Licences & approvals managed by Environmental Health

Council’s Environmental Health unit is responsible for administering the following licences and approvals in the Douglas Shire:

  • Food Licence
  • Market Food Stall Licence
  • Accommodation Approval Certificate
  • Public Swimming Pool Approval
  • Health Personal Appearance Services High Risk

To apply for one of the above licences, visit our directory of applications, forms and permits and select the appropriate form.

If you’d like assistance with completing the form or to check on the status of your application, please contact Council’s Environmental Health team on 4099 9444.

Refund of licencing or approval fee for businesses no longer operating

Licences and approvals for businesses no longer operating are subject to a refund, based on a pro-rata amount, less a $153.50 standard administration fee.

Council requires notice in writing from the applicant, stating the business will no longer be operating and the date it will stop trading.

To receive a refund, please email a completed copy of Council’s refund request form to enquiries@douglas.qld.gov.au.

Once a licence or approval has been cancelled you will no longer receive renewal notices and any continued operation of the business activity may result in enforcement proceedings from Council.

If you intend on recommencing operations, an application to obtain a new licence or approval will need to be lodged with Council.

The following terms and conditions apply to refunds:

  • Refunds are not applicable after 75% of the approval or licence term.
  • Refunds are not applicable to annual market food licences
  • Food licence terms are generally issued from 1 July – 30 June the next year.

Withdrawing an application for a licence or approval

The following terms and conditions apply:

  • A non-refundable administration fee of $159.00 applies for new applications where assessment by an officer has not yet occurred.
  • When assessment of the application has begun, a refund of 25% of the application fee may apply.
  • Refunds are not applicable to applications with a fee less than $159.00 and Temporary / Market Food Stall Applications.
  • Refused applications are non-refundable.
  • Refunds are not applicable after 75% of the approval or licence term.