Persons wishing to use or develop land shall first apply to Council for planning approval. This applies to new developments, alterations to existing developments, new uses on vacant land and change of existing use of land or buildings. Applications on the appropriate form should be lodged with Council, accompanied by sufficient plans to indicate the location, extent of all buildings and other site plans, floor plans and elevations. Council will assess each application in accordance with its relative Town Planning Scheme. In approving the development, Council may also impose such conditions as it deems appropriate. Where development also requires Health and/or Building approval, a separate application on the appropriate form must also be made to Council.

The Building Surveyor has the responsibility for issuing all building licences which are necessary prior to work commencing - including garages, fences, patios, tool sheds, and alterations to buildings - after ensuring all structures comply with relevant Local Laws and Codes. As the Shire is within a cyclonic area, specific attention is given to the structural details of all buildings. All structures must be designed to comply with SAA Code I170, Part 2-1989. When submitting plans and specifications it may be necessary to provide a certificate from an engineer, stating that the proposed structure will comply with the code; the engineer must state his qualifications in such certificate. Additionally, licences are required for signs and hoardings and swimming pools and can be obtained upon application to the Shire Offices.

Written approval from Council is required for:

	Opening a road reserve, verge or pavement to construct underground services, such as sewer extensions or connections.
	Landscaping verges.
	Placing any cover material, other than grass, on verges.
	Constructing a vehicle crossover across the verge.
	installing a reticulation system on the verge.