Applicable events
The Planning Minister has powers to declare an applicable event. The concept of the ‘applicable event’ ensures that the state government is able to make advance preparations or respond to emerging circumstances that affect a State interest under the Planning Act.
Once enacted, these powers are temporary and only apply for the duration of the declared event. The provisions commence when the Planning Minister declares that there is an event, such as a public health emergency or a natural disaster, that will affect state interests. The event is declared through a notice.
These provisions were first used to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency, but now are a permanent part of our planning framework. This ensures the planning framework can respond to other future events or disasters such as floods, cyclones, bushfires or public health pandemics.
Once an applicable event is declared by the Planning Minister, three types of powers become available for use:
Extension or suspension of planning framework periods under the Act
- The Planning Minister can extend or suspend statutory timeframes to provide for actions, such as those that occur in development assessment, to still be undertaken in a timely manner.
- The ability to extend or suspend the statutory timeframes assists local governments, businesses, industry and the state government to manage the impacts of the applicable event on their operations and ensures that community and industry confidence in the planning framework can be maintained.
Declarations of uses and classes of uses
- The Planning Minister can make a declaration for certain uses or essential businesses to operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week to ensure that they can work around the clock to deliver vital goods and services to Queenslanders.
Temporary use licences
- Any person can apply for a temporary use licence (TUL) to change or vary existing development approval conditions or other operating constraints which may prevent them from operating during the applicable event.
- The TUL arrangements recognise that businesses may need to innovate or change how they operate in unprecedented circumstances.
- A TUL authorises the use of premises within the jurisdiction of the Planning Act but does not remove the need to obtain any other approvals that might be required by local, state and/or Commonwealth jurisdictions.
- To make an application for the TUL during an applicable event, use the TUL application form.
Current applicable events register
There are no current applicable events in Queensland.
Previous applicable events register
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The Planning Minister declared on 2 February 2024 the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily event in the Mount Isa local government area to be an applicable event. The applicable event ended on 10 February 2024.
Date of notice
Applicable event notice
2 February 2024 Ex-tropical Cyclone Kirrily applicable event notice ( 
80.9 KB)
Declarations of uses and classes of uses
The Planning Minister made the following declaration of uses or classes of uses for the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily applicable event. The effect of the declaration ended on 10 February 2024 when the applicable event ended.
Date of notice
Declaration of use or classes or uses notice
2 February 2024 Declaration of use notice ( 78.7 KB)
Temporary use licences
No temporary use licences (TULs) were given during the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily applicable event. Both the ability to apply for a TUL and the operation of a TUL ended when the Ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily applicable event ended.
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The Planning Minister declared on 21 December 2023 the Tropical Cyclone Jasper event that occurred in Far North Queensland (FNQ) to be an applicable event.
The Acting Planning Minister declared on 5 January 2024 the Tropical Cyclone Jasper – associated rainfall and flooding that occurred in FNQ to be an applicable event.
Both applicable events ended on 9 February 2024.
Date of notice
Applicable event notice
22 December 2023
Tropical Cyclone Jasper applicable event notice (
149.6 KB)5 January 2024 Tropical Cyclone Jasper - associated rainfall and flooding applicable event notice ( 83.7 KB)The Tropical Cyclone Jasper applicable event applied to the following local government areas:
- Cairns Regional Council
- Cook Shire Council
- Douglas Shire Council
- Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire
- Mareeba Shire Council
- Tablelands Regional Council
- Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council
- Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire
The Tropical Cyclone Jasper – associated rainfall and flooding event applied to the following local government areas:
- Carpentaria Shire Council
- Cassowary Coast Regional Council
- Hinchinbrook Shire Council
- Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council
- Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council
Declarations of uses and classes of uses
The Planning Minister made the following declarations of uses or classes of uses during the Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the Tropical Cyclone Jasper – associated rainfall and flooding applicable events. The effect of both declarations ended on 9 February 2024 when the applicable events ended.
Date of notice
Declaration of use or classes or uses notice
22 December 2023
Declaration of use notice (
138.2 KB)5 January 2024 Declaration of use notice ( 96.9 KB)Temporary use licences
No temporary use licences (TULs) were given during the Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the Tropical Cyclone Jasper – associated rainfall and flooding applicable events. Both the ability to apply for a TUL and the operation of a TUL ended when the Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the Tropical Cyclone Jasper – associated rainfall and flooding applicable events ended.
Extension of periods under the Planning Act
The Planning Minister made the following extension notices during the Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the Tropical Cyclone Jasper – associated rainfall and flooding applicable events. The effect of the declaration ended on 9 February 2024 when the Tropical Cyclone Jasper and the Tropical Cyclone Jasper – associated rainfall and flooding applicable events ended.
Date of notice
Extension or suspension notice
22 December 2023
Extension to development assessment timeframes under the Tropical Cyclone Jasper applicable event (
175.3 KB)5 January 2023 Extension to development assessment timeframes under the Tropical Cyclone Jasper - associated rainfall and flooding applicable event ( 42.4 KB)Read the fact sheet (
124.1 KB) to learn more about the effect this extension has on development assessment timeframes under the Planning Act. -
Rainfall and flooding applicable event (4 April 2022 – 30 June 2022)
The Planning Minister declared on 1 April 2022 the rainfall and flooding event that occurred in south-eastern Queensland in February and March 2022 to be an applicable event. The applicable event ended on 30 June 2022.
Date of notice
Applicable event notice
4 April 2022 Rainfall and Flooding applicable event notice This applicable event only applies to the following local government areas:
- Brisbane City Council
- Bundaberg Regional Council
- Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council
- Fraser Coast Regional Council
- Gold Coast City Council
- Goondiwindi Regional Council
- Gympie Regional Council
- Gladstone Regional Council
- Ipswich City Council
- Lockyer Valley Regional Council
- Logan City Council
- Moreton Bay Regional Council
- Noosa Shire Council
- North Burnett Regional Council
- Redland City Council
- Scenic Rim Regional Council
- Somerset Regional Council
- South Burnett Regional Council
- Southern Downs Regional Council
- Sunshine Coast Regional Council
- Toowoomba Regional Council
- Western Downs Regional Council
Declarations of uses and classes of uses
There were no declarations of uses or classes of uses that were made under the Rainfall and Flooding applicable event.
Temporary use licences
No temporary use licences (TULs) were given during the Rainfall and Flooding applicable event. Both the ability to apply for a TUL and the operation of a TUL ended when the Rainfall and Flooding applicable event ended.
Extension of periods under the Planning Act
The Planning Minister made the following extension notices during the Rainfall and Flooding applicable event. The notice has effect from 6 May 2022 until 30 June 2022, inclusive. The effect of the declaration ended on 30 June 2022 when the Rainfall and Flooding applicable event ended.
Date of notice
Extension or suspension notice
6 May 2022
Read the fact sheet to learn more about the effect this extension has on development assessment timeframes under the Planning Act.
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COVID-19 applicable event 1/2021 (29 June 2021 – 24 June 2022)
The Planning Minister declared an applicable event on 29 June 2020, taking effect on the same day. The applicable event was extended on multiple occasions and ended on 24 June 2022.
Date of notice
Applicable event notice
29 June 2021 COVID-19 applicable event 1/2021 notice 30 September 2021 Extension to COVID-19 applicable event 1/2021 notice 26 April 2022 Extension to COVID-19 applicable event 1/2021 notice Declarations of uses and classes of uses
The Planning Minister made the following declaration of uses or classes of uses during the COVID-19 applicable event 1/2021. The effect of the declaration ended on 24 June 2022 when the COVID-19 applicable event 1/2021 ended.
Date of notice
Declaration of use or classes or uses notice
29 June 2021
Temporary use licences
A total of 8 temporary use licences (TULs) were given during the COVID-19 applicable event 1/2021. Both the ability to apply for a TUL and the operation of a TUL ended when the COVID-19 applicable event ended.
From 25 June 2022, businesses must operate in accordance with the most recent development approval. Should a business wish to continue to operate in the manner authorised by a TUL, contact the relevant local government to determine whether such changes to the development approval might be acceptable.
The register of each TUL given by the chief executive for the COVID-19 applicable event can be viewed below.
Address
Local Government Area
Temporary use licence details
Date issued
Event name
Lot 282 on MCH5137, 111 Goodchap Street, Noosaville ( 119.9 KB)
Noosa Shire Council Extension to an existing use (health care service) 15 February 2022 COVID-19 emergency Part of Lot 2 on RP862191, Boowagon Road, Merrimac ( 688.7 KB)
Gold Coast City Council New use (health care service – fever clinic) 4 February 2022 COVID-19 emergency Part of Lot 31 on SP240300, 6790 Tugun Street, Tugun ( 116.7 KB)
Gold Coast City Council New use (health care service – fever clinic) 28 January 2022 COVID-19 emergency Corner of Recreation Drive and Leagues Club Drive, Nerang ( 214.8 KB)
Gold Coast City Council New use (health care service – fever clinic) 5 January 2022 COVID-19 emergency 180 Monaco Street, Broadbeach Waters ( 216.4 KB)
Gold Coast City Council New use (health care service – fever clinic) 5 January 2022 COVID-19 emergency Part of Lot 211 SP174655, Area 7, Alf O-Rourke Drive, Gladstone ( 120.3 KB)
Gladstone Regional Council New use (health care service – fever clinic) 7 December 2021 COVID-19 emergency 185 Beverley Street, Morningside ( 242.1 KB)
Brisbane City Council Extend hours of operation and amend limitation of use 16 November 2021 COVID-19 emergency 8-48 Armstrong Road, Meadowbrook ( 256.5 KB)
Logan City Council
Extend construction work hours
14 September 2021 COVID-19 emergency
Extension or suspension of periods under the Planning Act
The Planning Minister made the following extension notices during the COVID-19 applicable event 1/2021. The effect of the declaration ended on 24 June 2022 when the COVID-19 applicable event 1/2021 ended.
Date of notice
Extension or suspension notice
1 September 2021
Extension to timeframes for undertaking approved development
29 April 2022
Extension to timeframes for undertaking approved development
Read the fact sheet to learn more about the effect of the 1 September 2021 extension has on development approvals under the Planning Act.
Read the fact sheet to learn more about the effect of the 29 April 2022 extension has on development approvals under the Planning Act.
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COVID-19 applicable event (20 March 2020 – 30 April 2021)
The Planning Minister declared an applicable event on 19 March 2020, taking effect from 20 March 2020. The applicable event was extended a number of times and ended on 30 April 2021.
Date of notice
Applicable event notice
20 March 2020
2 June 2020
2 October 2020
15 December 2020
Declarations of uses and classes of uses
The Planning Minister made the following declaration of uses or classes of uses during the COVID-19 applicable event. The effect of the declaration ended on 30 April 2021 when the COVID-19 applicable event ended.
Date of notice
Declaration of use or classes or uses notice
20 March 2020
Extension or suspension of periods under the Planning Act
The Planning Minister made the following extension notice during the COVID-19 applicable event. The notice had effect from 8 July to 31 October 2020.
Date of notice
Extension or suspension notice
8 July 2020
Extension to timeframes for undertaking approved development
Read the fact sheet to learn more about the effect this extension had on development approvals under the Planning Act.
Temporary use licences
A total of 44 temporary use licences (TULs) were given during the COVID-19 applicable event. Both the ability to apply for a TUL and the operation of a TUL ended when the COVID-19 applicable event ended.
From 1 May 2021, businesses must operate in accordance with the most recent development approval. Should a business wish to continue to operate in the manner authorised by a TUL, contact the relevant local government to determine whether such changes to the development approval might be acceptable.
The register of each TUL given by the chief executive for the COVID-19 applicable event can be viewed below.
Address
Local Government Area
Development details
Date issued
Brisbane City Council
Changes to conditions of a development approval for a material change of use
1 April 2020
Logan City Council
New use to produce ethanol for sanitiser
3 April 2020
Toowoomba Regional Council
Changes to operating hours
3 April 2020
Moreton Bay Regional Council
Changes to conditions of a development approval for a material change of use
3 April 2020
Cassowary Coast Regional Council
Changes to conditions of a development approval for a material change of use
7 April 2020
Moreton Bay Regional Council
Changes to conditions of a development approval for a material change of use
8 April 2020
Brisbane City Council
New use to produce ethanol and sanitiser
9 April 2020
34 Sixth Avenue, 6, 8 and 11 Seventh Avenue, and 39, 41, 43 and 45 Main Avenue, Coorparoo
Brisbane City Council
Amend Ministerial Infrastructure Designation for an existing school
9 April 2020
Cairns Regional Council
Change to an existing lawful use
14 April 2020
Cairns Regional Council
Extension of hours for a Food and Drink Outlet
16 April 2020
Brisbane City Council
Increase number of places for a Childcare Centre
17 April 2020
Brisbane City Council
New use (Shop)
20 April 2020
Brisbane City Council
Extend construction work hours
20 April 2020
Ipswich City Council
Extend construction work hours
21 April 2020
603 and 611 Coronation Drive Toowong
188 Vulture Street and 53 Tribune Street South Brisbane
116 Merivale Street and 88 and 90 Ernest Street South Brisbane
Brisbane City Council
Change to an existing lawful use
22 April 2020
Cassowary Coast Regional Council
Change to an existing lawful use
23 April 2020
Banana Shire Council
Change to an existing lawful use
29 April 2020
Ipswich City Council
Alter operating hours for a cafe
30 April 2020
Brisbane City Council
Extend construction work hours
5 May 2020
Central Highlands Regional Council
Extension to an existing use (respiratory clinic)
6 May 2020
Cairns Regional Council
Changes to conditions of a development approval for a material change of use
13 May 2020
Cairns Regional Council
New use (food and drink outlet)
15 May 2020
Whitsunday Regional Council
New use (respiratory clinic)
20 May 2020
Sunshine Coast Regional Council
Extend construction work hours
22 May 2020
Bundaberg Regional Council
New use (Educational Establishment and Office)
25 May 2020
Logan City Council
Extend construction work hours
11 June 2020
Bundaberg Regional Council
New use (storage and distribution of foodbank items from a shipping container)
11 June 2020
Ipswich City Council
Outdoor temporary marquee
22 June 2020
Brisbane City Council
Additional new use (Indoor Sport and Recreation (Gymnasium) and Health Care Service (Physiology and Physiotherapy))
24 June 2020
Bundaberg City Council
Changes to conditions of a development approval for a material change of use
2 July 2020
Longreach Regional Council
New use for a Tourist Park (maximum of 15 sites)
8 July 2020
Mount Isa City Council
New use for Health Care Services (GP Respiratory Clinic)
14 July 2020
Gold Coast City Council
Changes to conditions of a development approval for a material change of use
27 July 2020
Bundaberg Regional Council
Changes to conditions of a development approval for a material change of use
4 August 2020
Brisbane City Council
Changes to conditions of a development approval for a material change of use
4 August 2020
Gold Coast City Council
Change of conditions to a development approval to allow additional days of operation for a wedding facility
10 August 2020
Brisbane City Council
New use (Shop)
18 August 2020
Ipswich City Council
New use (professional office)
28 August 2020
Brisbane City Council
New use for a Parking Station
9 September 2020
Cairns Regional Council
New use (food and drink outlet)
14 September 2020
Brisbane City Council
Change to an existing use (addition of staff amenities)
17 September 2020
Brisbane City Council
New use (Community use)
18 September 2020
Cairns Regional Council
New use (drive through COVID-19 testing)
4 November 2020
Toowoomba Regional Council
New use (Non-resident workforce accommodation)
12 January 2021
Last updated: 13 Feb 2024