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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 […]

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The 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 […]

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Upcoming 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 […]

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Northern 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. […]

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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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Housing affordability policy initiatives create concerns and uncertainty for Victorian property investors and developers

Significant housing affordability policy initiatives were unveiled by the Victorian government over the weekend.  Whilst the announcements have focused on the impact of these initiatives on first home buyers and the efforts to tackle housing affordability for these buyers, the proposals contain cause for concern for Victorian property investors and developers.  A proposed stamp duty relief for […]

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Application of RLA

The recent decision in CB Cold Storage Pty Ltd v IMCC Group Pty Ltd [2017] VSC 23 (CB Cold Storage) could mean that for landlords leasing premises to industrial or warehousing businesses in Victoria, land tax may not be recoverable from the Tenant, market rent reviews that do not allow the rent to decrease may […]

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Housing affordability policy initiatives create concerns and uncertainty for Victorian property investors and developers

Significant housing affordability policy initiatives were unveiled by the Victorian government over the weekend. Whilst the announcements have focused on the impact of these initiatives on first home buyers and the efforts to tackle housing affordability for these buyers, the proposals contain cause for concern for Victorian property investors and developers. A proposed stamp duty […]

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