Suitable operator application

The DES maintain a register of suitable operators for ERAs.

You must be registered as a suitable operator to hold an environmental authority registration. Check if you are already registered online.

If you haven’t previously registered, you must complete an online application or request the suitable operator registration form via email and submit to DES using the postal details found on the form. 

Development application

The Queensland Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure, and Planning maintain an online library of application forms.

Use these forms to complete a development application for an ERA:

• DA Form 1 - Development application details
• Development application Form 1 – Application details – attachment for an application for an environmental authority

Additional development application forms may be required depending on Council’s planning scheme.

Environmental authority application

If you submit a development application for a material change of use for an ERA, a separate environmental authority application is not required. The development application is considered to be an application for an environmental authority for the ERA. 

Change conditions of an existing ERA

To request a change to the conditions of your planning approval, you need to complete and submit a change application form available from Queensland’s Planning System:

•     Planning Act Form 5 – Change application

To request a change to the conditions of the environmental authority, you need to complete and submit an amendment application form available from Council.

Plans

Plans are required with the development application. Plans should be fully legible at A3 size and show all dimensions, heights, and setbacks from boundaries.

Include details such as:

• site plans showing all boundaries, natural features and proposed development (including the location and use of buildings on both the proposed land and the adjoining land, the location of car parks and areas to be landscaped)
• all elevations (north, south, east and west) with natural ground levels (on Australian Height Datum (ADH) where the property is affected by flooding) and relative finished levels
• floor plans for each level of the development, showing both the existing and proposed development along with existing and proposed gross floor area (GFA) calculations
• for subdivision, a proposed plan of subdivision showing all:
• existing and proposed allotments, including the intended use of all proposed lots
• existing and new roads, easements, parks, waterway corridors
• other environmental considerations.

A qualified design consultant should prepare the plans.

Additional plans will not be required for any environmental authority application.