Nil fees on permits & licensing

In an effort to create a business friendly environment, the Gold Coast City Council has, as of the 2005 - 06 Licensing year, reduced all health licensing fees to nil for eligible properties whilst still maintaining the same level of service to business.

As a result of the fee removal, Council can now investigate ways of streamlining and simplifying the whole application and renewal process to the benefit of businesses.

Ways of reducing the amount of paperwork required, the costs of business start up and being more flexible in the administration of applications are being considered for implementation.

Council, by improving it’s efficiency and reducing the cost of providing the community with a regulated business environment, is creating an atmosphere, which supports and encourages business start up and growth. This is of benefit to the whole community as an expansion of business creates more job opportunities and enhances local prosperity.

This initiative will remove fees and charges for more than 100 services that are provided, including initial application, renewal, transfer, and amendment fees, thus directly reducing start-up costs for businesses and improving Council efficiency.

The same standards of service to business will be maintained and in some areas improved under this initiative. These include:

The full cost of providing these services will now be recovered more appropriately through an increase in the tax-deductible rate paid by all commercial premises.

It is also anticipated that this initiative will encourage all businesses that are required to be regulated, to voluntarily register with Council thus creating a level playing field for all businesses.

It is further expected that the standard of compliance will improve as Council officers will have more time to assist in the setting up of businesses and ensuring levels of compliance are maintained. This improvement is due to the officers not having to spend unproductive time as debt collectors as was the case in the previous system. It is anticipated that this change in operation will lead to an improved working relationship between businesses and the Council.

The licence and permit types included in this initiative include:

This initiative means that every business operating out of a rateable propoerty within the Gold Coast will be eligible for a nil fee. Whilst any business operating from outside the Gold Coast will still be required to pay a fee, as they have not contributed to the rate.

For further information please go the specific licence type for more details.

Eligibility condition for the Nil Fee

Health and Regulatory Purposes related applications listed above shall be nil when the applicant can demonstrate that the activity is operated from a rateable property in the City.

Agreements, bonds, contracts and permission for use of facilities or public space will not be eligible for the nil fee arrangement, but activities ancillary to the primary use rights granted will be eligible for the nil fee where it specifically applies.

Ineligible applicants

Where an applicant is deemed to be ineligible, a fee will apply.

Implementation notes

Further information

For more information, please contact Environmental Health on (07) 5581 6220.

Last updated: 21/04/2008

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