Support for applicants
Preparing a development application can be quite complex and whilst Council can answer enquiries about the approval process, it can still be beneficial to engage the services of an external consultant to assist you with your application.
Pre-application meetings
Why arrange a Pre-Application Meeting?
A Pre‐Application Meeting provides the opportunity for the applicant and or their consultants to present one or more of the following submissions for initial advice:
-
A completed development application, prior to it being formally lodged with Council. (ie. material change of use, reconfiguring a lot, operational works)
- Initial feedback to a proposed development application where major proposal parameters are known and researched but some direction is required from Council prior to the formal lodgement of the application.
How much does a Pre-Application Meeting cost?
From 1 July 2026, fees apply to pre-application meetings that involve internal specialist advice and require formal meeting minutes.
GRC Fees and Charges
Types of Pre-Application Meetings
- Limited Pre-Application Meeting (where no internal specialist advice is required, such as Development Engineering, Environmental Planning, etc.)
Limited Pre-Application Meetings are scheduled for 30 minutes and are offered free of charge by the Development Assessment Team. Minutes are not provided for these meetings, and as such applicants are encouraged to take their own notes.
- Standard Pre-Application Meeting (where internal specialist advice is required, such as Development Engineering, Environmental Planning, etc.)
Standard Pre-Application Meetings are scheduled for one hour and include two Council planning officers and relevant internal specialist departments. Formal meeting minutes will be provided within 10 business days after the meeting.
How do I arrange a Pre-Application Meeting?
- Complete the Pre-application Meeting Request Form.pdf(DOCX, 48KB), with the required information.
- Email the form and required documentation to planning@gympie.qld.gov.au.
- Once the request is received, council will contact you to arrange payment. (if applicable)
- Once payment is received (if applicable), your meeting will be confirmed and booked for the next available date and time.
Types of external consultants
Below is a list of the types of consultants (although not intended to be an exhaustive list) who may be able to assist you depending on your project and the services you require.
Note: Council does not endorse particular suppliers
Surveyors
Provide:
- boundary surveys
- advice on boundaries
- determining boundaries
- preparing development applications
Resources:
Guidelines for Surveys to property boundaries, developed by the Surveyors Board of Queensland
Town Planners
Provide:
- preparation of development applications
- advise on development and design
They may also provide project management services in specialist areas such as:
- the environment
- transport
- heritage
- services planning
For more information you can also visit:
Architects and building designers
Provide:
- Building concepts, drawings and design services
They may also assist with:
- site evaluation
- project management
Engineers
Provide:
- Plans, designs and advise on structural requirements
They may work in a specific field such as:
- construction
- land development
- structural or hydraulic design
- soil or water treatment
Resources:
Landscape architects
Provide:
- Concepts, designs and drawings for outdoor spaces
They may also assist with:
- site master planning
- project management
- advice on site rehabilitation
- preparing development applications
Resources:
Australian Institute of Landscape Architects
Solicitors
Provide:
They may also provide:
Changing, cancelling or extending development approvals
There are options available under the Planning Act to change an approval once it has been given. The process and requirements for seeking a change to an approval will depend on the timing of the request and also the nature of the changes proposed.
Development approvals will always have a currency period – that is, the length of time given before having to start the development.
Development approvals can lapse if development has not started and/or completed within the currency period. The Planning Act does provide the ability to request an extension of time if needed.
Changing Cancelling or extending a DA after approval factsheet(PDF, 950KB)