Start a Business in Newcastle Au

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 7 permits⏱ 2-8 weeks💰 $150-$500+ (food registration, footpath dining, signage)

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Overview

Starting a business in Newcastle Au requires a Food Business Registration / Development Approval through the City of Newcastle. Base fee: $150-$500+ (food registration, footpath dining, signage). No general state business licence — licensing is council-level. NSW Food Authority handles food business licences statewide. Development Applications (DAs) go through local council for change of use. Councils charge annual food premises registration fees.

Required Permits

✓Federal: ABN registration (free, instant at abr.gov.au)
✓Federal: TFN (Tax File Number, free)
✓Federal: GST registration (if turnover >$75K)
✓State: Business name registration with ASIC ($39/year)
✓Local: Council business registration / planning permit
✓Local: Food premises registration (if food — council health dept)
✓State: Liquor licence (if applicable)

Step-by-Step Process

1

Federal: ABN registration (free, instant at abr.gov.au)

2

Federal: TFN (Tax File Number, free)

3

Federal: GST registration (if turnover >$75K)

4

State: Business name registration with ASIC ($39/year)

5

Local: Council business registration / planning permit

6

Local: Food premises registration (if food — council health dept)

7

State: Liquor licence (if applicable)

Costs

Estimated total: $150-$500+ (food registration, footpath dining, signage) depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

City of Newcastle

Phone: 02 4974 2000

12 Stewart Avenue, Newcastle West NSW 2302

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Food business fees: $390 (small) to $3,500 (50+ handlers). Mobile/temp stall: $491
⚠ Inspection fee: $370/hour. Re-inspection: $290
⚠ One of the best-structured food business data pages in Australia — 11+ business type categories
⚠ Development Approval (DA) number required on food business notification form
⚠ Post-industrial revival — many heritage-listed commercial buildings with adaptive reuse potential
⚠ Newcastle East and Honeysuckle precincts have specific development controls

Choose Your Business Type

RestaurantFood TruckBarber ShopRetail StoreCoffee ShopBar / NightclubGym / Fitness StudioNail SalonCannabis DispensaryDog GroomingBakeryCleaning ServiceDaycare CenterAuto Repair Shop

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