Drink Driving on the Tablelands
A drink driving charge on the Tablelands means a mandatory licence disqualification — and on the Tablelands, that disqualification hits harder than it does in a city. There are no buses between Atherton and Mareeba, no trains between Herberton and Ravenshoe, no practical way to get to work, pick up your children, or do anything else without a car. Your matter will be listed at either Atherton or Mareeba Magistrates Court depending on where the offence occurred. Sacha travels from Cairns to appear at both courts — same preparation, same fixed fee, no travel surcharge.
Why Licence Loss Is Different Here
The sentencing range for drink driving is the same across Queensland — but the practical consequences of a disqualification vary enormously by location. In Cairns, you might catch a bus. On the Tablelands, there is no bus. Farmers driving between paddocks and town, tradespeople travelling between job sites in Atherton and Mareeba, agricultural workers commuting from Ravenshoe to a processing facility in Malanda — all depend entirely on holding a licence. A three-month disqualification in the city is inconvenient. On the Tablelands, it can mean losing your income. This is not sympathy — it is sentencing context. Magistrates have discretion over the length of your disqualification, the size of your fine, and whether a conviction is recorded. The practical consequences of the penalty in your specific circumstances are a relevant factor, and Sacha puts them squarely before the court.
Work Licences on the Tablelands
If your income depends on driving — and on the Tablelands, it almost certainly does — the work licence application may be the most critical part of your matter. A work licence under section 87 of the TORUM Act allows you to drive for work purposes during your disqualification period. It does not restore your full licence — it authorises driving to and from work, and during work, under conditions set by the Magistrates Court. You may be eligible if: You are charged with a general or middle alcohol limit offence — BAC 0.050 to 0.149 You held a current Queensland open licence at the time of the offence — not learner, provisional, or probationary You have no relevant traffic conviction within the past five years You were not driving for work or under a restricted licence at the time of the offence You are not eligible if your BAC was 0.150 or above — that charge is deemed DUI under the Act, and work licences are barred. The application is made at the same hearing as your plea. It cannot be applied for later. If you think you may need a work licence, that conversation needs to happen at your first consultation — not on the courthouse steps.
Which Court Hears Your Matter
Atherton Magistrates Court — matters from Atherton, Yungaburra, Herberton, Ravenshoe, Malanda, Millaa Millaa, and the southern Tablelands. Mareeba Magistrates Court — matters from Mareeba, Kuranda, Dimbulah, Chillagoe, Mount Molloy, and the northern and western Tablelands. If you were caught on the Kennedy Highway, the court depends on the police division — Kuranda and Mareeba police divisions go to Mareeba; matters closer to Atherton go to Atherton. Sacha can confirm after reviewing your charge paperwork. Both courts hear the full range of drink driving charges — low, mid, and high range BAC, drug driving, and driving under the influence. Work licence applications are heard at the same hearing as the plea.
Estimate Your Likely Outcome
Our drink driving penalty estimator shows the disqualification range, fine range, and whether the interlock program applies for your charge category. For a full breakdown of the charge categories — low range, mid range, deemed DUI, zero limit — see the main drink driving page .
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an extra fee because my matter is at Atherton or Mareeba?
No. The fixed fee is the same regardless of which court the matter is heard at. No travel surcharge.
Can I apply for a work licence if I work on a farm?
If you meet the eligibility criteria — charged with a general or middle alcohol limit offence, held a current open licence, no relevant traffic history in the past five years — yes. Agricultural and farming work is exactly the kind of employment where a work licence application carries weight, because there is no alternative way to get to work on the Tablelands.
I was charged in Kuranda — is that Atherton or Mareeba?
Kuranda matters are generally listed at Mareeba Magistrates Court.
What if my BAC was 0.150 or above?
A reading of 0.150 or above is deemed DUI. A work licence is not available for this charge — the Act bars it. The disqualification and sentencing range are more serious, and Sacha will advise on realistic outcomes at the first consultation. See drink driving charges for the full breakdown.