Qld contaminated land search

The Qld contaminated land search provides information on land registers that the Department of Environment and Science manage:

  • Environmental Management Register (EMR)
  • Contaminated Land Register (CLR).

View a sample contaminated land search result.

What information is in the Environmental Management Register (EMR)?

The EMR is a land-use planning and management register. Land that has been, or is being, used for a notifiable activity is in the EMR.

The EMR provides information on current and historical land use. This includes whether land:

  • has been, or is currently used, for a notifiable activity
  • has been contaminated by a hazardous substance.

These sites are considered ‘low risk’ to human health or the environment under the current land-use. Inclusion on the EMR doesn’t mean that the land must be cleaned up or that current land use must cease.

What information is in the Contaminated Land Register (CLR)?

The CLR contains information about contaminated land (considered ‘risk sites’) that is causing or may cause serious environmental harm.

Land is recorded in the CLR when a scientific investigation shows it’s contaminated. When this occurs, an action needs to be taken to remediate or manage the land to prevent serious environmental harm or adverse public health risks.

What is a Site Management Plan (SMP)?

A SMP is used to manage contaminated land (as recorded on the EMR) after a site investigation occurs and contamination remains. A SMP applies conditions to land use to manage environmental harm.

If a SMP applies to the subject property, a copy will be available as an appendix to the search result.

What is an Area Management Advice (AMA)?

An AMA shows lots within an area of land contaminated by a widespread contaminant such as:

  • natural mineralisation or industrial activity
  • unexploded ordnance (UXO) where the Department of Defence has reported a substantial risk of residual UXO.

If an AMA applies to the subject property, a copy will be available as an appendix to the search result.

What is an unexploded ordnance (UXO)?

A UXO is ammunition such as artillery shells, mortar bombs and grenades that did not explode when used. In Queensland, most UXO is on former military training areas and firing ranges.

UXO may detonate if disturbed, causing a potential safety risk. Land that UXO affects requires specialised assessment and management procedures.

What is an Advisory Note (AN) for unexploded ordnance (UXO)?

An AN (UXO) is issued for lots within an area on which the Department of Defence has reported a slight risk of residual UXO.

If an AN (UXO) applies to the subject property, a copy will be available as an appendix to the search result.

What is a notifiable activity?

Notifiable activities are ones that cause or are likely to cause contamination. Schedule 3 of the Environmental Protection (EP) Act 1994 (Qld) contains a listing of current notifiable activities including (but not restricted to) the following land uses – service stations, cattle dips, tanneries, and landfills.

You must enter a lot/plan description. No browse function is available, and you will only receive a result for the exact land description you enter.

Do special rules apply for land descriptions?

All Queensland land description prefixes are acceptable.

When searching on crown plans, you shouldn’t enter the prefix CP. For example, enter ‘Lot 6 on MPH12345’ instead of ‘Lot 6 on CP MPH12345’.

Searches on strata plans (Building Unit Plan or Group Title Plan) refer to the base parcel where available.

When are the results available?

Results are available immediately online and stored in your Confirm inbox for up to 30 calendar days.

How can local government get the most out of EMR and CLR searches?

The Department of Environment and Science waives the information fee for any EMR and CLR searches conducted by a local government authority. This only applies when the subject property is within the boundaries of that authority.

A delivery fee applies for these searches.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

Our Customer Service Centre is here to help you between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

Phone 1800 773 773
Email confirm@citec.com.au

For more information on how to search, view our NSW and Qld conveyancing user guide.