Compliance & Enforcement Specialist

Can You Fix Unlawful Development? Your Options Explained

Common Mistakes That Lead to Planning Act Breaches (And How to Avoid Them)

Prohibited development is development that cannot be approved under any circumstances. It is defined in the Planning Regulation and local planning schemes. Carrying out prohibited development is a serious offence.

Discussion around penalties for Planning Act 2016 offences including maximum penalties and aggravating or mitigating circumstances

Assessable development includes building work, material change of use (MCU), reconfiguring a lot (ROL) and operational works (filling or excavation, clearing vegetation). If the local government planning scheme or a regulation under the Building Act 1975 or the Planning Act 2016 categorises the development as assessable then a development permit is required. Carrying out the work without a development permit is an offence.

The Planning Act 2016 (Qld) sets out the rules for development in Queensland — and the offences that apply when those rules aren’t followed. Councils across SEQ actively investigate and prosecute breaches, and penalties can be significant. Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, or developer, understanding how offences arise (and how to fix them) is essential.