VCAT Fast Track List for post-permit applications
From 1 July 2022, VCAT will establish a Fast Track List to expedite a number of post-permit applications. These changes are designed to improve the efficiency of VCAT’s procedures and to provide certainty to applicants and developers – particularly after a permit has been secured for a development site. The following applications under the Planning and […]
ReadmoreThe duty of care under the DBP Act can extend to owner developers who have ‘substantial control’ over the carrying out of building work
In The Owners – Strata Plan No 84674 v Pafburn Pty Ltd [2022] NSWSC 659, the plaintiff (Owners Corporation) commenced proceedings against Pafburn Pty Limited (First Defendant) (Builder) and Madarina Pty Limited (Second Defendant) (Developer) in relation to alleged defective construction work in respect of a strata development in North Sydney. The Developer was the owner […]
ReadmoreGreen loan financing – taking root in fertile soil
Green finance is financing where the proceeds are used by a borrower in financing projects that make a contribution to an environmental objective. This is an important way in which finance markets are contributing to the objectives of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, seeking to align finance with low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development. […]
ReadmoreQueensland’s Project Trust Account phased rollout delayed
Project Trust Accounts (PTAs) are currently required for eligible contracts for: State Government and Hospital and Health Services valued at $1 million or more (ex. GST); and since 1 January 2022, the requirement to have a PTA has been extended to the private sector and local government building contracts valued at $10 million or more […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | Victorian Commercial Tenancy Relief 3.0 – Victoria introduces extended rent relief for small business
In response to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the Victorian Government has now released the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme Regulations 2022 (Vic) (2022 Regulations) which extends the entitlement to rent relief and related protections for certain small businesses. What has changed? Our previous publication on the Commercial Tenancy Relief Scheme Regulations 2021 (2021 Regulations) can be found […]
ReadmoreLand Use Framework Plans – A new level in Melbourne’s strategic planning framework
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) is currently seeking public feedback for newly released draft Land Use Framework Plans. Feedback for the Land Use Framework Plans is open until 24 October 2021 and be done using the following methods by visiting this link. What are Land Use Framework Plans? The Land Use […]
ReadmoreOwners Corporation Update: Obtaining an order for unanimous consent just got harder
The Owners Corporations and Other Acts Amendment Act 2021 (Vic) (the Amending Act) which is due to commence on 1 December 2021 will significantly alter the circumstances in which a member of an owners corporation, or an owners corporation itself, have standing to apply to VCAT for orders under sections 32 or 33 of the […]
ReadmoreCountering Victoria’s Land Tax Grab
Amidst the outcry over the Victorian Government’s recently announced increases in land tax rates, it is more important than ever for landowners to consider potential strategies for containing their land tax cost. Indeed the latest announcement is just a further symptom of the Government over-reliance on land tax, which is also impacting landlords in a […]
ReadmoreThe new General Environmental Duty – What does this mean for directors?
Victoria’s approach to environmental protection and human health is changing soon. Coming into effect from 1 July 2021, the General Environmental Duty (GED) will be the cornerstone of the new Environment Protection Amendment Act 2018 (Vic) (EPA Act). The new GED will require all Victorian businesses and individuals to take proactive steps to prevent and […]
ReadmoreAmendment VC194: Fast track of state and local infrastructure projects
Amendment VC194 (Amendment) was gazetted by the Minister for Planning earlier this week. The Amendment inserts two new particular provisions at clauses 52.30 (State projects) and 52.31 (Local government projects) into the VIC Planning Provisions and all local planning schemes. Fast track of state and local infrastructure projects The new particular provisions provide planning permit […]
ReadmoreCOVID-19 | Reminder to Landlords: 2020 land tax relief applications close soon
This article is issued as a timely reminder to Landlords who intend to seek COVID-19 land tax relief for the 2020 land tax year. Applications for relief in New South Wales and Victoria must be lodged prior to 31 March 2021. In this update, we summarise the application process, eligibility criteria and evidentiary requirements for […]
ReadmoreChanges to the Owners Corporations Act – what developers need to know
Developers have an obligation to act honestly, in good faith and with due care and diligence in the best interests of the Owners Corporation created on registration of a plan of subdivision for a development under the Owners Corporations Act 2006 (Vic) (OC Act). There has therefore been a tension between the developer’s obligation to […]
Readmore
