Currency period (development approval, QLD)
QLD development approvals lapse unless acted on: MCU 6 years, reconfiguring a lot 4 years, operational works 2 years. How to extend under s86.
Ask Chalkline about this →The currency period is the window in which a Queensland development approval must be acted on before it lapses. Once it expires without the required action, the approval is extinguished and a fresh DA is needed. Rules sit in Planning Act 2016 (Qld) ss 85-88 (verified 2026-06-11, legislation.qld.gov.au).
Default periods (where the decision notice sets no different period):
| Development type | Default | What must happen |
|---|---|---|
| Material change of use (MCU) | 6 years | First change of use commences |
| Reconfiguring a lot | 4 years | Survey plan lodged with council for plan sealing |
| Operational works, building work | 2 years | Development must substantially start |
The decision notice can shorten or lengthen any period. Read the notice, not just the Act.
Substantially started means genuine physical commencement consistent with the approved development. Cutting a trench and stopping is unlikely to satisfy the test.
Extension applications (s86). Lodge with the assessment manager (usually council) before the period expires. Extension is discretionary: council weighs whether circumstances have changed. A granted extension does not revive an already-lapsed approval.
For builders. Pull the decision notice at the start of any job, confirm the currency period is still running, and diarise the expiry. A DA handed to you by a client may be years old. An expired approval means a fresh DA, potentially under an amended planning scheme, before work can legally start.
Also known as: Lapse period, approval currency period, DA currency period (QLD).
Category: Planning / Development approvals / Queensland.
Related
References
- Planning Act 2016 (Qld), ss 85-88, legislation.qld.gov.au (verified 2026-06-11).
- How long does a development approval last?, Consult Planning (verified 2026-06-11).
Last updated: 2026-06-11. Verified: 2026-06-11. Quarterly review for currency.