Land Records Search Request

Douglas Shire Council (Port Douglas, Mossman, Daintree and surrounds) uses form RT06 for its land records searches. Its name reflects the land record a Queensland council must keep for rateable land, covering the owner, valuation and rates and charges (Local Government Regulation 2012 s 154). The rate search includes a change of ownership processing fee, a cost-recovery fee for recording a change of ownership (Local Government Act 2009 s 97(2)(b)). The same form orders planning and development certificates under section 265 of the Planning Act 2016, which council must give within 5, 10 or 30 business days for a limited, standard or full certificate. It also covers a planning history check, plumbing and drainage plans, backflow device status, liquid trade waste, health licences and local law approvals.

When you need it

• You are buying property in the Douglas Shire and need a rate search before settlement.
• You need a water meter reading and consumption, or a meter volume test.
• You need a planning and development certificate, a planning history check, or plumbing and drainage plans for the lot.
• You are buying a food business, accommodation, licensed premises or a business with outdoor dining or footpath approvals, and need council's records or an inspection.

1. 1

   Section 1 - applicant details

   Give the applicant name (person or company), postal address, phone, mobile and email, the property address, lot and plan number(s), settlement date and your reference.

2. 2

   Sections 2 to 5 - rates, water, planning and plumbing

   Tick a rate search; a meter reading and water consumption or meter volume test; a limited, standard or full planning certificate (per lot) or planning history check; and any private as-constructed plumbing and drainage plan, council infrastructure plan or backflow prevention device status.

3. 3

   Sections 6 to 8 - trade waste, health and local laws

   Tick liquid trade waste records (with or without inspection), health records search or inspection by business type, or a local laws compliance records search, giving the approval type and number.

4. 4

   Section 9 - authorisation

   For any search in sections 6, 7 or 8, the current property owner or licensed business operator must complete and sign section 9 to authorise council to release the information to you.

5. 5

   Declaration

   The applicant signs and dates the declaration that the information is true and correct.

• Lodge with Douglas Shire Council by email to enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au, by post to PO Box 723, Mossman QLD 4873, or at the office at 64-66 Front Street, Mossman. Council's land records page says the application must be accompanied by the fee.
• Make a separate application for each individual property.
• Timeframes printed on the form: 5 working days for a rate search and for a meter reading, 5, 10 and 30 working days for planning certificates, and about 10 working days for a planning history check.
• Health searches must be received at least 10 working days before settlement. Fees are printed on the form; check the current version before paying.

• Not all Douglas Shire properties are connected to sewer or water. Phone council on 4099 9444 before ordering a plumbing search if you only need sewer information.
• There are no private as-constructed drawings for vacant blocks, and the form says no refund is given if drawings are unavailable.
• A planning history check is not a planning and development certificate. Order a certificate if you need the statutory content.