Changes to Building Approval Processes

Published on Monday, 29 June 2026 at 10:25:10 AM

Increases to Minimum Fees

Starting 1 July 2026, the minimum fee for building approvals will be increased per the Commerce Regulations Amendment (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2026 and apply to the following applications:

  • Building Permits,
  • Demolition Permits,
  • Occupancy Permits, and
  • Extension to the duration of permits.

The minimum fee for those applications will be increasing from $110.00 to $121.00. The percentage of project estimate for each of those applications remains unchanged.

More details can be found at the following link: External Link - LGIRS Newsletter

(These changes to fees will not be reflected on our website's Fees & Charges page until the 2026/27 Annual Budget has been adopted, but new applications will use the new fees)

Increasing of CTF Levy Threshold

Currently building projects that are estimated to cost more than $20,000 attracts a Construction Training Fund (CTF) Levy equal to 0.2% of the total building project cost.

Per the Building and Construction Industry Training Fund and Levy Collection Amendment Regulations 2026, building work that is planned to start after 1 July 2026, this threshold will be increased to $100,000 (if your project is $100,000 or less, no CTF Levy is payable). The rate of 0.2% remains unchanged.

If you had paid a CTF Levy for a project that is less than $100,000 in value and is planned to start after 1 July 2026 (whether through the Shire as part of our fees, or directly to the CTF organisation), you may be eligible for a refund from the CTF organisation. As part of this refund you must provide evidence of construction start being after 1 July 2026.

Claims are made through the CTF Levy Portal, or by contacting the CTF organisation directly.

(These changes to fees will not be reflected on our website's Fees & Charges page until the 2026/27 Annual Budget has been adopted, but new applications will use the threshold)

Easing of Class 10a Structure Registered Builder Requirements

Under existing regulations, building work that is valued at $20,000 or more requires a registered builder. This requirement included Class 10a structures (a carport that cost more than $20,000 to build would require a registered builder).

As of 1 July 2026, the threshold for requiring a registered builder for Class 10a structures will be increasing to $100,000. This does not remove the requirement for having a Building Permit in place before commencing construction, only that unregistered builders can lawfully construct it.

Class 10a structures are non-habitable building including a private garage, carport, shed or the like.

Building work for all other classes (Classes 1 to 9, and Classes 10b and 10c) retains the $20,000 building work value threshold for requiring a registered builder.

More details can be found at the following link: External Link - Media Statement from Hon. Dr Tony Buti

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