Council to Transition Building Certification Services

Published on 13 August 2025

Burdekin Shire Council will discontinue its in-house building certification services from 30 September 2025, appointing Buildable Approvals Pty Ltd (BAS) as its preferred supplier to deliver these services on Council’s behalf should an applicant still wish Council to accept and assess its application for building works.

The change follows the retirement of Council’s long-serving Building Certifier and unsuccessful recruitment efforts to fill the vacancy, despite advertising the role since early 2025.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the decision ensures Council continues to meet its legal obligations under the Building Act 1975 while maintaining service continuity for the community.

“Council has provided in-house building certification for over 40 years, but like many other Queensland councils, we have found it increasingly difficult to recruit qualified certifiers,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“By engaging with a private provider, we can continue to deliver this service when requested, meet our statutory obligations, and ensure applications lodged with Council are assessed in a timely and compliant manner.”

From 1 October 2025, BAS will:

• Act as Council’s preferred certifier for all new building work applications lodged with Council for assessment.
• Provide services to Council to finalise all existing and outstanding building work permits currently open, until the permit end date (expected mid-2027).

Due to the variable nature of BAS’s fee structure, Council will amend its 2025/26 Fees and Charges Schedule to a “Price on Application” model for building work applications lodged with Council from 1 October 2025 onwards. This approach ensures full cost recovery for the service.

If an application is made to Council for assessment, Council will work with local builders, contractors and residents to ensure they are aware of the changes and can plan inspections accordingly, noting that under the new model BAS provides inspections on a scheduled basis, one day per week.

“We know this is a significant change for our building industry and residents, and we will ensure clear communication and support throughout the transition,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

For more information on the change to building certification services, visit www.burdekin.qld.gov.au or contact Council’s Planning and Development team on (07) 4783 9800.