Andrews Government responses to the EPA Inquiry
On 18 January 2017, the Andrews Government formally released the much anticipated response to the findings from the Independent Inquiry into the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA). The Inquiry was released in May 2016 and examined a range of matters relating to the EPA’s role, duties, powers and regulatory tools, the Victorian community and industry’s […]
ReadmoreFrom little things big disputes can grow
Sometimes, unfortunately, it does not take much for issues with a client to escalate into being a costly building dispute. However, it also often does not take much to avoid the dispute happening in the first place. This is an example of both. The dispute and the decision In December 2016, the New South […]
ReadmoreAbolition of GAIC exemptions for public purpose and infrastructure land mean higher costs for growth area developers
The Victorian Government has broadened the application of the Growth Area Infrastructure Contribution (GAIC) applicable to land in the Urban Growth Zone (UGZ) by repealing the current exemption clauses under section 201RF(a) and (b) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (P&E Act) for lots created for a “utility installation” or “transport infrastructure or any […]
ReadmoreRelationship contracting for civil construction by standing offer panel arrangements under the Local Government Regulation 2012
Paul Muscat and his team worked with Simon Malouf, Program Leader for Road Delivery Management at Logan City Council, to take advantage of the contracting provisions of the Local Government Regulation 2012 to streamline contracting processes and provide enhanced support to the delivery of their rapidly growing capital road and drainage infrastructure program. Co-authored by […]
ReadmoreNew Infrastructure Contributions Plan system now in operation
The Victorian Government has introduced a new legislative framework for funding essential works and services in Metropolitan Greenfield Growth Areas under Part 3AB of the Planning and Environment Act 1987 (Act) and through the introduction of the Ministerial Direction on the Preparation and Content of Infrastructure Contribution Plans (Ministerial Direction). The Amending Legislation was introduced […]
ReadmoreCopying Building Plans – Cost Savings…or Costly Mistake?
A recent Federal Court decision1 serves as a reminder that copying building plans can be an infringement of copyright, which may attract significant financial imposts on both the landowner and the builder. Background Mr and Mrs Mistry (Mistrys) and building designer, Henley Arch Pty Ltd (Henley) were in discussions to design and build the “Amalfi […]
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