How to search the land registers

Search the Environmental Management Register and the Contaminated Land Register.

The Environmental Management Register and Contaminated Land Register (EMR/CLR) are public registers which list contaminated, or potentially contaminated land, in Queensland and can be searched for a fee. Read more about the registers.

A register search is commonly done by people who are considering:

• buying a property
• developing or changing the use of a parcel of land.

You can request the search yourself, or your solicitor or financial institution can undertake the search on your behalf.

What will my search show?

All search responses reflect what is recorded in the EMR or the CLR at the time of the search.

The search response will show:

• if the land you have searched is or is not listed on the EMR or the CLR
• what, if any, contaminants are on the land and have been notified to us
• what, if any, notifiable activities have been, or are being, conducted on the land and have been notified to us
• if there is a site management plan for the land. If there is, a copy of the plan will also be provided.

Search results will not include:

• contaminated land where we have not been notified of the contamination
• land on which a notifiable activity is being, or has been, undertaken but where we have not been notified of the activity
• a complete list of notifiable activities or contamination affecting the land if we have not been notified of them.

What information do I need to do a search?

Before you start the online search you will need:

• the lot, the plan type, and the plan number. You can find this information on the Title Deed, registered plan or rates notice for the land; and
• a Visa or Mastercard for payment.

If you are unable to submit an online search, you can print and complete the Application to search the environmental management/contaminated land register form—ESR/2015/1842 (formerly EM120) and post it to the address on the form with a cheque made out to The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.

How much does it cost?

View costs for an online search of the EMR/CLR.

When will I get my results?

If you submit an online search request, your search results will be automatically emailed back to you within one day, unless you have requested return by fax or post.

We manually process search requests within 5 business days and can email or fax the results within this period.

Persons who request search results to be sent by post should allow at least 10 business days to receive them.

If you do not receive your results within these timeframes you can contact EMR.CLR.Registry@des.qld.gov.au.