In the media – National
Shopping centre income growth forecast
The BIS Shrapnel report finds that net income growth for shopping
centres has fallen behind inflation and will average only around
2.6 per cent per annum over the next five years (25 August 2014).
More...
Energy companies confirm carbon tax savings for
customers
In their Removal Substantiation Statement, Origin has confirmed
that customers across Australia will benefit from the repeal of the
carbon tax. These savings will be backdated to 1 July 2014 (22
August 2014).
More...
In the media – Victoria
Construction to begin in Wyndham's newest
community
Construction of the new suburb of Harpley in Wyndham Vale will
provide 4,000 new homes, a new waterfront town centre and create $1
billion worth of construction activity over the life of the
development (28 August 2014).
More...
In the media – New South Wales
Increased penalties for environmental offences now in
effect
On 29 August 2014, amendments to the Protection of the
Environment Operations (General) Regulation 2009 commenced.
The amendments have significantly increased penalty notice amounts
for certain environmental offences under the Protection of the
Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act). For example, for
the ten most serious environmental offences under the POEO Act, the
penalty notice amounts will be $15,000 for a corporation and $7,500
for an individual, when these are issued by the EPA. More...
New Vision for Sydney's Harbour
Minister for Planning Pru Goward has announced the NSW Government
is embarking on developing a new vision for Sydney Harbour, with a
new high level committee to bring together various stakeholders and
provide much-needed coordination (28 August 2014).
More...
New tools to help landholders explore the Native
Vegetation Act and Regulations
With changes to the Native Vegetation Regulation underway, the
Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) is delivering a greater
range of services online to make it easier and quicker to access
native vegetation information (26 August 2014).
More...
Broadband in strata: do your homework
NSW Fair Trading Minister is encouraging strata owners, residents
and managing agents to do their homework before choosing a service
provider to install broadband in their strata schemes. This follows
advice from the Commonwealth Department of Communications regarding
issues affecting strata owners in NSW over the National Broadband
Network rollout (22 August 2014).
More...
Aviation authorities must not determine Sydney's
built future
The intervention by aviation authorities to reduce
Parramatta's proposed Aspire tower by up to 30 storeys could be
replicated across all of Sydney, says the Urban Taskforce (22
August 2014).
More...
Independent panel to review NSW environment
laws
The NSW Environment Minister has appointed an independent panel to
undertake a comprehensive review of the Native Vegetation Act 2003,
Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and related biodiversity
legislation (22 August 2014).
More...
In the media – Queensland
Deep gas to create jobs for the regions
Natural Resources and Mines Minister has released a report which
outlines the opportunities for developing Queensland's next
generation of deep gas and oil projects. The framework contains 12
recommendations to be implemented, including a review of tenure
arrangements for the industry, and informing landholders and
communities about the emerging industry (28 August 2014).
More...
New rail facility will deliver jobs to Central
Queensland
More than 200 new jobs are set to be created in Central Queensland
following a decision from Queensland's Coordinator-General that
will ensure new infrastructure needed for a major mine expansion
can be built (22 August 2014).
More...
Flexibility and security for water users
Irrigators will be able to grow their businesses further after the
Queensland Government approved trading in water allocations
throughout the Condamine and Balonne catchments, with an amendment
to the Condamine and Balonne Resource Operations Plan (21 August
2014).
More...
Published – articles, papers, reports – National
Independent cost benefit analysis of broadband: Volume
II – the costs and benefits of High-speed
broadband
Author: Michael Vertigan, Department of Communications
(Australia): 27 August 2014
This Cost-Benefit Analysis considers the costs of different
approaches to providing fast broadband in Australia. It also
considers preferences and potential future demand for high-speed
broadband in Australia, and estimates consumer willingness to pay
for increased broadband speeds (27 August 2014).
More...
In practice and courts – National
The Department of the Environment: threatened species
maps released
The maps and data focus on native flora and fauna that are listed
under national environment law as vulnerable, endangered and
critically endangered. The maps are accompanied with an industry
standard grid and summary spreadsheet which provides an index to
each species map and links to further information (19 August 2014).
More...
Draft long-term strategy for environmental watering in
the Murray–Darling Basin: public comment
Interested people are invited to give feedback on a draft
long-term strategy which sets out basin long term goals. The
Basin-wide Environmental Watering Strategy is a key component of
work under the Basin Plan, with public comment open until the end
of September (21 August 2014).
More...
In practice and courts – Victoria
Announcements, Draft Policies and Plans released 2014
Planning and Environment Regulations
Review
Have your say about the Planning and Environment Regulations
2005. The department is seeking feedback on how the Planning
Regulations work and how they can be improved. Submissions close
Friday, 12 September 2014 (28 August 2014).
Seminars
PIA Vic is conducting a seminar on the Practical Realities of the New Residential Zones on Tuesday, 9 September.
Cases – Victoria
Lombardo v Bahnan [2014] VSC 410
REAL PROPERTY – Removal of caveat – Whether serious
question to be tried that the first defendant had a caveatable
interest in property the subject of contract of sale – Where
interest claimed a constructive trust resulting from unjust
enrichment of the plaintiff – No serious question to be tried
– Balance of convenience favourable to the removal of caveat
– Transfer of Land Act 1958 s 90(3). More...
This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.
