Development refused due to conflict with planning scheme despite consistency with local character
The Court in WOL Projects Pty Ltd v Gold Coast City Council [2018] QPEC 48 recently refused a proposed development comprised of four detached two storey dwellings for a property located in Robina. The property is approximately 2,301 sqm and the development proposed a total site cover of 28.41 percent. The site is located within […]
ReadmoreExecutive officer and company fined for breaches of the EP Act
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act), it is an offence to breach a condition of an environmental authority (EA). Where an offence is committed by a corporation, executive officers of the corporation also commit an offence of failing to ensure the corporation complies with the EP Act. As is demonstrated by the following, […]
ReadmoreVictorian Government reinforces commitment to Solar Energy with new Guidelines
The Victorian Government recently released draft Solar Energy Facilities – Design and Development Guidelines (Guidelines) to assist the development of large-scale solar energy facilities. It is intended that following consultation with the community and industry, the final version of the Guidelines will become a source of advice on the development of best practice facilities in […]
ReadmoreVCAT makes important decision on balance between urban development and resource extraction in growth areas
Gadens recently acted for Austral Bricks in its successful application at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the Tribunal) for review of a refusal by the Mitchell Shire Council of its planning permit application for approval to extract red plastic clay from a 160 hectare property in Wallan East (the Wallan Quarry). On 2 October […]
ReadmoreLandowners win appeal against rating categorisation
Local governments in Queensland have a broad discretion to impose rates on land which are a major source of funding for local government. However, landowners have the right to challenge the rating categorisation applied to their land. In BWP Management Limited v Ipswich City Council; W & V Nominees Pty Ltd as Tte for the […]
ReadmoreDealing with the sale of contaminated land in Queensland – the importance of giving correct notice
The case of FKP Commercial Developments Pty Ltd v Albion Mill FCP Pty & Anor [2017] QSC 322 highlights the importance of ensuring the appropriate notice under section 408 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) (EPA) is given when disposing of land in Queensland which is contaminated. In May 2015, FKP Commercial Developments Pty […]
ReadmoreSolar farm prevails over good quality agricultural land
In Mirani Solar Farm Pty Ltd v Mackay Regional Council & Anor [2018] QPEC 38, the Planning and Environment Court was required to determine whether a large scale solar farm development should be approved on land comprising Good Quality Agricultural Land (GQAL). The proposed solar farm was intended to be for a ‘limited’ period of […]
ReadmoreCompany fined for unlawful clearing of marine plants
In the course of carrying out works on private land fronting the Maroochy River on the Sunshine Coast, a company deposited waste building material and fill over an area of low lying land on the property and an adjacent wetland area. Following a complaint from the public, the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) commenced […]
ReadmoreApplication for summary judgment dismissed by Planning and Environment Court
The Planning and Environment Court has refused an application for a summary judgment in relation to an originating application made by the Council of the City of Gold Coast seeking declarations and consequential orders in respect of non-compliance with conditions of a development approval for a motor vehicle repair station over premises located in Ormeau. […]
ReadmoreBrisbane’s Future Blueprint
Brisbane is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia and Brisbane City Council has released Brisbane’s Future Blueprint to guide the Council’s actions in shaping the future of Brisbane. While intended to improve planning and development outcomes for the city, the Blueprint presents a number of risks and challenges and has the potential to […]
ReadmoreChanges to a 15 level multi-unit residential development are not a minor change
The Planning and Environment Court has refused an appeal against the decision of Brisbane City Council to refuse a change application for a minor change to a development approval on the basis that the change would result in ‘substantially different development’. The decision provides useful guidance on the consideration of whether proposed changes are a […]
ReadmoreMajor Victoria Planning Provisions reform with the gazettal of Amendment VC148
Yesterday (31 July 2018), the Victorian Government gazetted Amendment VC148, providing the most significant overhaul of the Victoria Planning Provisions (the VPP) since they were first introduced in 1997. Designed to modernise and simplify the Victorian Planning System, the reforms have been brought in after nearly a year of consultation led by the “Smart Planning” […]
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