Environment
When “Three Storeys” Won Over Council: Lessons from a Recent Land and Environment Court Appeal
13 February
A recent decision in the Land and Environment Court offers important lessons for homeowners navigating council opposition to development applications. In Robinson v Georges River Council, the Court granted approval for a three-storey home despite...[Read More]
Understanding NSW DCPs: How Council Guides Your Development Design
29 January
The Planning Series: Development Control Plans If you are planning a new home, renovation, or investment property, you will encounter a range of planning controls that will influence what you can build, how it looks, and how Council assesses it....[Read More]
One-in-five solar panels degrading faster than expected
7 January
Most solar panels gradually lose their energy-generating powers over time, but roughly a fifth have been found to degrade much more quickly than expected. Tiny hairline cracks and other minor manufacturing flaws missed during quality control testing...[Read More]
Tips for making the most of your solar panels
25 December
Solar energy offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution to powering your home, 12-volt setup, or caravan. The benefits of harnessing the sun’s energy are substantial, ranging from reduced electricity bills to minimising your carbon...[Read More]
Drivers told to paws and think of road risk to koalas
24 December
When wildlife rescuer Ina Egermann finds a koala hit by a car, the first thing she does is apologise. “I say, ‘I’m so sorry that we humans have done this to you’,” the Friends of the Koala charity volunteer told AAP. Then she gently holds...[Read More]
What a Recent Tree Dispute Case Tells NSW Property Owners
19 December
A recent decision from the NSW Land and Environment Court (Phillips v Peters [2025] NSWLEC 1887) offers critical lessons for homeowners involved in, or contemplating, a tree dispute with a neighbour. The case underscores the legal thresholds that...[Read More]
Your Development Was Refused? What Happens Next and How a Recent Court Case Offers Hope
17 November
Having your development application (DA) refused by the Council can feel like a dead end. You’ve invested time, money, and vision into your project, only to be told "no." But a refusal doesn’t have to be the final word. A recent case in the...[Read More]
Successful Resolution in Castlecrag Development Appeal
20 November
Navigating the planning and development process can be complex, especially when a development application faces objections or a deemed refusal from a local council. A recent case from the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales...[Read More]
LEC Case Review: Court Upholds Amended Coogee Apartment Development, Highlighting the Value of Conciliation
6 November
A recent decision by the NSW Land and Environment Court serves as a powerful case study in how proactive negotiation and design amendment can overcome complex planning disputes to secure development consent. The case involved an appeal against...[Read More]
Farmland value in reverse as economy tightens
15 October
Increased rains and lower interest rates are being backed to get farmland values growing again after a drop in the first half of this year and record low sales. The latest Bendigo Bank report showed national farmland values fell by 3.8 per cent in...[Read More]
Power prices to rise, secret department documents warn
29 October
Household power prices are expected to rise this financial year and Australia’s emissions reductions will need to become much more ambitious, secret advice to the nation’s energy minister shows. The federal government has handed over briefing...[Read More]
Government set to plant seed of new environment regimen
29 October
Environmental protection reforms are expected to be introduced to parliament on Thursday after six years of wrangling in the halls of power. PROPOSED ENVIRONMENT LAWS * Better protections for natural sites are the key benefit the government will...[Read More]
Property Law Update: Court Clarifies Limits of Easements in Cammeray Garage Dispute
2 October
A recent judgment from the Supreme Court of New South Wales provides crucial clarity for property owners regarding the extent of rights granted by an easement, particularly in the context of long-established structures. The case of Thomas v...[Read More]
Court Approves Gymea Bay Waterfront Works After Parties Reach Agreement
19 September
The NSW Land and Environment Court has approved a development application for new waterfront structures in Gymea Bay, bringing an end to an appeal against its deemed refusal by Sutherland Shire Council. The case was resolved not through a contested...[Read More]
Push to take advantage of solar on big buildings
17 September
Australia is missing out on harnessing solar power from industrial and commercial properties which could boost energy for the grid while driving down bills. However, installing solar panels on businesses is a job that’s either too big to too small...[Read More]