FNQ-New LGA's included to operate 24/7 to supply essential goods
Further to Hon. Meaghan Scanlon MP, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works announcement on 22 December declaring the Tropical Cyclone Jasper event in Far North Queensland (FNQ) an applicable event under section 275E of the Planning Act 2016 (Planning Act), additional local government areas have now been included.
What LGA's are now included?
- Cairns Regional Council
- *Carpentaria Shire Council
- *Cassowary Coast Regional Council
- Cook Shire Council
- Douglas Shire Council
- *Hinchinbrook Shire Council
- Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire
- *Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council
- *Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council
- Mareeba Shire Council
- Tablelands Regional Council
- Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council
- Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire
* New LGA's added from 5/1/2024
What does this mean?
From 21 December 2023 and 9 February 2024 inclusive, shops, supermarkets, warehouses and transport depots and other uses directly invovled in the supply of essential goods to areas impacted by TC Jasper, may operate 24 HOURS per day, SEVEN (7) days a week.
What areas does this apply to?
This applies ONLY to local government areas that have been impacted by the cyclone disaster to ensure the planning framework can respond appropriately and to ensure that FNQ communities are supplied with essential goods.
These provisions were previously used during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the end of the stated period, affected businesses will need to adapt back to the conditions of approvals.
Other impacts - Applications for Temporary Use Licences (TUL)
While the applicable event declaration is in effect, applications for a TUL can be made where there is a direct relationship to the cyclone event.
A person may apply to the chief executive of the Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works for a TUL, and the department will liaise with the relevant local government prior to deciding the TUL. This provides an opportunity to support temporary solutions for residents and businesses displaced or affected from the cyclone or temporary operations to support clean-up activities.
Departmental Contacts:
The FNQ regional office - (07) 4037 3214 or by email at CairnsSARA@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au.
For enquires related to TULs - TUL@dsdilgp.qld.gov.au.
