Commercial access to public land

There may be other commercial activities that do not fall under the typical commercial use categories but still require Local Law approval.  

  • access to jetties (for example delivering goods to a boat or setting up fireworks) 
  • commercial fishing activities at designated areas such as Red Beach and Skirmish Point in Bribie Island, and Suttons Beach in Redcliffe
  • helicopter landings.

Council regulates these activities to ensure they are carried out safely while considering other public space users and residents, and to preserve the purpose and amenity of our public spaces.

Submit your application along with all supporting documentation at least 30 business days before access is needed. This timeframe allows for thorough review, any necessary requests for additional information, final assessment, and decision-making.

Once all supporting documents have been provided, your application will be reviewed and assessed under the Commercial Use of Public Land and Roads Local Law 2023. 

Commercial fisher access is only permitted at Red Beach and Skirmish Point, Bribie Island, and Suttons Beach, Redcliffe. Permits for the general public to drive on the beach are issued by Queensland Parks and Wildlife.

How to apply

Step 1.Complete a risk management plan

Complete the Risk management plan template(DOCX, 927KB).

Step 2.Prepare a site plan

Prepare a site plan using the Commercial vehicle site plan template(DOCX, 51KB).

Step 3.Take out public liability insurance

Evidence of a current public liability insurance policy to the value of $20,000,000 in the same name as the applicant should be provided with your application.

Ensure the location listed on your policy includes public land, for example, anywhere in Australia or worldwide. This must be outlined either on your certificate of currency or the terms and conditions of your policy and provided to Council. If this is not listed, obtain written confirmation from your insurer.

Step 4.Collect supporting documents 

You may need to provide other documents and licences, depending on your business. If applicable, provide:

  • copies of a current vehicle registration certificate for all nominated vehicles
  • copies of comprehensive insurance documents
  • a copy of a current Queensland Commercial Fisher Licence
  • copies of relevant flight and/or landing approvals from the relevant approval authority. 

Step 5.Review conditions

Make sure you review and understand the Commercial use of public land and roads conditions(PDF, 387KB). Specific conditions may be added after your application has been assessed. 

Step 6.Review fees and charges 

An application fee is payable at the time of submission per Council’s fees and charges. Council will contact you for payment.

The first column is the type of fee, the second column advises the fee amount, and the third column explains the fee's purpose.

Fee type  Amount Details
Application fee  201206 This is a one-time fee paid when submitting your application.  
Commercial use of public land annual charge  201194 Charged pro rata from the approval date to 30 September. Then annually, each September, for the approval term between 1 October to 30 September.
Renewal fee  201209 Charged annually in September to renew an approval for the approval term between 1 October to 30 September.
Amendment application fee  201207 Payable when an application to change an existing approval is submitted. There is no fee for minor changes, for example, trading name or contact details.
Transfer application fee  201208 Payable when an application to transfer an existing approval to another person or business is submitted. Note: Not all approvals are eligible for transfer. Check the approval conditions before applying.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are exempt from paying fees with evidence of eligibility.

Step 7.Submit an application form  

Download and complete the Commercial use of public land and roads(PDF, 940KB) application form and submit it along with your supporting documents:

The applicant for approval must be a legal entity, such as an individual, company, incorporated body, unincorporated body, partnership, body corporate or trustee.

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