Start a Business in Rockhampton

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

✔ 7 permits⏱ 2-8 weeks💰 $200-$500+ (food licence, outdoor dining)

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Overview

Starting a business in Rockhampton requires a Food Business Licence / Development Permit through the Rockhampton Regional Council. Base fee: $200-$500+ (food licence, outdoor dining). No state business licence. Council handles food licensing and development approvals. Queensland has SARE (Simplified Assessment of Relocatable Enterprises) for food vans. Business Launchpad is excellent free tool.

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: $200-$500+ (food licence, outdoor dining) depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Rockhampton Regional Council

Phone: 07 4932 9000

232 Bolsover Street, Rockhampton QLD 4700

Common Mistakes

⚠ Requires zoning approval BEFORE licence submission
⚠ Flood-prone areas along Fitzroy River — check mapping before leasing
⚠ Beef Capital of Australia — agricultural services hub
⚠ Mining services sector significant

Choose Your Business Type

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

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