Neighbouring Land Uses

In some instances, your neighbour may not be aware they are causing a nuisance or a safety issue.  Often, the best way to resolve an issue with a neighbour is to approach them with your concerns and try to work together to resolve the problem.

If this is not an option, or the issue poses an immediate threat to a persons health and safety, contact Council or the appropriate authority to request assistance in resolving the matter.

If you are unsure whether you need an approval, please contact Council. 

Where a report is received regarding suspected unauthorised building work, plumbing and drainage work or unlawful land use, Council can investigate within our legislative authority. 

Council’s first response is to educate and inform both parties involved of the requirements. If the problem continues, Council will investigate further. 

Council's Development and Compliance Officers will assess the situation and notify the owner if there is a non-compliance determined.

In extreme cases, property owners can risk being directed to remove unapproved structures at their own expense where they have not sought the correct approvals.

Use the following links to direct you to further information about when a Council approval may be required: 

• Planning & Development Approvals
• Buildings Approvals
• Plumbing Approvals
• Home-Based Business  (PDF 292.3KB)
• Driveways
• Temporary Accommodation/Homes
• Swimming Pool Fences
• Shipping Containers

Council has a limited role with regards to stormwater management on private properties.

Councils role is generally limited to the following:

• regulating conditions of a Council issued approval
• investigating instances of contaminated stormwater
• assessing drainage easement documents prior to their registration with the state

Problems with overland stormwater flow between neighbouring properties are generally a civil matter to be resolved between the respective owners.

If you are experiencing an issue with this type of stormwater flow, you should first speak to your neighbour about the problem. 

Ongoing disputes can be referred to the Queensland Government Neighbourhood Mediation Services. 

More information about stormwater drainage can be found here.

Camping, sleeping, occupying or remaining overnight is a resticted activity on public land and is only permitted where Council has sign posted the areas as being permited for this use.

Public land can include parks and reserves, roads, footpaths, water-channels and land, facilties and other infrastructure owned or otherwise controlled by the local government. 

Reports of illegal camping on public land can be reported to Council for further investigation.  

FREE CAMPING

Council provides a number of free camping locations within the region.  A list of where you can and cannot camp on public grounds can be found here.

 If you are unsure whether you can camp or stay overnight at a location, please contact Council.

COMMERCIAL CARAVAN & CAMPING PARKS

If you are looking to operate a caravan and/or camping ground at your private property, you may require planning approval before you begin to operate. Where the correct planning approval has been given,  please contact Counicl's Environmental Health Officers about when a Permit to Operate a Caravan Park under Council's Subordinate Local Law No. 1.8 (Operation of Caravan Parks) 2011 is required. 

More information about operating a commerical camping and caravan park can be found here.