make it make sense

An Acceptable Outcome is a pre-approved way of meeting planning rules set by council.

If your design follows an AO, approval is usually simpler because it already fits council expectations. If it doesn’t, an alternative justification (called a Performance Outcome) may be required.

Why it matters:
Moving outside AOs doesn’t mean a project can’t proceed — it just means stronger justification is needed early.

👉 Unsure whether your design meets AOs?

Talk to an engineer → Contact

Crushed rock, gravel or sand used in concrete, pavements and drainage systems.

The type and quality of aggregate affects strength, drainage performance and long-term durability.

Why it matters:
Incorrect materials often lead to pavement failure or settlement issues later.

The amount of weight the ground can safely support.

Before designing footings or slabs, engineers assess soil conditions to ensure the structure won’t sink or move over time.

Why it matters:
Poor bearing capacity can lead to cracking, movement and expensive rectification works.

A digital model that combines design information from multiple disciplines into one coordinated system.

It helps consultants detect clashes and resolve problems before construction begins.

Why it matters:
Issues solved digitally are far cheaper than issues solved onsite.

Software used to prepare engineering drawings and plans.

These drawings communicate exactly how infrastructure or structures must be constructed and certified.

A test used to measure how strong soil is for supporting roads or pavements.

Higher CBR values generally mean stronger ground conditions.

Why it matters:
Low CBR soils may require additional pavement thickness or treatment, affecting cost early.

A streamlined development approval pathway where a proposal meets predefined planning rules.

Because impacts are considered predictable, approvals are typically faster than impact assessment.

👉 Learn more about approvals pathways:
Planning & Approvals → Services

The process of compressing soil to increase strength and reduce future settlement.

Proper compaction is critical under slabs, roads and retaining structures.

Why it matters:
Most pavement failures relate to poor compaction — not poor design.

A structure allowing water to flow under a driveway, road or embankment.

Correct sizing prevents flooding, erosion and council compliance issues.

A formal submission to council requesting approval for development or building works.

Engineering input often supports drainage, access, servicing and infrastructure compliance.

Why it matters:
Early engineering advice can prevent redesign requests during assessment.

👉 Need guidance before lodging a DA?
Start here → Contact

Permanent weight from a structure itself — walls, slabs, roofs and fixed elements.

Engineers account for dead loads when designing structural systems.

Raised ground created using compacted fill material.

Used for roads, platforms or flood protection areas.

Improper construction can lead to settlement or instability.

A planning control identifying land affected by potential flooding.

Additional engineering assessment is usually required before approval.

Why it matters:
Flood overlays influence floor levels, drainage design and insurance outcomes.

Engineering focused on soil behaviour and ground conditions.

It informs foundation design, earthworks and slope stability decisions.

A development approval pathway used when proposals vary from planning controls.

Council assesses broader impacts such as traffic, environment and infrastructure demand.

Fees imposed by council to contribute toward public infrastructure like roads, drainage and utilities.

Charges vary depending on development type and location.

Temporary loads applied to a structure, such as people, vehicles or furniture.

Designs must safely accommodate these changing loads.

A council planning framework identifying future infrastructure needs and cost contributions.

It influences development feasibility and approval conditions.

Construction approval required after a DA for physical works such as earthworks, drainage or roads.

Engineering drawings are typically required at this stage.

Additional planning controls applied to land (e.g., flood, heritage, environmental).

Overlays don’t stop development — they introduce extra assessment requirements.

Engineered layers forming roads, driveways or hardstand areas.

Designed based on traffic loads and soil conditions.

Council’s rulebook controlling land use and development outcomes.

Understanding the scheme early reduces approval risk.

Concrete strengthened with steel reinforcement to resist tension and cracking.

Used in slabs, beams, retaining walls and structural elements.

Downward movement of soil after construction.

Some settlement is normal — excessive settlement causes cracking or structural issues.

Queensland’s regional planning strategy guiding long-term growth and infrastructure planning.

It influences future zoning and development priorities.

The soil or material’s ability to resist sliding failure.

Important for retaining walls, slopes and foundations.

Parts of a building below ground level, including footings and foundations.

All structural components above ground level.

An earlier version of a council planning scheme still applying to certain approved developments.

The portion of a bridge or building that is above the substructure.

Development located near major public transport to encourage walkability and reduced car reliance.

The stress level where steel begins to permanently deform.

Critical in structural design calculations.

The level underground where soil becomes fully saturated with water.

High water tables affect excavation, drainage and foundations.

Planning classification determining permitted land uses (residential, commercial, industrial etc.).

Zoning strongly influences development potential.

👉 Want to understand what your zoning allows?

Ask us → Contact