Security of payment in Queensland
Queensland’s framework is the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (the BIF Act). Adjudication applications are made through the QBCC Adjudication Registry, which the QBCC describes on its “apply for adjudication” page.
Time limits under the BIF Act are short and strictly applied. We don’t restate them here because they depend on the type of claim and can change; read the Act and QBCC guidance directly.
QBCC building design licences
The QBCC lists three building design licence classes:
- Building design: low rise: class 1 and 10 buildings, and some class 2 to 9 buildings up to a set floor area (Type A and B construction excluded).
- Building design: medium rise: a broader scope that includes buildings up to three storeys above a car park level.
- Building design: open: no building-size limit on design scope.
Planning in Queensland
Planning runs under the Planning Act 2016. Each local government has a planning scheme, and state interests are set out in the State Planning Policy. Brisbane, the Gold Coast and regional councils each apply their own scheme, which is why an identical house design can need different reports in different places.
Example: a Brisbane Queenslander renovation
- Stage 1: measure-up and existing drawings (drafter)
- A$1,980
- Stage 2: design and planning report (building designer)
- A$3,520
- Stage 3: structural engineering for the lift and build-under (engineer)
- A$2,750
- Stage 3: working drawings (building designer)
- A$3,080
- Client pays per stage
- A$11,330 total
Each line belongs to the person whose licence or expertise covers it. In DrafterShare that becomes one schedule with per-stage splits. Payments are planned, not live.
Using DrafterShare in Queensland
This page is general information drawn from the official sources listed below, not legal advice. Check the current law, and get advice on your own contract.
Try the live demo with sample data, or join the pilot waitlist.
Questions
Which QBCC design licence covers houses?
All three classes cover class 1 and 10 buildings. Medium rise and open add larger buildings. Check the QBCC licence pages for the exact scope.
Can DrafterShare lodge a BIF Act adjudication?
No. Applications go through the QBCC Adjudication Registry. DrafterShare is planned as fee and payment software only.
Sources
Official pages we relied on, checked 27 October 2026. Laws change; always read the current version.
- Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld) (opens in a new tab) · Queensland Legislation
- Apply for adjudication (opens in a new tab) · QBCC
- Available licences (building design) (opens in a new tab) · QBCC
- How does planning work? (opens in a new tab) · Queensland Government (planning)