A recent Court of Appeal decision has provided clarity as to whether the protection afforded to public authorities by s 43A applied to the issuing of planning certificates by councils pursuant to s 10.7 (previously s 149) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment...
The Court of Appeal in Della Franca v Lorenzato; Burwood Council v Lorenzato [2021] NSWCA 321 has recently overturned a Supreme Court decision in which it was held that a council resolution was a 'policy' relating to flooding and thus required to be disclosed on a s...
The recent decision of Gardiner v Central Coast Council [2022] NSWLEC 1007 emphasises the difficulties associated with proposed self-enforcement of flood management strategies. Background The applicant sought development consent from Central Coast Council ("Council")...
A recent decision by the NSW Land and Environment Court has reaffirmed that a consent authority, in the granting of a development application, cannot require the dedication of land free of cost without a Voluntary Planning Agreement or the land being included in a...
The recent decision of Moffat v Woollahra Municipal Council [2022] NSWLEC 1016 is a salient reminder for councils reviewing development applications that the aims and objectives of planning controls can be met in a manner that preserves heritage significance....
Takeaways A planning certificate issued pursuant to s 10.7 (previously s 149) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) ("the Act") is required to be annexed to contracts for the sale of land in New South Wales. A Section 10.7 certificate provides...
After an 18 month trial period the NSW Parliament has now made the temporary provisions which allowed for the remote witnessing of important legal documents such as wills, statutory declarations and affidavits, permanent. The decision to make these measures permanent...
As the Omicron variant continues to impact small business across the country, New South Wales has extended its rent relief measures. With staff shortages, reduced foot traffic and forced closures taking hold of many small businesses, the move attempts to balance these...
The recent Court of Appeal decision of Mangoola Coal Operations Pty Limited v Muswellbrook Shire Council [2021] NSWCA 46 has examined the re-categorisation of land for the purpose of rates, pursuant to the Local Government Act 1993 ("the Act"). Background Mangoola...
A failure to comply with the Information Privacy Principles has cost Cessnock City Council $30,000 in damages for psychological harm. The case of EMF v Cessnock City Council [2021] NSWCATAD 219 involved privacy concerns stemming from a complaint made by EMF to...
The recent decision of Bobolas v Waverley Council (No 3) [2021] NSWLEC 63 has provided further clarity on the validity of orders issued pursuant to Section 124 of the Local Government Act 1993 ("the Act"). Background Waverley Council issued a 22A order pursuant to s...
Part 14 of the The Local Government Act 1993 ("LG Act") sets out the legislative requirements for the conduct of councillors, staff, delegates and administrators of a local government body. Section 440 of the LG Act allows for the regulations to create a Model Code of...