Temporary accommodation gone bad!

The Planning and Environment Court delivered a decision in the case of Whitsunday Regional Council v Branbid Pty Ltd [2017] QPEC 3 which involved an application made by the Whitsunday Regional Council to the Court seeking: a declaration under section 456 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 that the use of the land for temporary accommodation is a […]

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What’s the cost of motor cross?

The Planning and Environment Court delivered a decision in the case of Drywound Pty Ltd v Lockyer Valley Regional Council & Ors [2017] QPEC 4, which involved determining cross-applications made by the parties for costs.   Drywound Pty Ltd v Lockyer Valley Regional Council & Ors [2017] QPEC 4 – What’s the case about? The […]

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New Yarra River Protection Planning Controls

On 26 February 2017, the Victorian Government (Government) formally released the Yarra River Action Plan and the new Yarra River Protection Planning Controls (Yarra Controls) intended to protect the Yarra River from “inappropriate” development.  This follows a discussion paper, Protecting the Yarra River (Birrarung), which was released for public consultation on 1 July 2016. Partner, Meg […]

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New residential zones, including new mandatory height limits, are imminent

Last week, the Government announced that it would implement Amendment VC110 to make changes to Victoria’s residential zones in response to recommendations by the Managing Residential Development Advisory Committee’s (the Committee) review of the residential zones which began in late 2015 and was recently reported to the Minister for Planning. The three residential zones, the […]

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New Land Valuations for Queensland property owners

More than one million new annual land valuations have been issued to landowners in Queensland which will be used to assess land tax, rates and State land rental charges. For owners, reducing the statutory valuation of land can significantly reduce their taxes and rates whilst enhancing the commercial value of their property. However owners have […]

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A sign on a heritage building is not all bad

Proposed signage on the Kedron Park Hotel was approved as it posed no undue impact on the hotel or its heritage significance.   Australian Leisure And Hospitality Group Pty Ltd v Brisbane City Council – What’s the case about? The Planning and Environment Court delivered a decision in the case of Australian Leisure And Hospitality […]

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A self-storage facility in a residential area that cut across the planning scheme intent, no way

Redevelopment of the Carseldine Palms Motel site for a self-storage facility was refused as it was in serious and major conflict with the Brisbane City Plan 2014.  Fortress Freeholds Pty Ltd v Brisbane City Council & Ors – What’s the case about? The Planning and Environment Court delivered a decision in the case of Fortress […]

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20 storeys might be too high but not where there’s a strong economic and community need

A 20 storey aged care accommodation and medical facilities building in Buranda was approved as it responded to the strong economic and community need Quintenon Pty Ltd v Brisbane City Council – What’s the case about? The Planning and Environment Court delivered a decision in the case of Quintenon Pty Ltd v Brisbane City Council […]

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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 […]

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Abolition 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 […]

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New 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 […]

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EPA Inquiry Report Released – Is the EPA destined for a significant overhaul?

The Victorian Government’s 10 months Inquiry into the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) concluded on 31 March 2016 and the findings of the Inquiry have now been released. The Inquiry was conducted by a three-person Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) and examined six key matters and ‘any other matter reasonable incidental to these matters’. The six […]

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