevant documentation such as a Certificate of Currency for Public Liability Insurance for the amount of $20 million with Townsville City Council listed as an interested party and other certificates, permits or licences that are relevant to your proposed commercial activity.
Council licensing of Commercials Permits is crucial for several reasons:
- to minimise the impact generated by organised commercial activities on public open space, beaches, park assets
- to ensure equitable access to limited public space and beaches
- to regulate the activities of organised groups, including concerns regarding public liability and occupational health and safety
- to strike a balance between the needs of commercial activities on open spaces and those of local residents and visitors.
The current Fees and Charges for Commercial Approvals are available in Part 5.I - Full Schedule of Council Fees and Charges.
Please note: If your proposed location is on a state-controlled road, you will need to obtain approval from the Department of Main Roads (DTMR).
If you have any questions regarding this Commercial Permit Application or proposed locations, please contact Townsville City Council on 13 48 10 or CommercialPermits@townsville.qld.gov.au.
Commercial permit risk assessment form (DOC 253.5 KB)
This form is to be completed with the application form - Commercial Use of Local Government Controlled Areas & Roads
Commercial filming permit application (PDF 410.9 KB)
Our free permit application process is designed to facilitate and promote commercial filming activity. Please read through the application form prior to submitting, as your application may require supporting documentation such as traffic control permits, public liability insurance policy and CASA certification.
- Filming on private land: filming on privately owned land is at the discretion of the land owner.
- Filming on state and federal government land and roads: the appropriate permits need to be sourced from the relevant state and federal government authorities.
If you are a student, not-for-profit organisation or community group, you are not required to apply for a commercial film permit, but you are required to source permission.
Lighting permit application and information sheet (PDF 1.2 MB)
There is no charge to apply to install bud lights (fairy lights) in Council trees in the public adjacent to commercial premises. The form includes information on technical requirements.
Complaints, Insurance Claims & Petitions
Complaints form (PDF 134.8 KB)
If you are dissatisfied about the service delivery, services, decisions or actions of Council or its staff and would like to lodge a complaint, simply fill out this form and send it to the Chief Executive Officer.
Incident report form - letter of demand (PDF 109.8 KB)
If you have suffered personal injury and believe that council is liable, please complete and submit.
Petition to Townsville City Council form (PDF 31.5 KB)
A petition is a formal, written request, signed by a minimum of ten persons, presented to council regarding any matter of community interest or requesting council to take action.
For more information visit our Petitions page.
Environment
Amend environmental authority application (PDF 619.8 KB)
This is the approved form to be used when applying to amend an environmental authority (EA) for which Townsville City Council is the administering authority.
Annual return form (PDF 608.6 KB)
This form must be completed and submitted to Townsville City Council each year by the holder of the environmental authority (EA).
Environmental authority application (PDF 616.4 KB)
This is the approved form to apply for an environmental authority (EA) for a prescribed environmentally relevant activity (ERA) for which Townsville City Council is the administering authority.
Request for refund application (PDF 134.5 KB)
Use this form to apply for a partial refund of dog registration fees and business licences in certain circumstances.
Surrender an environmental authority application (PDF 612.5 KB)
This is the approved form to be used for applications requesting surrender of an environmental authority (EA) under sections 257 and 265 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 for which Townsville City Council is the administering authority.
Suspend environmental authority application (PDF 617.0 KB)
This is the approved form to be used under section 284A of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 for the holder of an environmental authority (EA) to request a suspension of that EA for which Townsville City Council is the administering authority.
Transfer environmental authority application (PDF 619.8 KB)
This is the approved form to apply to transfer all or part of an environmental authority (EA) for a prescribed environmentally relevant activity (ERA) for which Townsville City Council is the administering authority.
Events
Busking information sheet and permit (online)
Council encourages busking in the city's public places provided that the busking is conducted in a way that does not unreasonably impact upon others.
Request for a Letter of No Objection
This form is used to apply for a letter of no objection (LONO) when a special event / intended works requires a temporary change to traffic conditions. This application is for the assessment of the traffic impact only.
Risk assessment form (PDF 166.5 KB)
This form is to be completed by all individuals, organisations or groups applying to participate at a Townsville City Council Event, who do not have their own Public Liability Insurance.
Finance
Credit Application Form (PDF 164.0 KB)
The responsibility of providing the credit references rests with the applicant, and credit terms cannot be provided until all the necessary information has been received and evaluated.
Direct Debit Application (online)
This agreement is between the Direct Debit User (Townsville City Council User ID 207492) and you (the customer) and should be read in conjunction with the Direct Debit Request (DDR) form.
Direct Debit application (PDF 118.1 KB)
This agreement is between the Direct Debit User (Townsville City Council User ID 207492) and you (the customer) and should be read in conjunction with the Direct Debit Request (DDR) form.
Disconnection or installation of pedestal (toilet)
Use this form to advise Townsville City Council when pedestals are installed or disconnected from an existing commercial property.
General Rate Categorisation Objection (online)
You may object to the rating category that the Council has applied to your property. Your objection must be lodged with Council within 30 days of the rates notice being issued.
General Rate Categorisation Objection (PDF 111.8 KB)
You may object to the rating category that the Council has applied to your property. Your objection must be lodged with Council within 30 days of the rates notice being issued.
General Rate & Utility Charges Concession (online)
Council will consider providing assistance to not-for-profit and charitable community organisations using the rate exemption provision under section 93(3)(i) of the Local Government Act 2009.
General Rates & Utility Charges Concession application (PDF 31.7 KB)
Council will consider providing assistance to not-for-profit and charitable community organisations using the rate exemption provision under section 93(3)(i) of the Local Government Act 2009.
Hardship Concession application (PDF 42.4 KB)
If you have been severely impacted by hardship circumstances and are experiencing financial difficulties, please fill out this application form.
Owner Occupied Statement (PDF 163.6 KB)
Council offers a different rating category to ratepayers who own and occupy a property as their principal place of residence. For details of this please refer to the Schedule of Rates and Charges.
Owner Occupied Statement (online)
Council offers a different rating category to ratepayers who own and occupy a property as their principal place of residence. For details of this please refer to the Schedule of Rates and Charges.
Payment plan application (online)
A Payment Plan is an agreement between the ratepayer and Council that allows for the payment of the outstanding rates and charges to be made in regular instalments over an agreed period.
Payment plan application (PDF 316.3 KB)
A Payment Plan is an agreement between the ratepayer and Council that allows for the payment of the outstanding rates and charges to be made in regular instalments over an agreed period.
Pensioner Concession Application - Centrelink (online)
Each pensioner registered on the property title must complete a separate application.
Pension Application Form - Centrelink (PDF 142.7 KB)
Each pensioner registered on the property title must complete a separate application.
Pensioner Concession Application - DVA (online)
Each pensioner registered on the property title must complete a separate application.
Pension Application Form - DVA (PDF 140.6 KB)
Each pensioner registered on the property title must complete a separate application.
Refund/transfer of rates credit application (PDF 226.1 KB)
Use this form to apply for a refund or transfer of rates credit. Please allow 10 working days for your application to be processed.
Flood and Network Modelling
Flood model request form
Request access to the relevant base-line flood model for your project.
Request for network modelling information form
Request either boundary condition information, or access to a copy of the water and/or sewer network model(s).
Food Licencing
Amend food licence application (PDF 608.5 KB)
Use this application to apply for approval to change your existing food licence. Note: If you wish to apply to be a NEW licensee of a currently licensed food business, you must apply for a new food licence.
Certificate of compliance application (PDF 102.4 KB)
If you are considering the purchase of a food business, use this form to apply for a certificate of compliance to determine the food business’s current level of compliance with the Food Act 2006 and Food Standards Code.
Commercial kitchen, mobile food van, licensable non-profit organisations application (online)
This application ONLY applies to commercial kitchens, mobile food vans, and non-profit businesses that sell meals on at least 12 days each financial year. Complete and submit the application at least 30 days before commencement of trade to ensure your application is processed on time.
Commercial kitchen, mobile food van and licensable not-for-profit organisations application (PDF 198.7 KB)
This application ONLY applies to commercial kitchens, mobile food vans, and non-profit businesses that sell meals on at least 12 days each financial year. Complete and submit the application at least 30 days before commencement of trade to ensure your application is processed on time.
Domestic kitchen licence application (online)
This application applies to farm stays, bed and breakfast businesses, or the manufacturing of cakes, biscuits, slices, confectionery or preserves on a small or limited scale in a domestic kitchen (within a residential dwelling). This can include sale from home directly and/or the sale of these food products at markets and fetes. Complete and submit the application at least 30 days before commencement of trade to ensure your application is processed on time.
Domestic kitchen licence application (PDF 642.3 KB)
This application applies to farm stays, bed and breakfast businesses, or the manufacturing of cakes, biscuits, slices, confectionery or preserves on a small or limited scale in a domestic kitchen (within a residential dwelling). This can include sale from home directly and/or the sale of these food products at markets and fetes. Complete and submit the application at least 30 days before commencement of trade to ensure your application is processed on time.
Food safety program accreditation application (PDF 614.8 KB)
This application only applies to those businesses that require a food safety program under the Food Act 2006, or that wish to voluntarily submit a program.
Food safety supervisor application (online)
This application is for a food business that wishes to add, amend or cancel a food safety supervisor for their food licence. It is a requirement in Queensland that the licensee must have a food safety supervisor nominated for the food business who is easily contactable at all times. A business may have more than one food safety supervisor.
Food safety supervisor application (PDF 72.9 KB)
This application is for a food business that wishes to add, amend or cancel a food safety supervisor for their food licence. It is a requirement in Queensland that the licensee must have a food safety supervisor nominated for the food business who is easily contactable at all times. A business may have more than one food safety supervisor.
Request for refund application (PDF 134.5 KB)
Use this form to apply for a partial refund of dog registration fees and business licences in certain circumstances.
Surrender a food licence application (PDF 616.8 KB)
Complete this application form to surrender an existing food licence issued by Townsville City Council under the Food Act 2006.
Temporary food stall licence application (PDF 682.3 KB)
This application is for a licence for either a one off event or for an annual licence and applies to temporary food stalls ONLY. Complete and submit the application at least 30 days before commencement of trade to ensure your applications is processed on time.
Galleries
Friends of the Galleries
The Friends of the Galleries program offers a range of Membership Categories to suit people’s diverse needs and budgets.
Heritage
Cultural Heritage Register add or remove form (online)
Nominate a place or apply to remove a place from Schedule 7, Cultural Heritage Register, in the Townsville City Plan.
Laboratory Services
Sample Chain of Custody Form - Townsville Laboratory Services (PDF 97.9 KB)
Townsville Laboratory Services LF-011 sample Chain of Custody form.
Legal
Information Privacy amendment form (PDF 128.4 KB)
Under the Information Privacy (IP) Act 2009 you have a right to amend your own personal information.
Plea of Guilty (PDF 9.8 KB)
Used when you wish to plead guilty to charges laid down in the summons.
RTI application form (PDF 207.8 KB)
It is recommended that you contact the RTI officer in the relevant agency for assistance and advice before completing and submitting this application form.
The information you are seeking may be already available online, for purchase or by request.
Parking
Application to exceed time-limited parking (PDF 118.6 KB)
This parking permit allows tradespersons to park continuously in “1P”, “2P” and “4P” parking bays for longer than the advertised maximum time.
Commercial vehicle permit application (PDF 118.7 KB)
A vehicle may be issued with a commercial vehicle identification label if the vehicle is used for carrying on a business that requires the regular use of loading zones.
Election for court hearing notification (PDF 51.8 KB)
You have the right to have this matter dealt with by a Court. Before making that decision you should obtain legal advice.
Election for court hearing notification (online)
You have the right to have this matter dealt with by a Court. Before making that decision you should obtain legal advice.
Event precinct parking permit application (PDF 178.9 KB)
These permits are issued to ensure residents are still able to park on their streets and to help minimise the impact event patrons have on surrounding suburbs.
Request to review a parking infringement (PDF 46.4 KB)
If you have received a parking fine (Penalty Infringement Notice or PIN) and you don’t believe that it is correct, you can request a review.
Request to review a parking infringement (online)
If you have received a parking fine (Penalty Infringement Notice or PIN) and you don’t believe that it is correct, you can request a review.
Resident parking permit application (PDF 1.3 MB)
Residents in Pimlico and North Ward may be eligible to apply for a Resident Parking Permit.
Resident parking permit application (online)
Residents in Pimlico and North Ward may be eligible to apply for a Resident Parking Permit.
Personal Appearance Services
Amend or transfer a higher risk personal appearance services licence (PDF 625.1 KB)
Use this application form to amend or transfer a licence related to higher risk personal appearance services, such as body piercing, tattooing, implanting substances into the skin or scarification.
Higher risk personal appearance service application (PDF 198.7 KB)
Use this application form to apply for a licence to undertake higher risk personal appearance services, such as body piercing, tattooing, implanting substances into the skin or scarification. Complete and submit the application at least 40 days before commencement of trade to ensure your application is processed on time.
Request for refund application (PDF 134.5 KB)
Use this form to apply for a partial refund of dog registration fees and business licences in certain circumstances.
Surrender higher risk personal appearance services licence application (PDF 604.5 KB)
Use this application to surrender your existing higher risk personal appearance services licence.
Planning & Building
Decommissioning a swimming pool or spa form (PDF 596.7 KB)
Pool safety legislation allows pool owners to decommission their swimming pool (including portable spa pools) instead of complying with the pool safety standards. After decommissioning the pool, the owner of the land must notify Council, who will issue an acknowledgement letter. There is no fee for this.
For more information visit our Swimming Pools and Spa page.
Decommissioning a swimming pool or spa form (online)
Pool safety legislation allows pool owners to decommission their swimming pool (including portable spa pools) instead of complying with the pool safety standards. After decommissioning the pool, the owner of the land must notify Council, who will issue an acknowledgement letter. There is no fee for this.
For more information visit our Swimming Pools and Spa page.
Submission about a development application (PDF 607.7 KB)
Making a submission about a development application simply means making comments on a development application that is required by legislation to advertise and invite public comment on the development.
Theatres
The Friends of the Theatre membership form (PDF 81.8 KB)
The Friends of the Theatre is an association that promotes the awareness and appreciation of the Civic Theatre.
Trees
Tree removal application (PDF 165.2 KB)
Apply for Council to remove a tree(s) from public land.
Tree removal application (online)
Apply for Council to remove a tree(s) from public land.
Water
Authorisation to change water billing option - new meter (PDF 90.1 KB)
Two water pricing plans are available to residential customers.
Location of water or wastewater system infrastructure (PDF 114.8 KB)
Council can mark the location of water and wastewater infrastructure assets for you. Use this form to apply for this service.
Metered standpipe hire form (online)
Used to hire a Metered Standpipe from Townsville City Council
Request for connection quotation (PDF 328.2 KB)
QAF0190 Request for connection quotation
Reimbursement of wastewater costs (PDF 142.9 KB)
QAF0459 Reimbursement of wastewater costs document