Start a Business in Townsville

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 Townsville requires a Food Business Licence / Development Permit through the Townsville City 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

Townsville City Council

Phone: 13 18 81

103 Walker Street, Townsville QLD 4810

Common Mistakes

⚠ Cyclone-zone building compliance sometimes required before approval
⚠ Flood zone mapping critical — parts of city flood-prone
⚠ Defence (Lavarack Barracks) major employer — B2B opportunities
⚠ Palmer Street entertainment precinct has specific late-night trading rules

Choose Your Business Type

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

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