Centres hierarchy is the central plank underpinning the future planning and development of City of Townsville
The Planning and Environment Court delivered a decision in the case of McConaghy Properties Pty Ltd v Townsville City Council & Anor [2017] QPEC 11 which involved a submitter’s appeal against a decision of the Townsville City Council to approve a shopping complex and fast food outlet on land in Currajong, Townsville. The proposed shopping […]
ReadmoreThe site is earmarked for residential subdivision – just need to wait
The Planning and Environment Court delivered a decision in the case of Loncor Properties Pty Ltd v Redland City Council [2017] QPEC 5 which involved an applicant’s appeal against the Redland City Council’s refusal of the development application for reconfiguring a lot (43 residential subdivision in two stages) in respect of land situated at Wrightson […]
ReadmoreThe Better Apartments Design Standards
Following the Better Apartments Draft Design Standards released late last year (refer to our Article here), Amendment VC136, which introduces the final version of the Better Apartments Design Standards (BADS) into all Victorian planning schemes, was gazetted on 13 April 2017. The BADS are an entirely new set of standards which are now applicable to […]
ReadmoreInterview with Philip Field, Lead Ombudsman – Banking and Finance, Financial Ombudsman Service
Partner Annette Gaber and Senior Associate Anna Koumides speak with Philip Field, Lead Ombudsman of Banking and Finance from the Financial Ombudsman Service. To read the interview, click here.
ReadmoreUpcoming changes to the Estate Agents Act (Vic) set to tackle underquoting in Victoria
1. Background On May 1 2017, the Estate Agents Amendment (Underquoting) Act 2016 (Vic) will take effect in Victoria. In a targeted effort to crackdown on the practice of underquoting, the new legislation imposes additional obligations on estate agents and their representatives selling residential properties. With the inclusion of new offences and the threat of […]
ReadmoreDon’t throw good money after bad
We are noticing a marked increase in the number of outstanding debts to aged care providers with residents or their representatives not paying the agreed fees and charges. What is becoming increasingly evident is that the outstanding amounts accrued, at the time we are notified, can be in the tens if not hundreds of thousands […]
ReadmoreNorthern Lights in the South East
Scandinavian influence has become more visible in Australia over the past decade, with books, TV shows, movies, music and art hailing from, or inspired by, the region reaching a wide Australian audience. Scandinavian design as an architectural ethos is reflected in simplified design, favouring form as much as functionality and clever use of limited space. […]
ReadmoreTemporary 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 […]
ReadmoreWhat’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 […]
ReadmoreNew 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 […]
ReadmoreNew 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 […]
ReadmoreNew 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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