Permits & Licenses

If you’re preparing or selling food as part of your business, you may need a food business licence from Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

This includes businesses such as:

• Cafés, restaurants and takeaway shops
• Bed and breakfasts or farm stays that serve food
• Mobile food vans and market stalls
• Home-based food businesses

Why a Licence is Needed

• Licensing helps Council make sure food businesses follow safe food handling and hygiene practices. This protects the health of the community and keeps food safe for everyone.

What’s Involved

To get a food licence, you’ll need to:

• Apply For A Food Business Licence
• Provide floor plans and other required documents
• Undergo a food safety assessment
• Pay the applicable fees

Once approved, your business will be inspected regularly to make sure it meets food safety standards.

For more information

Not all food businesses need a licence. Council can help you work out if your business requires one.

Visit the Food Business Licence Page for detailed information about permits and requirements.

If you operate accommodation that includes shared kitchens, bathrooms or communal areas, you may need a Shared Facilities Permit from Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

This applies to:

• Rental accommodation with shared facilities
• Caravan parks and camping grounds
• Bed and breakfasts or farm stays (Note: a food licence is also needed if you prepare food for guests)

Why a Permit is Needed

Council manages these permits to help keep accommodation safe, hygienic and well-maintained. This protects the health and comfort of guests and ensures buildings and facilities meet safety standards.

What’s Involved

To apply, you’ll need to:

• Complete an application form
• Submit a site plan and supporting documents (like fire safety reports, pest control info, and water test results if not on town water)
• Pay the required fees

**New premises must also provide floor plans and detailed drawings of the site, and written approval from the property owner if you are not the owner.

If you want to use public spaces for business or community activities, you may need approval from Cassowary Coast Regional Council.

This includes using community land such as:

• Footpaths and roadways
• Parks, beaches and foreshores
• Trails, walkways and other shared spaces

What Needs a Permit?

A permit is needed for activities like:

• Outdoor dining or placing goods on footpaths
• Busking, fundraising, or public information displays
• Temporary signage or displays on public land

Why a Permit is Needed

Permits help Council:

• Keep public spaces safe and accessible
• Make sure activities don’t interfere with pedestrians, traffic, or nearby businesses
• Support fair use of shared areas for everyone

What’s Involved

To apply, you’ll need to:

• Fill out the relevant permit application form
• Provide a simple site plan showing your setup
• Hold public liability insurance (minimum $20 million) with Council listed as an interested party
• Pay the applicable fees

**Once approved, you’ll need to keep the area clean, follow safety rules, and avoid causing obstruction or nuisance.

If your planning event you can find out more information here on the Events Page.

Some animals, or larger numbers of animals, are restricted or not allowed in areas that are not zoned rural.

In some cases, you can apply for approval to keep restricted animals on your property.

When You Need a Permit

You may need a permit if you want to:

• Keep animals that are not normally allowed in residential areas
• Keep more animals than the usual number permitted

Find out if you need a permit by downloading the Keeping of Animals Factsheet. 

In Queensland, certain activities known as Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERAs) have the potential to release contaminants into the environment, possibly causing harm. These activities include aquaculture, sewage treatment, cattle feedlots, mining, and coal seam gas extraction. To ensure these activities are conducted responsibly, businesses must obtain an Environmental Authority (EA) before commencing operations. ​

Why Obtain an Environmental Authority?

Securing an EA ensures that your business complies with environmental regulations, helping to protect Queensland's natural resources and communities. Operating without the necessary EA is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. ​

How to Apply:

1. Identify Your ERA: Determine if your business activities are classified as ERAs by consulting the list provided by Business Queensland. ​
2. Understand the Application Type: The EA application process varies based on the environmental risk level of the activity. Low-risk activities may follow a standard application process, while higher-risk activities might require a more detailed assessment. ​
3. Prepare Your Application: Gather necessary documentation, including technical information about potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures. ​
4. Submit Your Application: Applications can be submitted through the Online Services portal or by completing the relevant forms and sending them to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI). ​
5. Await Assessment: DESI will assess your application based on regulatory requirements and standard criteria to ensure environmental standards are met. ​

Need Assistance?

For detailed information on the application process and to access necessary forms, visit Business Queensland's guide on Applying for an Environmental Authority. Ensuring you have the proper authorisations not only keeps your business compliant but also contributes to the sustainable management of Queensland's environment.

Council no longer issues licences for the storage of flammable and combustible liquids. This follows the repeal of the Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act and Regulation 2001.

For all enquiries about the storage and handling of these materials, please contact:

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

Phone: 1300 362 128

Website: www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

If you want to set up a mobile roadside stall or trade from one of Council’s designated stationary vending areas, you’ll need to apply for a permit.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council’s Subordinate Local Law No. 4 (Local Government Controlled Areas and Roads) 2022 identifies five approved locations across the region for stationary vending.

How to Apply

To apply, you’ll need to:

• Complete the Permit Application
• Provide a Public Liability Insurance Certificate for at least $20 million, with Cassowary Coast Regional Council listed as an interested party

Apply for General Activities (Mobile Roadside Vending & Stationary Vending)

Setting Up on a State-Controlled Road

If your vending site is on a state-controlled main road, you must also get approval from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

For a list of state-controlled roads in the Cassowary Coast region, visit the  State Government Roads page.

If you run a higher risk personal appearance business—such as tattooing, body piercing, or any service involving skin penetration—you must have a licence from Council.

How to  Apply

To apply, complete the:

• Application to Carry Out a Business Providing Higher Risk Personal Appearance Services
• Submit the form with the applicable fee.

Taking Over an Existing Business?

You can apply to transfer an existing licence using the same form and fee.

Queensland Health provides a helpful guide:

Public Health (Infection Control for Personal Appearance Services) Act 2003