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Queensland regulation
What this regulation does, in plain English
It sets out how plumbing and drainage work is classified, authorised, inspected and enforced in Queensland. The regulation tells you which jobs need a permit, which jobs must simply be notified, which are minor or unregulated, and the documents and fees that must accompany applications (see parts 1, 5 and schedules 1–3, 6). (See e.g. ss.4–7, sch.1–3, sch.6.)
It approves and prescribes the technical codes and parts of external standards that plumbing work must follow (Plumbing Code of Australia provisions, Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code, Queensland Development Code parts and specific Australian Standards) and explains how compliance can be shown — either by following ‘deemed‑to‑satisfy’ solutions, or by using performance/alternative solutions supported by technical evidence (ss.8–12, sch.6 s.6–7).
It defines who may do what work by setting the scope of plumbers’, drainers’ and restricted licences and endorsements, and provides a process for assessing alternative qualifications (ss.13–15, s.14).
It creates a formal approval and oversight system for certain water treatment plants (greywater and small on‑site sewage plants): how to apply, the decision criteria, publication and duration of approvals, transfer and cancellation procedures, and a show‑cause/cancellation process (ss.16–31, schs.5 & 7A). The chief executive grants these approvals and must publish them (ss.18, 20).
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Direct links to the current provisions in Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019.
This regulation may be cited as the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019 .
This regulation commences on the commencement of section 157 of the Act .
The dictionary in schedule 10 defines particular words used in this regulation.
For section 6 (2) of the Act , permit work is plumbing or drainage work that is not— notifiable work; or minor work; or unregulated work.
For section 6 (3) of the Act , notifiable work is plumbing or drainage work of the type stated in schedule 1 , part 2 . However, notifiable work does not include plumbing or drainage work to which schedule 1 , part 1 applies. (sec.5-ssec.1) For section 6 (3) of the Act , notifiable work is plumbing or drainage work of the type stated in schedule 1 , part 2 . (sec.5-ssec.2) However, notifiable work does not include plumbing or drainage work to which schedule 1 , part 1 applies.
For section 6 (4) of the Act , minor work is plumbing or drainage work of the type stated in schedule 2 .
For section 6 (5) of the Act , unregulated work is plumbing or drainage work of the type stated in schedule 3 .
For section 7 (2) of the Act , the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code, version 1, 2025 is approved. s 8 amd 2024 SL No. 43 s 3 ; 2025 SL No. 1 ss 4 , 8 ; 2025 SL No. 66 s 3
For section 9 (1) (b) of the Act , each of the following provisions of the Plumbing Code of Australia (a prescribed PCA provision ) is prescribed— section A section B, other than part B4 section C section D section E s 9 amd 2022 SL No. 171 s 3 (sec.9-ssec) For section 9 (1) (b) of the Act , each of the following provisions of the Plumbing Code of Australia (a prescribed PCA provision ) is prescribed— section A section B, other than part B4 section C section D section E
For section 9 (1) (c) of the Act , each of the following parts of the Queensland Development Code (a prescribed QDC part ) is prescribed— MP 3.5—Construction of buildings in flood hazard areas MP 4.1—Sustainable buildings MP 4.2—Rainwater tanks and other supplementary water supply systems MP 4.3—Supplementary water sources—commercial buildings. (sec.10-ssec) For section 9 (1) (c) of the Act , each of the following parts of the Queensland Development Code (a prescribed QDC part ) is prescribed— MP 3.5—Construction of buildings in flood hazard areas MP 4.1—Sustainable buildings MP 4.2—Rainwater tanks and other supplementary water supply systems MP 4.3—Supplementary water sources—commercial buildings.
For section 9 (4) of the Act , plumbing or drainage work, or a plan for plumbing or drainage work— complies with the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code only if the work complies with all relevant performance requirements for the work under the code; and complies with a prescribed PCA provision only if the work complies with all relevant performance requirements for the work under the provision. Compliance of the work with a relevant performance requirement under the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code or a prescribed PCA provision can be achieved by— a deemed-to-satisfy solution for the performance requirement under the code or provision; or a performance solution for the performance requirement under the code or provision; or a combination of the solutions mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) . (sec.11-ssec.1) For section 9 (4) of the Act , plumbing or drainage work, or a plan for plumbing or drainage work— complies with the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code only if the work complies with all relevant performance requirements for the work under the code; and complies with a prescribed PCA provision only if the work complies with all relevant performance requirements for the work under the provision. (sec.11-ssec.2) Compliance of the work with a relevant performance requirement under the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code or a prescribed PCA provision can be achieved by— a deemed-to-satisfy solution for the performance requirement under the code or provision; or a performance solution for the performance requirement under the code or provision; or a combination of the solutions mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) .
For section 9 (4) of the Act , plumbing or drainage work, or a plan for plumbing or drainage work, complies with a prescribed QDC part only if the work complies with all relevant performance requirements for the work under the part. Compliance of the work with a relevant performance requirement under a prescribed QDC part can be achieved only in the same way that compliance of building work with the relevant performance requirement can be achieved under the Building Act 1975 , section 14 . (sec.12-ssec.1) For section 9 (4) of the Act , plumbing or drainage work, or a plan for plumbing or drainage work, complies with a prescribed QDC part only if the work complies with all relevant performance requirements for the work under the part. (sec.12-ssec.2) Compliance of the work with a relevant performance requirement under a prescribed QDC part can be achieved only in the same way that compliance of building work with the relevant performance requirement can be achieved under the Building Act 1975 , section 14 .
For section 13 (5) of the Act — the scope of work for a plumbers licence is the plumbing work mentioned in schedule 4 , part 1 ; and the scope of work for a drainers licence is the drainage work mentioned in schedule 4 , part 2 ; and the scope of work for a restricted licence of a type mentioned in schedule 4 , part 3 , column 1 is the plumbing or drainage work mentioned opposite the type of licence in part 3 , column 2 of the schedule.
This section applies if— a person applies, or tells the commissioner the person intends to apply, to the commissioner for a licence; and the person intends to rely on a qualification (an alternative qualification ) for the application that is not 1 of the qualifications (the existing qualifications ) for the licence decided by the commissioner under section 14 (a) of the Act ; and the commissioner considers it is, or will be, necessary to assess whether the alternative qualification is equivalent to any of the existing qualifications to decide whether the person has the qualifications required for the licence; and the person asks the commissioner to assess the equivalence of the alternative qualification and pays QBCC the fee stated in schedule 8 for the assessment. The commissioner must assess whether the alternative qualification is equivalent to any of the existing qualifications. Subsection (4) applies if the commissioner considers the only practicable way to assess the equivalence of the alternative qualification under subsection (2) is to have the person’s competencies for the alternative qualification assessed by a registered training organisation. The commissioner may refer the person to a registered training organisation to— carry out an assessment of the competencies for the alternative qualification; and advise the commissioner of the results of its assessment. To remove any doubt, it is declared that the requirement for the person to pay the prescribed fee under subsection (1) (d) for the commissioner’s assessment under subsection (2) does not prevent or restrict a registered training organisation from charging the person an additional fee for supplying a service under subsection (4) . In this section— competencies , for a qualification, means the units of competency (however called) that satisfied the requirements of the qualification. s 14 amd 2020 SL No. 119 s 11 (sec.14-ssec.1) This section applies if— a person applies, or tells the commissioner the person intends to apply, to the commissioner for a licence; and the person intends to rely on a qualification (an alternative qualification ) for the application that is not 1 of the qualifications (the existing qualifications ) for the licence decided by the commissioner under section 14 (a) of the Act ; and the commissioner considers it is, or will be, necessary to assess whether the alternative qualification is equivalent to any of the existing qualifications to decide whether the person has the qualifications required for the licence; and the person asks the commissioner to assess the equivalence of the alternative qualification and pays QBCC the fee stated in schedule 8 for the assessment. (sec.14-ssec.2) The commissioner must assess whether the alternative qualification is equivalent to any of the existing qualifications. (sec.14-ssec.3) Subsection (4) applies if the commissioner considers the only practicable way to assess the equivalence of the alternative qualification under subsection (2) is to have the person’s competencies for the alternative qualification assessed by a registered training organisation. (sec.14-ssec.4) The commissioner may refer the person to a registered training organisation to— carry out an assessment of the competencies for the alternative qualification; and advise the commissioner of the results of its assessment. (sec.14-ssec.5) To remove any doubt, it is declared that the requirement for the person to pay the prescribed fee under subsection (1) (d) for the commissioner’s assessment under subsection (2) does not prevent or restrict a registered training organisation from charging the person an additional fee for supplying a service under subsection (4) . (sec.14-ssec.6) In this section— competencies , for a qualification, means the units of competency (however called) that satisfied the requirements of the qualification.
For section 25 (2) of the Act — the scope of work for an endorsement on a plumbers licence or provisional plumbers licence mentioned in schedule 4 , part 4 , column 1 is the plumbing work mentioned opposite the endorsement in part 4 , column 2 of the schedule; and the scope of work for an endorsement on a drainers licence or provisional drainers licence mentioned in schedule 4 , part 5 , column 1 is the drainage work mentioned opposite the endorsement in part 5 , column 2 of the schedule.
A person may apply to the chief executive for a treatment plant approval for— a greywater treatment plant of a particular type, other than a greywater (cooling tower) treatment plant; or a secondary on-site sewage treatment plant of a particular type. The holder of a treatment plant approval may apply to the chief executive to amend the approval. The application must— be in the approved form; and be accompanied by the documents as required under schedule 5 . However, an application to amend a treatment plant approval is not required to be accompanied by a document if— the document accompanied the application for the approval or a previous application to amend the approval; and there has been no change to any material particular in the information contained in the document. s 16 amd 2022 SL No. 171 s 4 (sec.16-ssec.1) A person may apply to the chief executive for a treatment plant approval for— a greywater treatment plant of a particular type, other than a greywater (cooling tower) treatment plant; or a secondary on-site sewage treatment plant of a particular type. (sec.16-ssec.2) The holder of a treatment plant approval may apply to the chief executive to amend the approval. (sec.16-ssec.3) The application must— be in the approved form; and be accompanied by the documents as required under schedule 5 . (sec.16-ssec.4) However, an application to amend a treatment plant approval is not required to be accompanied by a document if— the document accompanied the application for the approval or a previous application to amend the approval; and there has been no change to any material particular in the information contained in the document.
The chief executive may, by notice given to the applicant, ask the applicant for further information the chief executive needs to decide the application. The notice must be given to the applicant within 10 business days after the application is made. If the chief executive asks for information under subsection (2) , the chief executive need not deal with the application until the applicant gives the information to the chief executive. If the applicant does not give the information to the chief executive within 6 months after the application is made, the chief executive may treat the application as having lapsed. (sec.17-ssec.1) The chief executive may, by notice given to the applicant, ask the applicant for further information the chief executive needs to decide the application. (sec.17-ssec.2) The notice must be given to the applicant within 10 business days after the application is made. (sec.17-ssec.3) If the chief executive asks for information under subsection (2) , the chief executive need not deal with the application until the applicant gives the information to the chief executive. (sec.17-ssec.4) If the applicant does not give the information to the chief executive within 6 months after the application is made, the chief executive may treat the application as having lapsed.
The chief executive must consider the application and decide to— approve the application with any conditions the chief executive considers reasonable and relevant or without conditions; or a condition of a treatment plant testing approval about when, and how, the contents of a treatment plant must be disposed of a condition of a treatment plant use approval that a treatment plant must be supplied with— evidence of the treatment plant approval; and details of the model of the treatment plant; and instructions for the manufacture, installation, operation, or maintenance of the treatment plant refuse the application. (sec.18-ssec) The chief executive must consider the application and decide to— approve the application with any conditions the chief executive considers reasonable and relevant or without conditions; or a condition of a treatment plant testing approval about when, and how, the contents of a treatment plant must be disposed of a condition of a treatment plant use approval that a treatment plant must be supplied with— evidence of the treatment plant approval; and details of the model of the treatment plant; and instructions for the manufacture, installation, operation, or maintenance of the treatment plant refuse the application.
The chief executive may decide to approve the application if satisfied— for an application relating to a grey water treatment plant of a particular type, a treatment plant of that type complies with— the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code, schedule 1 ; and the conformity assessment requirements; or for an application relating to a secondary on-site sewage treatment plant of a particular type, a treatment plant of that type— is capable of treating no more than 4.2kL of sewage in a day; and complies with— AS 1546.3:2017; and the conformity assessment requirements. s 19 amd 2024 SL No. 43 s 4 (sec.19-ssec) The chief executive may decide to approve the application if satisfied— for an application relating to a grey water treatment plant of a particular type, a treatment plant of that type complies with— the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code, schedule 1 ; and the conformity assessment requirements; or for an application relating to a secondary on-site sewage treatment plant of a particular type, a treatment plant of that type— is capable of treating no more than 4.2kL of sewage in a day; and complies with— AS 1546.3:2017; and the conformity assessment requirements.
If the chief executive decides to approve the application, the chief executive must— give the treatment plant approval, or amended approval, to the applicant; and publish a copy of the approval, or amended approval, on the department’s website; and for an amended approval, ensure the published copy includes a statement that the approval was amended on a stated day.
This section applies if the chief executive does not decide the application within the required period after receiving— the application; or if the chief executive asks for further information under section 17 —the information. The chief executive is taken to have decided to refuse the application. In this section— required period means— 10 business days; or if a longer period is agreed between the chief executive and the applicant—the longer period. (sec.21-ssec.1) This section applies if the chief executive does not decide the application within the required period after receiving— the application; or if the chief executive asks for further information under section 17 —the information. (sec.21-ssec.2) The chief executive is taken to have decided to refuse the application. (sec.21-ssec.3) In this section— required period means— 10 business days; or if a longer period is agreed between the chief executive and the applicant—the longer period.
Subsection (2) applies if the chief executive decides to— approve the application and grant, or amend, the treatment plant approval with a condition; or refuse the application. The chief executive must give the applicant an information notice about the decision. If, under section 21 , the chief executive is taken to have decided to refuse the application, the applicant is entitled to be given an information notice about the decision. For an appeal against a decision mentioned in subsection (1) or (3) , see the Planning Act 2016 , schedule 1 , section 1 , table 3, items 3 and 5. (sec.22-ssec.1) Subsection (2) applies if the chief executive decides to— approve the application and grant, or amend, the treatment plant approval with a condition; or refuse the application. (sec.22-ssec.2) The chief executive must give the applicant an information notice about the decision. (sec.22-ssec.3) If, under section 21 , the chief executive is taken to have decided to refuse the application, the applicant is entitled to be given an information notice about the decision. For an appeal against a decision mentioned in subsection (1) or (3) , see the Planning Act 2016 , schedule 1 , section 1 , table 3, items 3 and 5.
A treatment plant approval remains in force for— the period stated in the approval; or if no period is stated in the approval— for a treatment plant testing approval— 1 year after the approval is given; or if, before that year ends, the chief executive agrees in writing to a longer period—the longer period; or for a treatment plant use approval—5 years after the approval is given. s 23 amd 2024 SL No. 43 s 5 ; 2025 SL No. 1 ss 5 , 9
This section applies if the holder of a treatment plant approval proposes to transfer the approval to another person (the new holder ). The new holder must give the chief executive notice of the transfer in the approved form. The chief executive must, after being given the notice— record the new holder as the holder of the treatment plant approval; and transfer the treatment plant approval by reissuing it to the new holder; and publish, on the department’s website, a copy of the transferred approval including a statement that the approval was transferred on a stated day. A treatment plant approval may be transferred only under this section. (sec.24-ssec.1) This section applies if the holder of a treatment plant approval proposes to transfer the approval to another person (the new holder ). (sec.24-ssec.2) The new holder must give the chief executive notice of the transfer in the approved form. (sec.24-ssec.3) The chief executive must, after being given the notice— record the new holder as the holder of the treatment plant approval; and transfer the treatment plant approval by reissuing it to the new holder; and publish, on the department’s website, a copy of the transferred approval including a statement that the approval was transferred on a stated day. (sec.24-ssec.4) A treatment plant approval may be transferred only under this section.
This division applies if the chief executive considers a matter may significantly adversely affect on-site sewage treatment plants of a type the subject of a treatment plant approval (each an affected treatment plant ). a systemic failure affecting, or potentially affecting, the functioning of a particular model of on-site sewage treatment plant (sec.25-ssec) This division applies if the chief executive considers a matter may significantly adversely affect on-site sewage treatment plants of a type the subject of a treatment plant approval (each an affected treatment plant ). a systemic failure affecting, or potentially affecting, the functioning of a particular model of on-site sewage treatment plant
The chief executive may give a notice to a local government requiring the local government to give the chief executive the following information— the address of each premises in the local government area where an affected treatment plant has been installed; the name of the owner of the premises. The local government must comply with the notice. (sec.26-ssec.1) The chief executive may give a notice to a local government requiring the local government to give the chief executive the following information— the address of each premises in the local government area where an affected treatment plant has been installed; the name of the owner of the premises. (sec.26-ssec.2) The local government must comply with the notice.
The chief executive may give a notice to the owner of premises where an affected treatment plant has been installed— briefly stating the nature of the matter mentioned in section 25 ; and stating that the chief executive has arranged for a person to inspect the treatment plant; and asking for the owner’s consent for the person to enter the premises to carry out the inspection. (sec.27-ssec) The chief executive may give a notice to the owner of premises where an affected treatment plant has been installed— briefly stating the nature of the matter mentioned in section 25 ; and stating that the chief executive has arranged for a person to inspect the treatment plant; and asking for the owner’s consent for the person to enter the premises to carry out the inspection.
This section applies if the chief executive reasonably believes the holder of a treatment plant approval has contravened a condition of the approval. The chief executive may believe the holder of a treatment plant approval has manufactured treatment plants that do not conform with the product specification document on which the approval was based. The chief executive must give the holder a notice under this section (a show cause notice ). The show cause notice must state— that the chief executive proposes to cancel the treatment plant approval under this division; and the grounds for the proposed cancellation; and an outline of the facts and circumstances forming the basis for the grounds; and that the holder may, within a stated period (the show cause period ), make representations about why the approval should not be cancelled. The show cause period must end at least 20 business days after the holder is given the show cause notice. (sec.28-ssec.1) This section applies if the chief executive reasonably believes the holder of a treatment plant approval has contravened a condition of the approval. The chief executive may believe the holder of a treatment plant approval has manufactured treatment plants that do not conform with the product specification document on which the approval was based. (sec.28-ssec.2) The chief executive must give the holder a notice under this section (a show cause notice ). (sec.28-ssec.3) The show cause notice must state— that the chief executive proposes to cancel the treatment plant approval under this division; and the grounds for the proposed cancellation; and an outline of the facts and circumstances forming the basis for the grounds; and that the holder may, within a stated period (the show cause period ), make representations about why the approval should not be cancelled. (sec.28-ssec.4) The show cause period must end at least 20 business days after the holder is given the show cause notice.
The holder of the treatment plant approval may make written representations about the show cause notice to the chief executive in the show cause period. The chief executive must consider all representations (the accepted representations ) made under subsection (1) . (sec.29-ssec.1) The holder of the treatment plant approval may make written representations about the show cause notice to the chief executive in the show cause period. (sec.29-ssec.2) The chief executive must consider all representations (the accepted representations ) made under subsection (1) .
This section applies if, after considering the accepted representations for the show cause notice, the chief executive no longer believes a ground exists to cancel the treatment plant approval. The chief executive must not take any further action in relation to the show cause notice. The chief executive must give the holder of the treatment plant approval notice that no further action is to be taken in relation to the show cause notice. (sec.30-ssec.1) This section applies if, after considering the accepted representations for the show cause notice, the chief executive no longer believes a ground exists to cancel the treatment plant approval. (sec.30-ssec.2) The chief executive must not take any further action in relation to the show cause notice. (sec.30-ssec.3) The chief executive must give the holder of the treatment plant approval notice that no further action is to be taken in relation to the show cause notice.
This section applies if— there are accepted representations for the show cause notice and, after considering the representations, the chief executive still believes a ground exists to cancel the treatment plant approval; or there are no accepted representations. If the chief executive believes cancellation of the treatment plant approval is warranted, the chief executive may cancel the approval. The chief executive must give the holder an information notice about the decision to cancel the approval. The decision takes effect on the later of the following days— the day the information notice is given to the holder; the day stated in the information notice for that purpose. (sec.31-ssec.1) This section applies if— there are accepted representations for the show cause notice and, after considering the representations, the chief executive still believes a ground exists to cancel the treatment plant approval; or there are no accepted representations. (sec.31-ssec.2) If the chief executive believes cancellation of the treatment plant approval is warranted, the chief executive may cancel the approval. (sec.31-ssec.3) The chief executive must give the holder an information notice about the decision to cancel the approval. (sec.31-ssec.4) The decision takes effect on the later of the following days— the day the information notice is given to the holder; the day stated in the information notice for that purpose.
s 32 prev s 32 sub 2024 SL No. 43 s 6 exp 1 January 2025 (see s 35B) pres s 32 ins 2025 SL No. 1 s 6 exp 1 January 2026 (see s 35B)
s 33 prev s 33 sub 2024 SL No. 43 s 6 exp 1 January 2025 (see s 35B) pres s 33 ins 2025 SL No. 1 s 6 exp 1 January 2026 (see s 35B)
s 34 prev s 34 sub 2024 SL No. 43 s 6 exp 1 January 2025 (see s 35B) pres s 34 ins 2025 SL No. 1 s 6 exp 1 January 2026 (see s 35B)
s 35 prev s 35 sub 2024 SL No. 43 s 6 exp 1 January 2025 (see s 35B) pres s 35 ins 2025 SL No. 1 s 6 exp 1 January 2026 (see s 35B)
s 35A prev s 35A ins 2024 SL No. 43 s 6 exp 1 January 2025 (see s 35B) pres s 35A ins 2025 SL No. 1 s 6 exp 1 January 2026 (see s 35B)
s 35B prev s 35B ins 2024 SL No. 43 s 6 exp 1 January 2025 (see s 35B) pres s 35B ins 2025 SL No. 1 s 6 exp 1 January 2026 (see s 35B)
This part is about applying for, issuing and amending permits to carry out— permit work; or notifiable work; or both permit work and notifiable work. Other provisions of this regulation relate to notifiable work that is not the subject of a permit. See part 6 , division 6 .
Generally, permit work is fast-track permit work if— the work is carried out, or is to be carried out, under a permit authorising work on— only 1 new class 1a building or 1 new class 10a building; or only 1 new class 1a building and 1 new class 10a building associated with the class 1a building; and the work is carried out, or is to be carried out, in a service area for a retail water service and a sewerage service; and for a building mentioned in paragraph (a) (i) —the supply pipe for the building is connected directly and separately to the service provider’s water supply system; and for the buildings mentioned in paragraph (a) (ii) —1 supply pipe for both of the buildings is connected directly and separately to the service provider’s water supply system; and for a building mentioned in paragraph (a) (i) or either or both of the buildings mentioned in paragraph (a) (ii) —the sanitary drain for the building or buildings is connected directly and separately to the service provider’s sewerage system. For subsection (1) (a) (ii) , a class 10a building is associated with a class 1a building if a person who is entitled to use the class 1a building would ordinarily also be entitled to use the class 10a building. Also, fast-track permit work , for a particular local government area, includes other permit work of a type the local government has declared to be fast-track permit work for the local government area under a fast-track work declaration. However, the following work is not fast-track permit work — work involving installing a fixture relating to trade waste; work involving building, installing or altering— a greywater use facility; or an on-site sewage facility; work carried out, or to be carried out, in a local government area for which a fast-track opt-out declaration is in force. (sec.37-ssec.1) Generally, permit work is fast-track permit work if— the work is carried out, or is to be carried out, under a permit authorising work on— only 1 new class 1a building or 1 new class 10a building; or only 1 new class 1a building and 1 new class 10a building associated with the class 1a building; and the work is carried out, or is to be carried out, in a service area for a retail water service and a sewerage service; and for a building mentioned in paragraph (a) (i) —the supply pipe for the building is connected directly and separately to the service provider’s water supply system; and for the buildings mentioned in paragraph (a) (ii) —1 supply pipe for both of the buildings is connected directly and separately to the service provider’s water supply system; and for a building mentioned in paragraph (a) (i) or either or both of the buildings mentioned in paragraph (a) (ii) —the sanitary drain for the building or buildings is connected directly and separately to the service provider’s sewerage system. (sec.37-ssec.2) For subsection (1) (a) (ii) , a class 10a building is associated with a class 1a building if a person who is entitled to use the class 1a building would ordinarily also be entitled to use the class 10a building. (sec.37-ssec.3) Also, fast-track permit work , for a particular local government area, includes other permit work of a type the local government has declared to be fast-track permit work for the local government area under a fast-track work declaration. (sec.37-ssec.4) However, the following work is not fast-track permit work — work involving installing a fixture relating to trade waste; work involving building, installing or altering— a greywater use facility; or an on-site sewage facility; work carried out, or to be carried out, in a local government area for which a fast-track opt-out declaration is in force.
A fast-track application is an application to a local government under this division for a permit for carrying out fast-track permit work. A fast-track amendment application is an application to a local government under this division to amend a permit mentioned in subsection (1) for which a fast-track application was made. However, an application for, or to amend, a permit for carrying out work in a local government area is not a fast-track application or fast-track amendment application if— when the application is made, a fast-track opt-out declaration is in force for the local government area; or for the application, a performance solution is proposed to be used to comply with a performance requirement of— the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code; or the Plumbing Code of Australia; or for the application, an alternative solution under the Queensland Development Code is proposed to be used to comply with a performance criteria of that code. (sec.38-ssec.1) A fast-track application is an application to a local government under this division for a permit for carrying out fast-track permit work. (sec.38-ssec.2) A fast-track amendment application is an application to a local government under this division to amend a permit mentioned in subsection (1) for which a fast-track application was made. (sec.38-ssec.3) However, an application for, or to amend, a permit for carrying out work in a local government area is not a fast-track application or fast-track amendment application if— when the application is made, a fast-track opt-out declaration is in force for the local government area; or for the application, a performance solution is proposed to be used to comply with a performance requirement of— the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code; or the Plumbing Code of Australia; or for the application, an alternative solution under the Queensland Development Code is proposed to be used to comply with a performance criteria of that code.
A local government may, by resolution, declare permit work of a stated type to be fast-track permit work for its local government area (a fast-track work declaration ). However, a local government may not declare permit work to be fast-track permit work under subsection (1) if the permit work is work mentioned in section 37 (4) (a) , (b) or (c) . A fast-track work declaration applies in relation to permit work carried out on or after the day the declaration is made. (sec.39-ssec.1) A local government may, by resolution, declare permit work of a stated type to be fast-track permit work for its local government area (a fast-track work declaration ). (sec.39-ssec.2) However, a local government may not declare permit work to be fast-track permit work under subsection (1) if the permit work is work mentioned in section 37 (4) (a) , (b) or (c) . (sec.39-ssec.3) A fast-track work declaration applies in relation to permit work carried out on or after the day the declaration is made.
A local government may, by resolution, declare that it will not deal with any applications relating to permits for work to be carried out in its local government area as fast-track applications (a fast-track opt-out declaration ). A fast-track opt-out declaration applies in relation to an application for, or to amend, a permit made on or after the day the declaration is made. (sec.40-ssec.1) A local government may, by resolution, declare that it will not deal with any applications relating to permits for work to be carried out in its local government area as fast-track applications (a fast-track opt-out declaration ). (sec.40-ssec.2) A fast-track opt-out declaration applies in relation to an application for, or to amend, a permit made on or after the day the declaration is made.
If a local government makes a fast-track work declaration or fast-track opt-out declaration for its local government area, the local government must— publish the declaration on its website; and give a copy of the declaration to— the chief executive; and if the local government is a participating local government for a distributor-retailer—the distributor-retailer; and ensure a copy of the declaration may be inspected, free of charge, at the local government’s public office. (sec.41-ssec) If a local government makes a fast-track work declaration or fast-track opt-out declaration for its local government area, the local government must— publish the declaration on its website; and give a copy of the declaration to— the chief executive; and if the local government is a participating local government for a distributor-retailer—the distributor-retailer; and ensure a copy of the declaration may be inspected, free of charge, at the local government’s public office.
A person may apply under this division to a local government for a permit to carry out any of the following work in the local government area— permit work; notifiable work; both permit work and notifiable work. (sec.42-ssec) A person may apply under this division to a local government for a permit to carry out any of the following work in the local government area— permit work; notifiable work; both permit work and notifiable work.
This section applies in relation to a permit for work issued by a local government. An eligible person may apply under this division to the local government— to extend the term of the permit for no more than 2 years; or For the term of a permit, see section 59 . to otherwise amend the permit. If an inspector has given the responsible person for the work an action notice requiring the person to apply under this division to amend the permit, the responsible person must comply with the requirement by— making the application; or arranging for an eligible person to make the application for the responsible person. In this section— eligible person means— the permit holder; or the owner of the premises, if the owner of the premises is not the permit holder. (sec.43-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to a permit for work issued by a local government. (sec.43-ssec.2) An eligible person may apply under this division to the local government— to extend the term of the permit for no more than 2 years; or For the term of a permit, see section 59 . to otherwise amend the permit. (sec.43-ssec.3) If an inspector has given the responsible person for the work an action notice requiring the person to apply under this division to amend the permit, the responsible person must comply with the requirement by— making the application; or arranging for an eligible person to make the application for the responsible person. (sec.43-ssec.4) In this section— eligible person means— the permit holder; or the owner of the premises, if the owner of the premises is not the permit holder.
An application for, or to amend, a permit must— be in the approved form; and be accompanied by— the documents as required under schedule 6 ; and if the application relates to SEQ water work and the local government is not the water service provider for the premises—the SEQ service provider’s written consent for the work; and if the application relates to SEQ sewerage work and the local government is not the sewerage service provider for the premises—the SEQ service provider’s written consent for the work; and the local government application fee. An application to extend the term of a permit must be made at least 10 business days before the end of the term of the permit. Despite subsection (1) (b) (i) , an application to amend a permit is not required to be accompanied by a document mentioned in schedule 6 if— the document accompanied the application for the permit or a previous application to amend the permit; and there has been no change to any material particular in the information contained in the document. An application that complies with subsections (1) to (3) is a properly made application . (sec.44-ssec.1) An application for, or to amend, a permit must— be in the approved form; and be accompanied by— the documents as required under schedule 6 ; and if the application relates to SEQ water work and the local government is not the water service provider for the premises—the SEQ service provider’s written consent for the work; and if the application relates to SEQ sewerage work and the local government is not the sewerage service provider for the premises—the SEQ service provider’s written consent for the work; and the local government application fee. (sec.44-ssec.2) An application to extend the term of a permit must be made at least 10 business days before the end of the term of the permit. (sec.44-ssec.3) Despite subsection (1) (b) (i) , an application to amend a permit is not required to be accompanied by a document mentioned in schedule 6 if— the document accompanied the application for the permit or a previous application to amend the permit; and there has been no change to any material particular in the information contained in the document. (sec.44-ssec.4) An application that complies with subsections (1) to (3) is a properly made application .
This section applies if the local government considers— the application is not a properly made application; or that the local government does not have the expertise to assess work the subject of the application (the specialist work ); or that the local government requires further information to decide the application. The local government may, by notice given to the applicant in the initial consideration period (an information request ), ask the applicant to do the following— if subsection (1) (a) applies—give the local government further information, or do a thing, the local government considers necessary to make the application a properly made application; if subsection (1) (b) applies—give the local government a compliance statement for the specialist work; if subsection (1) (c) applies—give the local government further information required to decide the application. If the local government gives the applicant an information request, the local government need not deal with the application until the applicant complies with the notice. If the applicant does not comply with the information request within 6 months after it is given, the local government— may treat the application as having lapsed; and is not required to refund the local government application fee. In this section— initial consideration period means— for a fast-track application or fast-track amendment application—2 business days after the application is made; or for another application—10 business days after the application is made. (sec.45-ssec.1) This section applies if the local government considers— the application is not a properly made application; or that the local government does not have the expertise to assess work the subject of the application (the specialist work ); or that the local government requires further information to decide the application. (sec.45-ssec.2) The local government may, by notice given to the applicant in the initial consideration period (an information request ), ask the applicant to do the following— if subsection (1) (a) applies—give the local government further information, or do a thing, the local government considers necessary to make the application a properly made application; if subsection (1) (b) applies—give the local government a compliance statement for the specialist work; if subsection (1) (c) applies—give the local government further information required to decide the application. (sec.45-ssec.3) If the local government gives the applicant an information request, the local government need not deal with the application until the applicant complies with the notice. (sec.45-ssec.4) If the applicant does not comply with the information request within 6 months after it is given, the local government— may treat the application as having lapsed; and is not required to refund the local government application fee. (sec.45-ssec.5) In this section— initial consideration period means— for a fast-track application or fast-track amendment application—2 business days after the application is made; or for another application—10 business days after the application is made.
The local government must consider each properly made application and decide to— approve the application with— for an application relating to work for a treatment plant of a type the subject of a treatment plant approval—the conditions of the approval; and any other conditions the local government considers reasonable and relevant for carrying out the work; or refuse the application. Without limiting subsection (1) (a) , a condition mentioned in subsection (1) (a) (ii) may, for example, authorise the permit holder to install a holding tank on stated premises and require the permit holder to remove the holding tank from the premises within a stated period. s 46 amd 2022 SL No. 171 s 5 (sec.46-ssec.1) The local government must consider each properly made application and decide to— approve the application with— for an application relating to work for a treatment plant of a type the subject of a treatment plant approval—the conditions of the approval; and any other conditions the local government considers reasonable and relevant for carrying out the work; or refuse the application. (sec.46-ssec.2) Without limiting subsection (1) (a) , a condition mentioned in subsection (1) (a) (ii) may, for example, authorise the permit holder to install a holding tank on stated premises and require the permit holder to remove the holding tank from the premises within a stated period.
For deciding a fast-track application, the local government may, but need not, assess whether each plan for work accompanying the application complies with the code requirements for the work. For deciding an application, other than a fast-track application, the local government may approve the application if satisfied— after assessing each plan mentioned in schedule 6 , part 2 accompanying the application, the plan complies with the code requirements for the work to which the application relates; and for an application relating to a greywater use facility that includes a greywater treatment plant, other than a greywater (cooling tower) treatment plant, in a sewered area— the premises where the facility is proposed to be installed generates more than 3kL of greywater a day; and the treatment plant is of a type for which a treatment plant approval has been granted; and the proposed work complies with the treatment plant approval; and greywater can be diverted to sanitary drainage by a manual diversion device; and greywater will automatically overflow to sanitary drainage if the facility’s filtering or irrigation system is not working properly; and for an application relating to a greywater use facility that includes a greywater treatment plant not in a sewered area— the treatment plant is of a type for which a treatment plant approval has been granted; and the proposed work complies with the treatment plant approval; and for an application relating to a greywater use facility that includes a greywater (cooling tower) treatment plant in a sewered area to treat greywater, other than kitchen greywater—the treatment plant will be able to treat the greywater to the required standard; and for an application relating to a secondary on-site sewage treatment plant— the treatment plant is of a type for which a treatment plant approval has been granted; and the proposed work complies with the treatment plant approval. For deciding an application relating to SEQ water work, the local government must not approve the application unless— the local government is the water service provider for the premises; or the water service provider for the premises— has given the applicant written consent for the work; or has given the local government a notice stating that a permit for the type of work may be issued without the provider’s consent. For deciding an application relating to SEQ sewerage work, the local government must not approve the application unless— the local government is the sewerage service provider for the premises; or the sewerage service provider for the premises— has given the applicant written consent for the work; or has given the local government a notice stating that a permit for the type of work may be issued without the provider’s consent. For deciding an application for which the applicant has given a compliance statement for specialist work, the local government must approve the application to the extent it relates to the specialist work if satisfied the work, if carried out in compliance with the permit applied for, will comply with the code requirements for the work. For deciding an application to amend a permit, the local government may, but need not, consider a matter mentioned in subsection (1) to (5) if the local government— has already considered the matter in deciding the application for the issue of the permit or a previous application to amend the permit; and is satisfied— there has been no material change in relation to the matter; and it is not necessary to consider the matter for the application to amend the permit. s 47 amd 2022 SL No. 171 s 6 (sec.47-ssec.1) For deciding a fast-track application, the local government may, but need not, assess whether each plan for work accompanying the application complies with the code requirements for the work. (sec.47-ssec.2) For deciding an application, other than a fast-track application, the local government may approve the application if satisfied— after assessing each plan mentioned in schedule 6 , part 2 accompanying the application, the plan complies with the code requirements for the work to which the application relates; and for an application relating to a greywater use facility that includes a greywater treatment plant, other than a greywater (cooling tower) treatment plant, in a sewered area— the premises where the facility is proposed to be installed generates more than 3kL of greywater a day; and the treatment plant is of a type for which a treatment plant approval has been granted; and the proposed work complies with the treatment plant approval; and greywater can be diverted to sanitary drainage by a manual diversion device; and greywater will automatically overflow to sanitary drainage if the facility’s filtering or irrigation system is not working properly; and for an application relating to a greywater use facility that includes a greywater treatment plant not in a sewered area— the treatment plant is of a type for which a treatment plant approval has been granted; and the proposed work complies with the treatment plant approval; and for an application relating to a greywater use facility that includes a greywater (cooling tower) treatment plant in a sewered area to treat greywater, other than kitchen greywater—the treatment plant will be able to treat the greywater to the required standard; and for an application relating to a secondary on-site sewage treatment plant— the treatment plant is of a type for which a treatment plant approval has been granted; and the proposed work complies with the treatment plant approval. (sec.47-ssec.3) For deciding an application relating to SEQ water work, the local government must not approve the application unless— the local government is the water service provider for the premises; or the water service provider for the premises— has given the applicant written consent for the work; or has given the local government a notice stating that a permit for the type of work may be issued without the provider’s consent. (sec.47-ssec.4) For deciding an application relating to SEQ sewerage work, the local government must not approve the application unless— the local government is the sewerage service provider for the premises; or the sewerage service provider for the premises— has given the applicant written consent for the work; or has given the local government a notice stating that a permit for the type of work may be issued without the provider’s consent. (sec.47-ssec.5) For deciding an application for which the applicant has given a compliance statement for specialist work, the local government must approve the application to the extent it relates to the specialist work if satisfied the work, if carried out in compliance with the permit applied for, will comply with the code requirements for the work. (sec.47-ssec.6) For deciding an application to amend a permit, the local government may, but need not, consider a matter mentioned in subsection (1) to (5) if the local government— has already considered the matter in deciding the application for the issue of the permit or a previous application to amend the permit; and is satisfied— there has been no material change in relation to the matter; and it is not necessary to consider the matter for the application to amend the permit.
If the local government decides to approve the application, the local government must— issue a permit, or an amended permit, in the approved form, to the applicant; and give a copy of the permit, or amended permit, to— if the applicant is not the permit holder—the permit holder; and if the applicant is not the owner of the premises—the owner of the premises; and if a distributor-retailer supplies a water service or sewerage service for the premises—the distributor-retailer; and if the work involves installing a water meter and the local government is not the water service provider for the premises—the water service provider. (sec.48-ssec) If the local government decides to approve the application, the local government must— issue a permit, or an amended permit, in the approved form, to the applicant; and give a copy of the permit, or amended permit, to— if the applicant is not the permit holder—the permit holder; and if the applicant is not the owner of the premises—the owner of the premises; and if a distributor-retailer supplies a water service or sewerage service for the premises—the distributor-retailer; and if the work involves installing a water meter and the local government is not the water service provider for the premises—the water service provider.
This section applies if the local government does not decide the application within the required period after— the applicant has made the application; or if the local government has given the applicant an information request—the applicant has complied with the notice. The local government is taken to have decided to refuse the application. In this section— required period means— for a fast-track application or fast-track amendment application— 2 business days; or if a longer period is agreed between the local government and the applicant—the longer period; or for another application— 10 business days; or if a longer period is agreed between the local government and the applicant—the longer period. (sec.49-ssec.1) This section applies if the local government does not decide the application within the required period after— the applicant has made the application; or if the local government has given the applicant an information request—the applicant has complied with the notice. (sec.49-ssec.2) The local government is taken to have decided to refuse the application. (sec.49-ssec.3) In this section— required period means— for a fast-track application or fast-track amendment application— 2 business days; or if a longer period is agreed between the local government and the applicant—the longer period; or for another application— 10 business days; or if a longer period is agreed between the local government and the applicant—the longer period.
Subsection (2) applies if the local government decides to— approve the application and issue the permit, or amended permit, with a condition mentioned in section 46(1) (a) (ii) ; or refuse the application. The local government must give the applicant an information notice about the decision. If, under section 49 , the local government is taken to have decided to refuse the application, the applicant is entitled to be given an information notice about the decision. For an appeal against a decision mentioned in subsection (1) or (3) , see the Planning Act 2016 , schedule 1 , section 1 , table 3, items 3 and 5. s 50 amd 2022 SL No. 171 s 7 (sec.50-ssec.1) Subsection (2) applies if the local government decides to— approve the application and issue the permit, or amended permit, with a condition mentioned in section 46(1) (a) (ii) ; or refuse the application. (sec.50-ssec.2) The local government must give the applicant an information notice about the decision. (sec.50-ssec.3) If, under section 49 , the local government is taken to have decided to refuse the application, the applicant is entitled to be given an information notice about the decision. For an appeal against a decision mentioned in subsection (1) or (3) , see the Planning Act 2016 , schedule 1 , section 1 , table 3, items 3 and 5.
This division applies if a public sector entity is about to carry out, or to arrange to have carried out, any of the following work under a permit, for the benefit of the public sector entity or another public sector entity— permit work; notifiable work; both permit work and notifiable work. (sec.51-ssec) This division applies if a public sector entity is about to carry out, or to arrange to have carried out, any of the following work under a permit, for the benefit of the public sector entity or another public sector entity— permit work; notifiable work; both permit work and notifiable work.
A person may apply for a permit to carry out the work— to the public sector entity under this division; or to the local government under division 2 . An application under subsection (1) (a) must— be in the approved form; and be accompanied by the documents as required under schedule 6 . s 52 amd 2022 SL No. 171 s 8 (sec.52-ssec.1) A person may apply for a permit to carry out the work— to the public sector entity under this division; or to the local government under division 2 . (sec.52-ssec.2) An application under subsection (1) (a) must— be in the approved form; and be accompanied by the documents as required under schedule 6 .
The public sector entity must consider an application made under section 52 (1) (a) and decide to— approve the application with— for an application relating to work for a treatment plant of a type the subject of a treatment plant approval—the conditions of the approval; and any other conditions the entity considers reasonable and relevant for carrying out the work; or refer the application to the local government to decide under division 2 . The public sector entity may approve the application if satisfied— after assessing each plan mentioned in schedule 6 , part 2 accompanying the application, the plan complies with the code requirements for the work to which the application relates; and for an application relating to a greywater use facility that includes a greywater treatment plant, other than a greywater (cooling tower) treatment plant, in a sewered area— the premises where the facility is proposed to be installed generates more than 3kL of greywater a day; and the treatment plant is of a type for which a treatment plant approval has been granted; and the proposed work complies with the treatment plant approval; and greywater can be diverted to sanitary drainage by a manual diversion device; and greywater will automatically overflow to sanitary drainage if the facility’s filtering or irrigation system is not working properly; and for an application relating to a greywater use facility that includes a greywater treatment plant not in a sewered area— the treatment plant is of a type for which a treatment plant approval has been granted; and the proposed work complies with the treatment plant approval; and for an application relating to a greywater use facility that includes a greywater (cooling tower) treatment plant in a sewered area to treat greywater, other than kitchen greywater—the treatment plant will be able to treat the greywater to the required standard; and for an application relating to a secondary on-site sewage treatment plant— the treatment plant is of a type for which a treatment plant approval has been granted; and the proposed work complies with the treatment plant approval; and for an application relating to SEQ water work, written consent for the work has been given by— the local government; or if the local government is not the water service provider for the premises—the water service provider; and for an application relating to SEQ sewerage work, written consent for the work has been given by— the local government; or if the local government is not the sewerage service provider for the premises—the sewerage service provider. s 53 amd 2022 SL No. 171 s 9 (sec.53-ssec.1) The public sector entity must consider an application made under section 52 (1) (a) and decide to— approve the application with— for an application relating to work for a treatment plant of a type the subject of a treatment plant approval—the conditions of the approval; and any other conditions the entity considers reasonable and relevant for carrying out the work; or refer the application to the local government to decide under division 2 . (sec.53-ssec.2) The public sector entity may approve the application if satisfied— after assessing each plan mentioned in schedule 6 , part 2 accompanying the application, the plan complies with the code requirements for the work to which the application relates; and for an application relating to a greywater use facility that includes a greywater treatment plant, other than a greywater (cooling tower) treatment plant, in a sewered area— the premises where the facility is proposed to be installed generates more than 3kL of greywater a day; and the treatment plant is of a type for which a treatment plant approval has been granted; and the proposed work complies with the treatment plant approval; and greywater can be diverted to sanitary drainage by a manual diversion device; and greywater will automatically overflow to sanitary drainage if the facility’s filtering or irrigation system is not working properly; and for an application relating to a greywater use facility that includes a greywater treatment plant not in a sewered area— the treatment plant is of a type for which a treatment plant approval has been granted; and the proposed work complies with the treatment plant approval; and for an application relating to a greywater use facility that includes a greywater (cooling tower) treatment plant in a sewered area to treat greywater, other than kitchen greywater—the treatment plant will be able to treat the greywater to the required standard; and for an application relating to a secondary on-site sewage treatment plant— the treatment plant is of a type for which a treatment plant approval has been granted; and the proposed work complies with the treatment plant approval; and for an application relating to SEQ water work, written consent for the work has been given by— the local government; or if the local government is not the water service provider for the premises—the water service provider; and for an application relating to SEQ sewerage work, written consent for the work has been given by— the local government; or if the local government is not the sewerage service provider for the premises—the sewerage service provider.
If the public sector entity decides to approve the application, the entity must— issue a permit, in the approved form, to the applicant; and give a copy of the permit to— if the applicant is not the owner of the premises—the owner of the premises; and the local government; and if a distributor-retailer supplies a water service or sewerage service for the premises—the distributor-retailer; and if the work involves installing a water meter and the local government is not the water service provider for the premises—the water service provider. (sec.54-ssec) If the public sector entity decides to approve the application, the entity must— issue a permit, in the approved form, to the applicant; and give a copy of the permit to— if the applicant is not the owner of the premises—the owner of the premises; and the local government; and if a distributor-retailer supplies a water service or sewerage service for the premises—the distributor-retailer; and if the work involves installing a water meter and the local government is not the water service provider for the premises—the water service provider.
If the public sector entity decides to refer the application to the local government under section 53 (1) (b) , the public sector entity must give the applicant notice of the decision.
If the public sector entity does not decide the application within the required period, the entity is taken to have decided to refer the application to the local government. In this section— required period means the following period after receiving the application— 10 business days; if a longer period is agreed between the public sector entity and the applicant—the longer period. (sec.56-ssec.1) If the public sector entity does not decide the application within the required period, the entity is taken to have decided to refer the application to the local government. (sec.56-ssec.2) In this section— required period means the following period after receiving the application— 10 business days; if a longer period is agreed between the public sector entity and the applicant—the longer period.
If the public sector entity has issued a permit under section 54 , the permit may be amended by agreement between the entity and the permit holder. If a permit is amended under subsection (1) , the public sector entity must— issue the amended permit, in the approved form, to the permit holder; and give a copy of the amended permit to each entity to which a copy of the permit was required to be given under section 54 (b) . (sec.57-ssec.1) If the public sector entity has issued a permit under section 54 , the permit may be amended by agreement between the entity and the permit holder. (sec.57-ssec.2) If a permit is amended under subsection (1) , the public sector entity must— issue the amended permit, in the approved form, to the permit holder; and give a copy of the amended permit to each entity to which a copy of the permit was required to be given under section 54 (b) .
A permit— attaches to the premises to which the permit relates; and binds the owner, the owner’s successors in title, and any occupier of the premises.
A permit takes effect the day the permit is issued. A permit ends— for a permit relating to installing a treatment plant of a type the subject of a treatment plant testing approval—the day, that is no more than 1 year after the permit takes effect, stated in the permit; or otherwise— the day, that is at least 2 years after the permit takes effect, stated in the permit; or if the term of the permit is extended on application under section 43 (2) (a) —at the end of the extended term. If a local government has issued a permit and has not given a final inspection certificate for work carried out under the permit at least 3 months before the permit is to end, the local government must give notice of the day the permit is to end to— the permit holder; and if the permit holder is not the owner of the premises to which the permit relates—the owner of the premises. (sec.59-ssec.1) A permit takes effect the day the permit is issued. (sec.59-ssec.2) A permit ends— for a permit relating to installing a treatment plant of a type the subject of a treatment plant testing approval—the day, that is no more than 1 year after the permit takes effect, stated in the permit; or otherwise— the day, that is at least 2 years after the permit takes effect, stated in the permit; or if the term of the permit is extended on application under section 43 (2) (a) —at the end of the extended term. (sec.59-ssec.3) If a local government has issued a permit and has not given a final inspection certificate for work carried out under the permit at least 3 months before the permit is to end, the local government must give notice of the day the permit is to end to— the permit holder; and if the permit holder is not the owner of the premises to which the permit relates—the owner of the premises.
This part is about— inspecting work and alternative procedures for deciding whether or not work is compliant; and procedures for assessing work; and giving action notices for work; and giving inspection certificates and final inspection certificates for work. (sec.60-ssec) This part is about— inspecting work and alternative procedures for deciding whether or not work is compliant; and procedures for assessing work; and giving action notices for work; and giving inspection certificates and final inspection certificates for work.
For section 69 (2) of the Act , the prescribed matters that permit work must comply with to be compliant are the matters mentioned in subsection (3) . Notifiable work must also comply with the matters mentioned in subsection (3) to be compliant. The permit work or notifiable work is compliant if— the work complies with the code requirements for the work; and each thing installed as part of the work is a thing to which any of section 65 (1) (a) to (f) of the Act applies; and for work carried out under a permit, the work— complies with the permit and any conditions of the permit; and is consistent with the approved plans for the work. (sec.61-ssec.1) For section 69 (2) of the Act , the prescribed matters that permit work must comply with to be compliant are the matters mentioned in subsection (3) . (sec.61-ssec.2) Notifiable work must also comply with the matters mentioned in subsection (3) to be compliant. (sec.61-ssec.3) The permit work or notifiable work is compliant if— the work complies with the code requirements for the work; and each thing installed as part of the work is a thing to which any of section 65 (1) (a) to (f) of the Act applies; and for work carried out under a permit, the work— complies with the permit and any conditions of the permit; and is consistent with the approved plans for the work.
This subdivision applies in relation to work carried out under a permit issued by a local government. However, this subdivision does not apply if the responsible person for the work gives a local government a remote area compliance notice for the work and the local government accepts the notice under section 73 . (sec.62-ssec.1) This subdivision applies in relation to work carried out under a permit issued by a local government. (sec.62-ssec.2) However, this subdivision does not apply if the responsible person for the work gives a local government a remote area compliance notice for the work and the local government accepts the notice under section 73 .
The responsible person for the work must make a request, complying with subsection (3) , to the local government to inspect the work— if any part of the plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the work is to be covered—before the part is covered, subject to subsection (2) ; and if the work relates to a greywater use facility including a land application area—no later than 5 business days after the irrigation for the facility is installed; and if the work is on-site sewage work for an on-site sewage facility—no later than 5 business days after all the pipes for the facility are connected; and if the permit includes a condition requiring an inspection at a stage of the work stated in the permit—no later than 5 business days after the stage has been reached; and if an inspector has given the person an action notice requiring the person to make the request—within the period stated in the notice; and no later than 5 business days after the plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the work has become operational. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units. Drainage below ground level resulting from, or affected by, on-site sewage work may be partially covered before it is inspected if a cross-section of the drainage is left uncovered for inspection. subsurface irrigation in a land application area A request under subsection (1) may be made orally or by notice to the local government. Subsection (5) applies if the responsible person— is not the person who applied for the permit; or is not the last person who asked for the work to be inspected. Before the responsible person asks the local government to inspect the work, the responsible person must give the local government a notice, in the approved form, stating the responsible person’s name and contact details. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units. (sec.63-ssec.1) The responsible person for the work must make a request, complying with subsection (3) , to the local government to inspect the work— if any part of the plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the work is to be covered—before the part is covered, subject to subsection (2) ; and if the work relates to a greywater use facility including a land application area—no later than 5 business days after the irrigation for the facility is installed; and if the work is on-site sewage work for an on-site sewage facility—no later than 5 business days after all the pipes for the facility are connected; and if the permit includes a condition requiring an inspection at a stage of the work stated in the permit—no later than 5 business days after the stage has been reached; and if an inspector has given the person an action notice requiring the person to make the request—within the period stated in the notice; and no later than 5 business days after the plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the work has become operational. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units. (sec.63-ssec.2) Drainage below ground level resulting from, or affected by, on-site sewage work may be partially covered before it is inspected if a cross-section of the drainage is left uncovered for inspection. subsurface irrigation in a land application area (sec.63-ssec.3) A request under subsection (1) may be made orally or by notice to the local government. (sec.63-ssec.4) Subsection (5) applies if the responsible person— is not the person who applied for the permit; or is not the last person who asked for the work to be inspected. (sec.63-ssec.5) Before the responsible person asks the local government to inspect the work, the responsible person must give the local government a notice, in the approved form, stating the responsible person’s name and contact details. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
This section applies if the responsible person for the work makes a request under section 63 for the local government to inspect the work. An inspector must start inspecting the work within— 1 hour after the time agreed between the local government and the responsible person; or if a time is not agreed—48 hours after the responsible person asks the local government to inspect the work. See section 87 for the consequences of not inspecting the work under subsection (2) . An inspector does not fail to comply with subsection (2) only because the inspector can not enter the premises to which the permit relates. The responsible person must give an inspector the help the inspector reasonably requires to inspect the work unless the person has a reasonable excuse. Maximum penalty for subsection (4) —20 penalty units. (sec.64-ssec.1) This section applies if the responsible person for the work makes a request under section 63 for the local government to inspect the work. (sec.64-ssec.2) An inspector must start inspecting the work within— 1 hour after the time agreed between the local government and the responsible person; or if a time is not agreed—48 hours after the responsible person asks the local government to inspect the work. See section 87 for the consequences of not inspecting the work under subsection (2) . (sec.64-ssec.3) An inspector does not fail to comply with subsection (2) only because the inspector can not enter the premises to which the permit relates. (sec.64-ssec.4) The responsible person must give an inspector the help the inspector reasonably requires to inspect the work unless the person has a reasonable excuse. Maximum penalty for subsection (4) —20 penalty units.
The responsible person for the work must not cover any plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the work before an inspector inspects the work, unless— an inspector has allowed the plumbing or drainage to be covered; or for work that is on-site sewage work— the responsible person ensures the drainage is only partially covered under section 63 (2) ; or the local government has allowed an on-site sewage work declaration to be given for the work under section 69 . (sec.65-ssec) The responsible person for the work must not cover any plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the work before an inspector inspects the work, unless— an inspector has allowed the plumbing or drainage to be covered; or for work that is on-site sewage work— the responsible person ensures the drainage is only partially covered under section 63 (2) ; or the local government has allowed an on-site sewage work declaration to be given for the work under section 69 .
This section applies if— the responsible person covers plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the work before an inspector has inspected the work; and the inspector inspecting the work reasonably believes the responsible person has failed to comply with section 65 . The inspector may give the responsible person an action notice requiring the person to take action to help the inspector assess whether the work is compliant, including, for example, any of the following— giving the local government a covered work declaration for the work; inserting a camera into the plumbing or drainage to allow the inspector to inspect the work; uncovering the plumbing or drainage to the extent necessary to enable the inspector to assess whether the work is compliant. An action notice given under subsection (2) may state different actions in relation to different parts of the work. For general requirements for giving an action notice under subsection (2) , see section 97 . (sec.66-ssec.1) This section applies if— the responsible person covers plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the work before an inspector has inspected the work; and the inspector inspecting the work reasonably believes the responsible person has failed to comply with section 65 . (sec.66-ssec.2) The inspector may give the responsible person an action notice requiring the person to take action to help the inspector assess whether the work is compliant, including, for example, any of the following— giving the local government a covered work declaration for the work; inserting a camera into the plumbing or drainage to allow the inspector to inspect the work; uncovering the plumbing or drainage to the extent necessary to enable the inspector to assess whether the work is compliant. (sec.66-ssec.3) An action notice given under subsection (2) may state different actions in relation to different parts of the work. For general requirements for giving an action notice under subsection (2) , see section 97 .
This section applies if— the responsible person has asked the local government to inspect the work under section 63 (1) ; and an inspector has not started to inspect the work within the period mentioned in section 64 (2) (a) or (b) ; and the responsible person covers plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the work before an inspector has inspected the work. Despite section 64 , the local government may, instead of inspecting the work under that section, allow the responsible person to give the local government a covered work declaration for the work. (sec.67-ssec.1) This section applies if— the responsible person has asked the local government to inspect the work under section 63 (1) ; and an inspector has not started to inspect the work within the period mentioned in section 64 (2) (a) or (b) ; and the responsible person covers plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the work before an inspector has inspected the work. (sec.67-ssec.2) Despite section 64 , the local government may, instead of inspecting the work under that section, allow the responsible person to give the local government a covered work declaration for the work.
This section applies in relation to work carried out under a permit issued by a public sector entity. The public sector entity may inspect the work or ask the local government to inspect the work. The local government may inspect the work if the public sector entity has asked the local government to inspect the work under subsection (2) . (sec.68-ssec.1) This section applies in relation to work carried out under a permit issued by a public sector entity. (sec.68-ssec.2) The public sector entity may inspect the work or ask the local government to inspect the work. (sec.68-ssec.3) The local government may inspect the work if the public sector entity has asked the local government to inspect the work under subsection (2) .
This section applies to the extent the work carried out under a permit issued by a local government is on-site sewage work. Despite section 64 , the local government may, instead of inspecting the work under that section, allow an appropriate person to give the local government a declaration in the approved form (an on-site sewage work declaration ), stating that the person— has inspected the on-site sewage work; and is satisfied the work is compliant. In this section— appropriate person means a person, other than a person who carried out the work, who the local government considers— has appropriate knowledge about the design and function of the on-site sewage facility to which the work relates; and is otherwise competent to make the declaration. (sec.69-ssec.1) This section applies to the extent the work carried out under a permit issued by a local government is on-site sewage work. (sec.69-ssec.2) Despite section 64 , the local government may, instead of inspecting the work under that section, allow an appropriate person to give the local government a declaration in the approved form (an on-site sewage work declaration ), stating that the person— has inspected the on-site sewage work; and is satisfied the work is compliant. (sec.69-ssec.3) In this section— appropriate person means a person, other than a person who carried out the work, who the local government considers— has appropriate knowledge about the design and function of the on-site sewage facility to which the work relates; and is otherwise competent to make the declaration.
This subdivision applies in relation to work carried out under a permit issued by a local government if— the local government is mentioned in schedule 7 ; and the work is carried out in an area the local government has declared to be a remote area under section 71 (1) (a) ; and; the work is— permit work the local government has declared to be eligible work under section 71 (1) (b) ( eligible work ); or notifiable work (also eligible work ). (sec.70-ssec) This subdivision applies in relation to work carried out under a permit issued by a local government if— the local government is mentioned in schedule 7 ; and the work is carried out in an area the local government has declared to be a remote area under section 71 (1) (a) ; and; the work is— permit work the local government has declared to be eligible work under section 71 (1) (b) ( eligible work ); or notifiable work (also eligible work ).
The local government may, by resolution— declare part of its local government area to be a remote area because of the area’s remoteness from the local government’s public office (a remote area declaration ); and declare particular permit work carried out in a remote area to be eligible work if the local government considers the work is of a type that, even if not inspected, will not be likely to adversely affect public health or safety, or the environment. The local government must— publish each declaration on its website; and give the chief executive a copy of the declaration; and ensure the declaration may be inspected, free of charge, at the local government’s public office; and ensure each remote area declaration includes a map identifying the remote area. (sec.71-ssec.1) The local government may, by resolution— declare part of its local government area to be a remote area because of the area’s remoteness from the local government’s public office (a remote area declaration ); and declare particular permit work carried out in a remote area to be eligible work if the local government considers the work is of a type that, even if not inspected, will not be likely to adversely affect public health or safety, or the environment. (sec.71-ssec.2) The local government must— publish each declaration on its website; and give the chief executive a copy of the declaration; and ensure the declaration may be inspected, free of charge, at the local government’s public office; and ensure each remote area declaration includes a map identifying the remote area.
This section applies if all of the eligible work authorised for any or all of the premises under the permit has been carried out. The responsible person for the work must, within 10 business days after the plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the work has become operational and fit for use, give the local government a notice in the approved form (a remote area compliance notice ) stating— the work is compliant; and the plumbing or drainage is operational and fit for use. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units. The responsible person for the work may authorise a suitably qualified person to prepare and give the remote area compliance notice for the responsible person under subsection (2) . (sec.72-ssec.1) This section applies if all of the eligible work authorised for any or all of the premises under the permit has been carried out. (sec.72-ssec.2) The responsible person for the work must, within 10 business days after the plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the work has become operational and fit for use, give the local government a notice in the approved form (a remote area compliance notice ) stating— the work is compliant; and the plumbing or drainage is operational and fit for use. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units. (sec.72-ssec.3) The responsible person for the work may authorise a suitably qualified person to prepare and give the remote area compliance notice for the responsible person under subsection (2) .
This section applies if a suitably qualified person gives, or purports to give, a remote area compliance notice for the responsible person for work to a local government. The local government must decide to— accept the remote area compliance notice, if the local government is satisfied the person is a suitably qualified person for giving the notice; or otherwise, refuse to accept the notice. The local government must, within 5 business days after receiving the remote area compliance notice, give the responsible person a notice (the decision notice ) stating whether the local government has accepted or refused to accept the notice. If the local government refuses to accept the remote area compliance notice, the local government must ensure the decision notice includes, or is accompanied by, an information notice about the decision. The local government is taken to have decided to refuse to accept the remote area compliance notice if the local government does not give the responsible person a decision notice within the period required under subsection (3) . If, under subsection (5) , the local government is taken to have decided to refuse to accept the remote area compliance notice, the responsible person is entitled to be given an information notice about the decision. For an appeal against a decision mentioned in subsection (2) (b) or (5) , see the Planning Act 2016 , schedule 1 , section 1 , table 3, items 3 and 5. In this section— suitably qualified person includes a person who purports to be a suitably qualified person. (sec.73-ssec.1) This section applies if a suitably qualified person gives, or purports to give, a remote area compliance notice for the responsible person for work to a local government. (sec.73-ssec.2) The local government must decide to— accept the remote area compliance notice, if the local government is satisfied the person is a suitably qualified person for giving the notice; or otherwise, refuse to accept the notice. (sec.73-ssec.3) The local government must, within 5 business days after receiving the remote area compliance notice, give the responsible person a notice (the decision notice ) stating whether the local government has accepted or refused to accept the notice. (sec.73-ssec.4) If the local government refuses to accept the remote area compliance notice, the local government must ensure the decision notice includes, or is accompanied by, an information notice about the decision. (sec.73-ssec.5) The local government is taken to have decided to refuse to accept the remote area compliance notice if the local government does not give the responsible person a decision notice within the period required under subsection (3) . (sec.73-ssec.6) If, under subsection (5) , the local government is taken to have decided to refuse to accept the remote area compliance notice, the responsible person is entitled to be given an information notice about the decision. For an appeal against a decision mentioned in subsection (2) (b) or (5) , see the Planning Act 2016 , schedule 1 , section 1 , table 3, items 3 and 5. (sec.73-ssec.7) In this section— suitably qualified person includes a person who purports to be a suitably qualified person.
This division applies in relation to work carried out under a permit issued by a local government.
This section applies if the local government considers— the work carried out under the permit is not correctly represented in an approved plan for the work because of a minor inconsistency between the plan and the work; and other than for paragraph (a) , the work carried out under the permit is compliant. The local government may amend the approved plan so the plan correctly represents the work carried out under the permit. (sec.75-ssec.1) This section applies if the local government considers— the work carried out under the permit is not correctly represented in an approved plan for the work because of a minor inconsistency between the plan and the work; and other than for paragraph (a) , the work carried out under the permit is compliant. (sec.75-ssec.2) The local government may amend the approved plan so the plan correctly represents the work carried out under the permit.
An inspector may require the responsible person for the work to— test or commission plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the work in the inspector’s presence; or ensure another licensee carries out the testing or commissioning in the inspector’s presence; or ensure a competent person carries out the testing or commissioning, without an inspector being present, within 10 business days after the requirement is made. The person testing or commissioning plumbing or drainage under subsection (1) must carry out the testing or commissioning in compliance with the code requirements for testing or commissioning the work. In this section— competent person means a person— who holds a licence authorising the person to carry out the testing or commissioning; or whom the local government considers is competent to carry out the testing or commissioning. (sec.76-ssec.1) An inspector may require the responsible person for the work to— test or commission plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the work in the inspector’s presence; or ensure another licensee carries out the testing or commissioning in the inspector’s presence; or ensure a competent person carries out the testing or commissioning, without an inspector being present, within 10 business days after the requirement is made. (sec.76-ssec.2) The person testing or commissioning plumbing or drainage under subsection (1) must carry out the testing or commissioning in compliance with the code requirements for testing or commissioning the work. (sec.76-ssec.3) In this section— competent person means a person— who holds a licence authorising the person to carry out the testing or commissioning; or whom the local government considers is competent to carry out the testing or commissioning.
This section applies if— an inspector requires the responsible person for the work to ensure a competent person tests or commissions plumbing or drainage under section 76 (1) (c) or an action notice; and the competent person carries out the testing or commissioning. The competent person must prepare and sign a report in the approved form (a testing or commissioning report ) stating— that the person tested or commissioned the plumbing or drainage; and that the plumbing or drainage was tested or commissioned in compliance with the code requirements for testing or commissioning the work; and whether the work relating to the plumbing or drainage complies with the code requirements for the work; and if the work relating to the plumbing or drainage does not comply with the code requirements for the work—how the work does not so comply. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units. The competent person must give the testing or commissioning report to the responsible person within 5 business days after the testing or commissioning is finished. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units. If the responsible person is given a testing or commissioning report under subsection (3) , the responsible person must give the report to the local government within— 10 business days after the testing or commissioning is finished; or if before the end of the 10 business days, the local government decides the report may be given within a longer period—the longer period. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units. (sec.77-ssec.1) This section applies if— an inspector requires the responsible person for the work to ensure a competent person tests or commissions plumbing or drainage under section 76 (1) (c) or an action notice; and the competent person carries out the testing or commissioning. (sec.77-ssec.2) The competent person must prepare and sign a report in the approved form (a testing or commissioning report ) stating— that the person tested or commissioned the plumbing or drainage; and that the plumbing or drainage was tested or commissioned in compliance with the code requirements for testing or commissioning the work; and whether the work relating to the plumbing or drainage complies with the code requirements for the work; and if the work relating to the plumbing or drainage does not comply with the code requirements for the work—how the work does not so comply. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units. (sec.77-ssec.3) The competent person must give the testing or commissioning report to the responsible person within 5 business days after the testing or commissioning is finished. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units. (sec.77-ssec.4) If the responsible person is given a testing or commissioning report under subsection (3) , the responsible person must give the report to the local government within— 10 business days after the testing or commissioning is finished; or if before the end of the 10 business days, the local government decides the report may be given within a longer period—the longer period. Maximum penalty—20 penalty units.
An inspector may give an action notice to the responsible person for the work (the relevant work ) carried out under the permit if— the inspector has inspected the relevant work and is not satisfied the work is compliant; or the work has been covered before the inspector has inspected it the inspector requires further information about whether or not a thing that is part of the work is a thing to which section 65 (1) (a) to (f) of the Act applies the inspector has inspected the relevant work and considers there is a substantial inconsistency between the work and the permit or an approved plan for the work; or The local government dealt with the application for the permit as a fast-track application and the inspector considers the relevant work includes permit work that is not fast-track permit work. the inspector has, under section 76 (1) (c) , required the responsible person to ensure a competent person tests or commissions plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the relevant work and either of the following applies— the inspector considers the responsible person has contravened section 77 (4) ; the testing or commissioning report prepared by the competent person states that the work, or part of the work, does not comply with the code requirements for the work. (sec.78-ssec) An inspector may give an action notice to the responsible person for the work (the relevant work ) carried out under the permit if— the inspector has inspected the relevant work and is not satisfied the work is compliant; or the work has been covered before the inspector has inspected it the inspector requires further information about whether or not a thing that is part of the work is a thing to which section 65 (1) (a) to (f) of the Act applies the inspector has inspected the relevant work and considers there is a substantial inconsistency between the work and the permit or an approved plan for the work; or The local government dealt with the application for the permit as a fast-track application and the inspector considers the relevant work includes permit work that is not fast-track permit work. the inspector has, under section 76 (1) (c) , required the responsible person to ensure a competent person tests or commissions plumbing or drainage resulting from, or affected by, the relevant work and either of the following applies— the inspector considers the responsible person has contravened section 77 (4) ; the testing or commissioning report prepared by the competent person states that the work, or part of the work, does not comply with the code requirements for the work.
Sourced from Queensland Legislation (legislation.qld.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
This regulation may be cited as the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019 .
This regulation commences on the commencement of section 157 of the Act .
The dictionary in schedule 10 defines particular words used in this regulation.
For section 6 (2) of the Act , permit work is plumbing or drainage work that is not— notifiable work; or minor work; or unregulated work.
For section 6 (3) of the Act , notifiable work is plumbing or drainage work of the type stated in schedule 1 , part 2 . However, notifiable work does not include plumbing or drainage work to which schedule 1 , part 1 applies. (sec.5-ssec.1) For section 6 (3) of the Act , notifiable work is plumbing or drainage work of the type stated in schedule 1 , part 2 . (sec.5-ssec.2) However, notifiable work does not include plumbing or drainage work to which schedule 1 , part 1 applies.
For section 6 (4) of the Act , minor work is plumbing or drainage work of the type stated in schedule 2 .
For section 6 (5) of the Act , unregulated work is plumbing or drainage work of the type stated in schedule 3 .
For section 7 (2) of the Act , the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code, version 1, 2025 is approved. s 8 amd 2024 SL No. 43 s 3 ; 2025 SL No. 1 ss 4 , 8 ; 2025 SL No. 66 s 3
It prescribes how local governments (and public sector entities in some cases) issue, amend and manage permits for permit work and notifiable work, including a fast‑track pathway for simple residential/ancillary jobs, opt‑out rules for councils, application contents, timeframes for decisions, and what must happen if an application or inspection is not decided in time (pt.5, ss.36–56, 37–41, 42–50, 63–66, 69–76). Fast‑track work is narrowly defined (simple Class 1a or 10a jobs in serviced areas) but councils may declare other fast‑track types or opt out (ss.37–41).
It sets out inspection and certification processes: when inspections must be requested and started, what counts as compliant work, how covered work declarations, remote area compliance notices and suitably qualified persons can be used instead of a council inspection, how action notices work, and how inspection certificates and final inspection certificates are issued and shared (pt.6, ss.60–91). There are specific remote‑area arrangements allowing self‑certification in declared remote areas (ss.70–73).
It prescribes installation and maintenance obligations for particular products and systems: backflow prevention device registration and annual testing programs (ss.101–103), approval and installation rules for fire service products and (temporarily) for urine‑diverting toilets trial installations (s.99, s.99A), rules for greywater uses (including special rules for supplying treated greywater to cooling towers and required treatment standards) (ss.103A–103B, s.104), and service reporting for greywater and on‑site sewage facilities (s.106).
It establishes registers to be kept by the commissioner (licensees and notifiable work notices) and by local governments (permits, inspection certificates, backflow devices, service reports, show‑cause and enforcement notices), sets public access rules and identifies documents excluded from public access (pt.8, ss.109–117).
It sets fees, fee concessions, reduced fees for linked licences, administration fees, and practical rules about which fees are payable when (pt.9, ss.118–123, sch.8–9).
Who this affects
Licensed tradespeople (plumbers, drainers, and holders of restricted licences) and businesses doing plumbing or drainage work — they must comply with licence scope, application, inspection, testing and certification rules (ss.13–15, pt.6, pt.7).
Property owners and developers — permits attach to premises and bind owners and successors; owners may be required to register backflow devices and can be charged and sued for costs (ss.58, 102, 107).
Local governments and public sector entities — they decide most permits, conduct inspections or accept alternate compliance processes, keep registers and may recover costs for remedial work (pt.5, pt.6, pt.8, ss.101–107).
Manufacturers and suppliers of treatment plants, fire service products, backflow devices and water meters — the regulation creates approval pathways and technical requirements that products must meet to be used in Queensland (ss.16–21, s.99, sch.7A).
Utilities and distributor‑retailers (water and sewerage providers) — they must be notified about certain permits, may be required to consent to SEQ water/sewerage work, and can request copies of final inspection certificates (ss.44, 47, 48, 86, 91).
Why it matters (mechanics, incentives and likely effects)
Centralised technical control: the regulation ties permitted work to specific codes, standards and published treatment plant approvals (ss.8–12, ss.19–21). Mechanically, that makes the chief executive and local governments gatekeepers for which treatment products and solutions are permitted. Incentive: manufacturers and designers have a clear incentive to obtain treatment plant approvals and to design to the listed standards; applicants and tradespeople have an incentive to follow approved solutions to reduce time and risk of action notices (ss.18–20, sch.6 s.6–7).
Faster processing for small, simple jobs balanced against safeguards: the fast‑track pathway (ss.37–41) reduces time and administrative cost for many simple residential jobs, but excludes trade‑waste, greywater/on‑site sewage work, and areas where councils opt out. Trade‑offs: faster approvals reduce direct compliance cost and delay for many builders/trades, but councils retain discretion to opt out or require inspections where public health risks are higher.
Alternatives to physical inspection reduce inspector workload but shift compliance risk: the regulation allows covered‑work declarations, on‑site sewage declarations, remote‑area compliance notices signed by suitably qualified people, and use of competent persons and testing reports in place of council inspection in certain circumstances (ss.66–73, 76–77). That lowers inspection costs and travel time in remote areas but increases reliance on private certification and post‑installation reporting, transferring some enforcement and verification effort downstream.
Administrative and ongoing costs are imposed on owners and operators: application packs and technical plans are extensive (sch.6), treatment plant approvals, monitoring, service reporting and annual backflow testing all create recurring obligations (ss.16, 23, 101–106). Who pays: applicants, licence‑holders, premises owners and device/service providers bear these costs. Penalties for non‑compliance (typically up to 20 penalty units in multiple places, e.g. ss.63, 72, 77, 102–103) create enforceable cost exposure.
Concentrated benefits, diffuse costs: manufacturers and installers of approved treatment plants, approved backflow devices and certified technical solutions gain a commercial advantage once their products/competency are accepted or published (ss.20, 99, sch.7A). Costs of compliance (applications, testing, documentation, annual maintenance) are spread across many businesses and property owners.
Bureaucratic discretion and implementation risk: the regulation leaves multiple discretionary decisions to local governments, the chief executive and public sector entities — e.g. deciding equivalence of alternative qualifications (s.14), approving treatment plant types and imposing conditions (ss.18–20), accepting remote‑area notices (ss.71–73), and imposing action notices (ss.78–79, 97). That discretion enables tailored decision‑making but creates risk of inconsistent treatment across areas and requires robust administrative capacity.
Practical behaviour changes required
Tradespeople must operate inside clearly defined licence scopes and follow either deemed‑to‑satisfy or evidence‑backed performance solutions and keep records (ss.13–15, sch.6 s.6).
Applicants must prepare comprehensive plans and technical documentation and expect time‑limited decision processes (sch.6; ss.17, 21, 49).
Owners of premises with testable backflow prevention devices must register devices and arrange annual testing; licensees must notify councils when installing or servicing such devices (ss.101–103).
Where councils allow alternative compliance (remote area, covered work, on‑site sewage declarations) responsible persons must produce and retain approved forms, testing reports and service reports and may face action notices or penalties if those documents aren’t provided (ss.66–73, 76–77, 106).
Key references to consult in the regulation: sections 4–12 (work classes and codes), 16–31 (treatment plant approvals), 36–59 (permits), 60–91 (inspections and certificates), 97–99 (action notices and approved things), 101–106 (backflow, greywater and servicing), pt.8 (registers), pt.9 and schedule 8 (fees).
For section 9 (1) (b) of the Act , each of the following provisions of the Plumbing Code of Australia (a prescribed PCA provision ) is prescribed— section A section B, other than part B4 section C section D section E s 9 amd 2022 SL No. 171 s 3 (sec.9-ssec) For section 9 (1) (b) of the Act , each of the following provisions of the Plumbing Code of Australia (a prescribed PCA provision ) is prescribed— section A section B, other than part B4 section C section D section E
For section 9 (1) (c) of the Act , each of the following parts of the Queensland Development Code (a prescribed QDC part ) is prescribed— MP 3.5—Construction of buildings in flood hazard areas MP 4.1—Sustainable buildings MP 4.2—Rainwater tanks and other supplementary water supply systems MP 4.3—Supplementary water sources—commercial buildings. (sec.10-ssec) For section 9 (1) (c) of the Act , each of the following parts of the Queensland Development Code (a prescribed QDC part ) is prescribed— MP 3.5—Construction of buildings in flood hazard areas MP 4.1—Sustainable buildings MP 4.2—Rainwater tanks and other supplementary water supply systems MP 4.3—Supplementary water sources—commercial buildings.
For section 9 (4) of the Act , plumbing or drainage work, or a plan for plumbing or drainage work— complies with the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code only if the work complies with all relevant performance requirements for the work under the code; and complies with a prescribed PCA provision only if the work complies with all relevant performance requirements for the work under the provision. Compliance of the work with a relevant performance requirement under the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code or a prescribed PCA provision can be achieved by— a deemed-to-satisfy solution for the performance requirement under the code or provision; or a performance solution for the performance requirement under the code or provision; or a combination of the solutions mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) . (sec.11-ssec.1) For section 9 (4) of the Act , plumbing or drainage work, or a plan for plumbing or drainage work— complies with the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code only if the work complies with all relevant performance requirements for the work under the code; and complies with a prescribed PCA provision only if the work complies with all relevant performance requirements for the work under the provision. (sec.11-ssec.2) Compliance of the work with a relevant performance requirement under the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code or a prescribed PCA provision can be achieved by— a deemed-to-satisfy solution for the performance requirement under the code or provision; or a performance solution for the performance requirement under the code or provision; or a combination of the solutions mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) .
For section 9 (4) of the Act , plumbing or drainage work, or a plan for plumbing or drainage work, complies with a prescribed QDC part only if the work complies with all relevant performance requirements for the work under the part. Compliance of the work with a relevant performance requirement under a prescribed QDC part can be achieved only in the same way that compliance of building work with the relevant performance requirement can be achieved under the Building Act 1975 , section 14 . (sec.12-ssec.1) For section 9 (4) of the Act , plumbing or drainage work, or a plan for plumbing or drainage work, complies with a prescribed QDC part only if the work complies with all relevant performance requirements for the work under the part. (sec.12-ssec.2) Compliance of the work with a relevant performance requirement under a prescribed QDC part can be achieved only in the same way that compliance of building work with the relevant performance requirement can be achieved under the Building Act 1975 , section 14 .
For section 13 (5) of the Act — the scope of work for a plumbers licence is the plumbing work mentioned in schedule 4 , part 1 ; and the scope of work for a drainers licence is the drainage work mentioned in schedule 4 , part 2 ; and the scope of work for a restricted licence of a type mentioned in schedule 4 , part 3 , column 1 is the plumbing or drainage work mentioned opposite the type of licence in part 3 , column 2 of the schedule.
This section applies if— a person applies, or tells the commissioner the person intends to apply, to the commissioner for a licence; and the person intends to rely on a qualification (an alternative qualification ) for the application that is not 1 of the qualifications (the existing qualifications ) for the licence decided by the commissioner under section 14 (a) of the Act ; and the commissioner considers it is, or will be, necessary to assess whether the alternative qualification is equivalent to any of the existing qualifications to decide whether the person has the qualifications required for the licence; and the person asks the commissioner to assess the equivalence of the alternative qualification and pays QBCC the fee stated in schedule 8 for the assessment. The commissioner must assess whether the alternative qualification is equivalent to any of the existing qualifications. Subsection (4) applies if the commissioner considers the only practicable way to assess the equivalence of the alternative qualification under subsection (2) is to have the person’s competencies for the alternative qualification assessed by a registered training organisation. The commissioner may refer the person to a registered training organisation to— carry out an assessment of the competencies for the alternative qualification; and advise the commissioner of the results of its assessment. To remove any doubt, it is declared that the requirement for the person to pay the prescribed fee under subsection (1) (d) for the commissioner’s assessment under subsection (2) does not prevent or restrict a registered training organisation from charging the person an additional fee for supplying a service under subsection (4) . In this section— competencies , for a qualification, means the units of competency (however called) that satisfied the requirements of the qualification. s 14 amd 2020 SL No. 119 s 11 (sec.14-ssec.1) This section applies if— a person applies, or tells the commissioner the person intends to apply, to the commissioner for a licence; and the person intends to rely on a qualification (an alternative qualification ) for the application that is not 1 of the qualifications (the existing qualifications ) for the licence decided by the commissioner under section 14 (a) of the Act ; and the commissioner considers it is, or will be, necessary to assess whether the alternative qualification is equivalent to any of the existing qualifications to decide whether the person has the qualifications required for the licence; and the person asks the commissioner to assess the equivalence of the alternative qualification and pays QBCC the fee stated in schedule 8 for the assessment. (sec.14-ssec.2) The commissioner must assess whether the alternative qualification is equivalent to any of the existing qualifications. (sec.14-ssec.3) Subsection (4) applies if the commissioner considers the only practicable way to assess the equivalence of the alternative qualification under subsection (2) is to have the person’s competencies for the alternative qualification assessed by a registered training organisation. (sec.14-ssec.4) The commissioner may refer the person to a registered training organisation to— carry out an assessment of the competencies for the alternative qualification; and advise the commissioner of the results of its assessment. (sec.14-ssec.5) To remove any doubt, it is declared that the requirement for the person to pay the prescribed fee under subsection (1) (d) for the commissioner’s assessment under subsection (2) does not prevent or restrict a registered training organisation from charging the person an additional fee for supplying a service under subsection (4) . (sec.14-ssec.6) In this section— competencies , for a qualification, means the units of competency (however called) that satisfied the requirements of the qualification.
For section 25 (2) of the Act — the scope of work for an endorsement on a plumbers licence or provisional plumbers licence mentioned in schedule 4 , part 4 , column 1 is the plumbing work mentioned opposite the endorsement in part 4 , column 2 of the schedule; and the scope of work for an endorsement on a drainers licence or provisional drainers licence mentioned in schedule 4 , part 5 , column 1 is the drainage work mentioned opposite the endorsement in part 5 , column 2 of the schedule.
A person may apply to the chief executive for a treatment plant approval for— a greywater treatment plant of a particular type, other than a greywater (cooling tower) treatment plant; or a secondary on-site sewage treatment plant of a particular type. The holder of a treatment plant approval may apply to the chief executive to amend the approval. The application must— be in the approved form; and be accompanied by the documents as required under schedule 5 . However, an application to amend a treatment plant approval is not required to be accompanied by a document if— the document accompanied the application for the approval or a previous application to amend the approval; and there has been no change to any material particular in the information contai
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