Buildings seaward of a coastal building line
General information
The ‘coastal building line’ is a tool used to regulate building work in areas prone to erosion in a coastal management district. Coastal building lines are declared under the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 (Coastal Act) and are fixed by regulation or notice. The coastal building line assists in maintaining a development-free buffer zone where coastal processes can occur naturally without the need for property protection works that can be costly and detrimental to sound coastal management outcomes.
The relevant information materials on this issue are listed below for quick referencing. You can also read the relevant legislation online by visiting the Office of Parliamentary Counsel website.
To obtain copies of coastal building line plans refer to Coastal Building Lines or the relevant regional coastal management plan.
Guidelines and policies
You are advised to read the guidelines and related government policies on this issue before lodging a formal application for a licence or permit.
Guideline: Assessable development under the Coastal Act
Guideline: Building work seaward of a coastal building line
Pre-design conference service
The EPA offers a ‘pre-design conference’ service for projects which may include issues requiring a high level of assessment. This service includes meeting with an EPA project manager to discuss all the information requirements to be provided with your application.
For more details, read the Pre-design conference fact sheet.
This service can be initiated by contacting the Ecoaccess Customer Service Unit on 1300 368 326 or by email at eco.access@epa.qld.gov.au or completing a Pre-design conference application form. If a pre-design conference is required to discuss your application in more detail, an EPA officer will contact you directly.
Permits and approvals
The approval(s) required will depend on the nature and scope of your project. The development assessment process under the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 (Coastal Act) is aligned with the Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (IPA).
To find out how to apply for a licence or permit to carry out the proposed activity lawfully you will need to download and read the guidelines and key reference materials.
Forms and fees
Please download an application form or contact the Ecoaccess Customer Service Unit on 1300 368 326 for assistance. You will need to complete parts A and B for this type of work. Details about fees and charges will be included with your application kit.
For an overview download the information sheet on Fees and royalties payable under the Coastal Act and Electronically paying fees to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Last updated: 21 January 2008
