DIPLOMA

IN

LAW

LEGAL PROFESSION
ADMISSION BOARD

LAW EXTENSION COMMITTEE

LAW EXTENSION COMMITTEE SUBJECT GUIDE

20 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PLANNING

WINTER SESSION 2014
This Guide includes the Law Extension Committees course information and teaching program and the
Legal Profession Admission Boards syllabus. The syllabus is contained under the heading
Prescribed Topics and Course Outline and has been prepared in accordance with Rule 27H(a) of
the Legal Profession Admission Rules 2005.

Course Description and Objectives

Lecturer
Assessment
September 2014 Examination
Lectures
Texts and Materials
Compulsory Assignment
Assignment Question
Weekend Schools 1 and 2
Lecture Program
Prescribed Topics and Course Outline
Local Government and Planning Case List

1-2
2
2-3
3
3-4
4
5
5
5
6-15
16-20

LAW EXTENSION COMMITTEE

WINTER 2014

20 LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PLANNING

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
The Local Government and Planning course examines the bodies of law which regulate the
establishment, status, powers, operation and accountability of local councils and the environmental
and planning laws which regulate the use of land, the subdivision of land, the erection of buildings, the
carrying out of works, and the demolition of buildings or works.
The enactment of the Local Government Act 1993 largely broke the prescriptive approach of its
predecessor, the Local Government Act 1919. It presented major challenges and opportunities to
Local Government.
The Local Government Act 1993 was amended in 2002, 2004 and 2005 by the insertion of important
provisions relating to the consequence of serious corrupt conduct, the discipline of councillors, council
staff and other persons and the requirement to adopt a new Model Code of Conduct.
Dramatic changes to the laws regulating development, building, demolition and subdivision came into
effect on 1 July 1998. Further major changes followed, including the new regime of Critical
Infrastructure Projects and Major Development Projects involving unprecedented powers for the
Minister for Planning under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (the
EPA Act). The current NSW Government, shortly after its election, repealed Part 3A operative from
August 2011.
On 22 October 2013, the NSW Government introduced into the Parliament the Planning Bill 2013 and
the cognate Planning Administration Bill 2013. This proposed legislation was preceded by the Green
Paper - A New Planning System for NSW which was exhibited in July 2012. It was followed by the
White Paper A New Planning System for NSW and draft planning legislation which were released on
16 April 2013. They were on public exhibition until 28 June 2013.
The EDO NSW formerly known as the Environmental Defenders Office (the EDO) made a statement
late in October 2013 including the following comments:
What will these changes mean for your community? These reforms are the biggest overhaul of
environmental planning in NSW since 1979. Planning laws are important in determining:

what development can happen in an area (from houses to mines) and who gets a say

how suburbs, towns and cities are planned (transport, shops, offices, parks, schools)

how our communities manage growth and change, and balance needs and interests

how developers and governments have to consider and protect the environment.

What happens next? While the Bills have been introduced into NSW Parliament, they will still
need to be debated and passed by both Houses, so they may be amended further in that
process. The new system will only take effect once Parliament has passed the legislation and a
start date is proclaimed. The Government has flagged that it hopes that new system will begin
early in 2014, but according to the Planning Minister's second reading speech, some parts, such
as protections in existing State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs), as well as current
Local Environment Plans (LEPs) and Development Control Plans (DCPs), will likely carry over
from the current system until new plans and policies are made
The Bills referred to by EDO NSW would, if passed, replace the current Environmental Planning and
Assessment Act 1979. However, Labor, the Greens and the Shooters and Fishers Party were
instrumental in achieving major amendments to the Bills. The then Planning Minister, the Hon Brad
Hazzard MP, responded by withdrawing the Planning Bills. On 22 April 2014 the Hon Prue Goward MP

became Minister for Planning in a Ministerial reshuffle and the Hon Rob Stokes MP became Minister
for the Environment, Minister for Heritage and Assistant Minister for Planning. In the reshuffle, Mr
Hazzard became Attorney General.
The course encompasses one of the fastest growing areas of NSW law and practice and addresses
the operation and effects of the various changes which are of vital importance to lawyers who
specialise, or are developing specialisation, in the field of local government, environmental and
planning law. It also covers alternate dispute resolution in those fields.
Local councils have many roles as:

legally elected entities, accountable to their communities;

providers of vital services;
regulators;
agencies of other spheres of government;
creatures of statute, accountable to the State government;
organisations with a history;
major employers.

The aim of the Local Government and Planning course is to enable students, through lectures, study
and practical course exercises, to explore and understand the wide variety of laws under which
councils operate as regulators and providers of vital services to their communities. This knowledge
and expertise will not only assist them in local government and planning legal practice but also will
provide invaluable expertise in various aspects of conveyancing practice.

LECTURER
Mr W A Henningham, PSM, LLB (Syd)
Mr Bill Henningham is a solicitor and mediator in private practice specialising in local government and
environmental planning law and alternate dispute resolution. He is a former Council Alderman and
Mayor. For seven years he was Secretary and Principal Solicitor of the Local Government and Shires
Associations of New South Wales (now known as Local Government NSW). Mr Henningham has
written and addressed conferences and seminars and conducted workshops extensively on the topics
covered in the course. He is the author of chapters on local government law and practice in LexisNexis Local Government and Planning Service (NSW) Vol C and is lecturer in the subject of
Conveyancing in the Diploma in Law course.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of the subject matter of the Local Government and Planning course,
you may consult Mr Henningham, whose telephone number is (02) 9427 0519.

ASSESSMENT
To be eligible to sit for the Boards examinations, all students must complete the LEC teaching and
learning program, the first step of which is to ensure that you have registered online with the LEC in
each subject for which you have enrolled with the Board. This gives you access to the full range of
learning resources offered by the LEC.
To register with the LEC, go to www.sydney.edu.au/lec and click on the WEBCAMPUS link and follow
the instructions. Detailed guides to the Webcampus are contained in the material distributed by the
LEC, in the Course Information Handbook, and on the Webcampus.
Eligibility to Sit for Examinations
In accordance with the Legal Profession Admission Rules, the LEC must be satisfied with a students
performance in a subject in order for the student to be eligible to sit for the examination, conducted by
the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB). Assignments are used to assess eligibility.

Students are expected to achieve at least a pass mark of 50% in assignments to be eligible to sit for
examinations. However, a category of deemed eligible has been introduced to offer students whose
assignment mark is between 40-49% an opportunity to sit for the examination. In these circumstances
students are often advised not to sit. A mark below 40% means a student is not eligible to sit for the
examination.
Assignments as part of the Boards Examinations
Assignment results contribute 20% to the final mark in each subject.
The Law Extension Committee (LEC) administers the setting and marking of assignments. The LEC
engages the LPABs Examiners to assess or supervise the assessment of assignments.
Submission
Assignments must be submitted by 11:59pm on the due date unless an extension has been granted.
Extensions must be requested by email prior to the due date. Specific supporting evidence must be
provided. Assignments that are more than ten days late will not be accepted. Late assignments attract
a penalty of one mark out of 20, or 5% of the total marks available, per day.
Assessment
Assignments are assessed according to the Assignment Grading and Assessment Criteria outlined in
the Guide to the Presentation and Submission of Assignments. Prior to the examination, assignments
will be returned to students and results posted on students individual results pages of the LEC
Webcampus. Students are responsible for checking their results screen and ascertaining their
eligibility to sit for the examination.
Review
Where a students overall mark after the examination is between 40-49%, the students assignment in
that subject will be included in the Revising Examiners review. The final examination mark is
determined in accordance with this review. Assignment marks will not otherwise be reviewed.

SEPTEMBER 2014 EXAMINATION

Candidates will be expected to have a detailed knowledge of the prescribed topics set out or referred
to in pages 6-15 of this Subject Guide.
Candidates will also be expected to have analysed the cases contained in the Case List commencing
on page 16.
It will be assumed that candidates are familiar with the basic principles of administrative law, and that
they can interpret relevant provisions in the Local Government Act 1993 and the Environmental
Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in light of the basic requirements imposed on all administrative
decision makers, that is, that councils must keep within the limits of the authority conferred by
Parliament, act reasonably and in good faith, and comply with the requirements of procedural fairness.
Candidates will find it helpful to consult their administrative law texts and references.
It will also be assumed that candidates are familiar with the basic principles of negligence. Candidates
will find it helpful for Topic 11.1 in the lecture program to refer to their Torts texts where necessary.
The Local Government and Planning examination is an open book examination. Students may refer to
any permitted or handwritten materials they have brought to the examination.
Please direct all enquiries in relation to examinations to the Legal Profession Admission Board.

LECTURES

Lectures in Local Government and Planning will be held on Thursdays from 6.00pm until 9.00pm.
Lectures will be held in Mills Tutorial Room 205 in the RC Mills Building on Fisher Road until 19 June
and then TBA for the remainder of the semester.
A map of the University of Sydneys main campus, showing the location of these lecture venues, is
included at the back of the Course Information Handbook.

NOTE: STUDY BREAK IS FROM SATURDAY 21 JUNE 2014

SUNDAY 6 JULY 2014.

TEXTS AND MATERIALS

Course Materials

Supplementary Materials in Local Government and Planning (available via the link to the Law
Library in the Course Materials section of the LEC Webcampus)
Guide to the Presentation and Submission of Assignments (available on the LEC Webcampus)

The Relevant Legislation

Internet access to the relevant legislation can be readily obtained through www.austlii.edu.au.

Local Government Act 1993 (NSW)

Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 (NSW)
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW)
Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (NSW)
Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW)
Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW)(GIPA Act) Pts 2 4
Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 (NSW)

Prescribed Materials

Pearson, Local Government Law in New South Wales, Federation Press, 1994
Farrier and Stein, The Environmental Law Handbook, 5th ed. Thomson Reuters, 2011
Lyster, Lipman, Franklin, Wiffen and Pearson, Environmental and Planning Law in NSW, 3rd ed.
Federation Press, 2012

Other Reference Materials

LexisNexis Butterworths and Thomson Reuters each publish loose leaf services, in the former
case with detailed commentary in a separate volume, and in the latter with annotations
throughout:
Local Government Planning and Environment Service (NSW), vols A, B, C and D, LexisNexis (The
teacher, Bill Henningham, is the author of various relevant chapters in vol. C.)
Planning and Development Service (NSW), vols 1, 2 and 3, Thomson Reuters
Local Government Law and Practice Service (NSW), vols 1, 2 and 3, Thomson Reuters
Local Government Regulations Service (NSW), Thomson Reuters
Land and Environment Court Law and Practice Service (NSW), Thomson Reuters

LEC Webcampus Local Government and Planning

The Course Materials section of the LEC Webcampus has links to cases and legislation available on
the internet, as well as other useful local government and planning resources, including five papers by
Mr Henningham:

Environmental Law for the New Millennium: A Question of Balance

Planning Law Implications for Conveyancing Negotiating the Planning Control Minefield
Exemptions from Rating and other Rating Issues

More Pitfalls for the Unwary Conveyancing Practitioner

What has the Civil Liability Act 2002 done to the High Court decision of Pyrenees Shire Council v
Day?

COMPULSORY ASSIGNMENT
In Local Government and Planning Law, there is only ONE ASSIGNMENT. This assignment is
compulsory and must be submitted by all students. Students must submit the assignment by
the due date. A pass mark is 50%. Refer to the Guide to the Presentation and Submission of
Assignments for the assignment grading and assessment criteria. Students who fail to satisfy
the compulsory requirements will be notified through the Results screen on the Webcampus
before the examination period of their ineligibility to sit the examination in this subject. The
maximum word limit for the assignment is 2000 words (inclusive of all footnotes but not
bibliography).
The rules regarding the presentation of assignments and instructions on how to submit an assignment
are set out in the LEC Guide to the Presentation and Submission of Assignments which can be
accessed on the LEC Webcampus. Please read this guide carefully before completing and submitting
an assignment.
The completed assignment should be lodged through the LEC Webcampus by 11:59pm on the
following date:
Compulsory Assignment

Tuesday 15 July 2014

(Week 8)

ASSIGNMENT QUESTION
To obtain the Local Government and Planning assignment question for the Winter Session
2014, please follow the instructions below:
1.

Register online with the LEC (see page 23 of the Course Information Handbook for detailed
instructions). Once you have registered, you will have full access to all the facilities on the LEC
Webcampus.

2.

Then go into the Webcampus, select the Course Materials section and click on the link to the
assignment question for this subject.

WEEKEND SCHOOLS 1 AND 2

There are two weekend schools primarily for external students. Lecture students may attend but
should be aware that weekend school classes aim to cover the same material provided in weekly
lectures and are primarily for the assistance of external students.
Please note that it may not be possible to cover the entire course at the weekend schools. These
programs are a general guide and may be varied according to need. However, it is envisaged that the
following topics will be covered:
Weekend School 1 Saturday 31 May 2014, noon 4.00pm, and Sunday 1 June 2014, 8.00am
noon, in New Law School Seminar Room 028 (New LSSR 028)
Prescribed topics covered in Lectures 1 6
Weekend School 2 Saturday 26 July 2014, noon 4.00pm, and Sunday 27 July 2014, 8.00am
noon, in New Law School Seminar Room 028 (New LSSR 028)
Prescribed topics covered in Lectures 7 11

and Revision being a review and discussion of the whole subject of Local Government and Planning
The key reading for the topics can be found in the Lecture Program, the Case List and in the Course
Materials section of the LEC Webcampus.

LECTURE PROGRAM
PRESCRIBED TOPICS AND COURSE OUTLINE
Lecture 1:
15 May

Structure, powers and functions of councils

Key Reading

1.1 What are councils and what is their status?

origins of Local Government in Australia

history of Local Government legislation
the legal status of Local Government and councils as bodies politic in the
Australian system of government what really is a council?
constitutional recognition
have the purposes of the LG Act been achieved?
do councils have the capacity to fulfil their potential?
the councils' mandatory Charter - what is its effect?
Report dated April 2013 by the Independent Local Government Review Panel
Future Directions for NSW Local Government Twenty Essential Steps. If
the future directions are followed will the Local remain in Local
Government?

LG Act, chh 2-6 and 9

Pearson, chh 1-2
NSW Dept of Local
Government website:
http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au

www.localgovernmentrevie
w.nsw.gov.au/

Desired Outcomes: Knowledge of the statutory basis of Local Government and

students own assessment of its governmental status. Does the LG Act
framework enable its objects to be effectively achieved? Students own
assessments of what, if any, reforms are needed by Local Government
1.2 What are the powers and functions of councils?

provision of goods, services and facilities; are there any limits to these
powers?
regulation of activities under the LG Act (approvals and orders), including brief
reference to the changes brought about by the EP&A Act
other functions - contracting power; compulsory acquisition of land, and
management of land
Director Generals Guidelines
Carrying out functions under other Acts
environmental obligations of councils
the extent to which the Crown is bound by the LG Act
public-private partnerships
independence of general manager and staff

Desired Outcomes: Knowledge of the range of service and regulatory functions of

councils and an understanding of the changes made in 1993. Did they
achieve the stated aims of the reform process?

LG Act, chh 1-5

Pearson, ch 7 However,
note that erection of
buildings, demolition
and subdivision are
regulated under the
EP&A Act, see
Farrier, p 152
Maureen Peatman, (2009)
Aust Local Govt Law
Journal 80
LG Act, s 22
LG Act, ss 4, 23A, 89(I)(c)
LG Act, ss 186-190
LG Act, ss 400B
LG Act, s 352

Lecture 2: Establishment and constitution of councils and the respective roles of councillors and staff
22 May
2.1 How are councils established and what is their constitution?

the process for establishment of a council

constitution of Local Government areas
alteration of areas
boundary changes and amalgamations of councils
is local government a real sphere of government in NSW?

LG Act, ch 9
Pearson, ch 2

Desired Outcomes: Understanding of the status of councils and the role of

Executive Government in relation to councils.

2.2 How are councillors elected and what is the relationship between councillors
and staff?

qualifications of councillors for office and elections

disqualification for civic office
major changes implemented by the LG Act following repeal of the Local
Government Act 1919
role and functions of the mayor
council staff - major changes in 1993; to whom are the staff accountable?
relationship and relative powers of the councillors, mayor and general
manager
has there been a power shift away from the mayor and councillors?
independence of the general manager and other staff

LG Act, chh 9 & 10

Pearson, ch 2
LG Act, ss 222, 223, 226,
232, 335, 337
LG (General) Reg, cl
413A
LG Act s 352

Desired Outcomes: Students own assessment of the effects of the enactment of

the LG Act 1993 upon the respective roles of elected members and staff. Is
the current balance of power between elected members and staff in the best
interests of local communities?

Lecture 3:
29 May

Conflict of interest, pecuniary interests, ouster of individual councillors and dismissal of all
councillors

3.1 Conflict between public duty and private interest; pecuniary and non pecuniary
interests

obligation to act honestly

code of conduct
conflict between public duty and private interest
definition of pecuniary interest and its common law origin
obligation to disclose pecuniary interests
obligation to disclose interests in written returns
defence for failure to disclose a pecuniary interest
management of pecuniary interest complaints
proceedings before the Pecuniary Interest and Disciplinary Tribunal
non pecuniary interests and the model code of conduct

LG Act, ch 14
ICAC Discussion Paper,
Conflicts of Interest
and Local
Government, 1 July
1991
www.icac.nsw.gov.au
Pearson, chh 2 & 3
LG (General) Reg 2005, Pt
8 & Sch 3
Department of LG
Pecuniary Interest
Guidelines
www.dig.nsw.gov.au
LG Act, ss 469-490

Desired Outcomes: Understanding of the requirement to manage the conflict

between public duty and private interest in decision making and of the
requirements in relation to pecuniary and non pecuniary interests.
3.2 Suspension, ouster, dismissal of councillors from civic office and disorder

dismissal and suspension from civic office for serious corrupt conduct
fees and other remuneration not to be paid during suspension
suspension of staff member in connection with serious corrupt conduct
misbehaviour of councillors

ouster of an individual councillor

disqualification of a councillor
dismissal of all councillors of a council from civic office after public inquiry
dismissal of all councillors from civic office without the necessity of a public
inquiry
powers of the Governor
history of the legislative provisions
contrast with the appointment of a planning administrator
acts of disorder
See also Lecture 5 for the powers of the Minister to issue a performance
improvement order, suspend a council or to extend a suspension beyond 3
months

LG Act, ss 440A-440E
LG Act, s 248A
LG Act, s 440D
LG Act, ss 440F-440Q,
470A, 470B and
482A
LG Act, ss 329-331, 274277
LG Act, ss 255-259
Pearson, chh 2 & 4
EP&A Act, s 118 (re
planning powers)
LG Act, ss 440A-440E
LG (General) Reg, cll 256
-258

Desired Outcomes: Understanding of the obligations of councillors and staff to

avoid conflicts of interest, to disclose pecuniary interests and to comply with
the model code of conduct. Also an understanding that individual councillors
cannot be suspended except in the case of serious corrupt conduct or by
decision of the Pecuniary Interest Tribunal and that all councillors of a council
can be dismissed from civil office in certain circumstances but note the new
power for the Minister to suspend a council as an alternative to dismissal.

Lecture 4:
5 Jun

Decision making and application of administrative law principles to the exercise of council
discretionary powers

4.1 How are decisions made?

meeting practice and procedure

open meetings
restrictions on ability to close meetings; requirement to state grounds and
reasons for closure
circumstances which do not invalidate council decisions
rescission of decisions
delegation of authority

4.2 What are the constraints upon the exercise of council discretionary powers and
how are decisions reviewed?
Administrative law principles controlling the exercise of discretionary powers
A Substantive limitations:
*
*
*
*

decision must be within the power of the decision maker

statutory discretion must not be fettered
discretion must be exercised independently and not under dictation
a policy must not be acted upon inflexibly

LG (General) Reg 2005, Pt

10
LG Act, ch 12 Pt 2
Pearson, ch 3
LG Act, ss 9, 10, 10A -10D
& 11
LG Act, ss 372 & 374
LG Act, s 377

9
* each case must be considered on its merits
* the decision maker is not bound by its own decisions
* powers must be exercised for a proper purpose and not in bad faith
* powers must be exercised without bias
* relevant considerations must be taken into account and irrelevant
considerations must be disregarded
* decisions must be reasonable
* decisions must be certain and final
* the decision maker must not misdirect itself in law as to the scope or content
of its powers
* the decision maker must observe natural justice (the rules of procedural
fairness) - the right to a fair hearing, the bias rule and the no evidence rule
* if decision maker is a delegate and makes a regulatory decision that power is
spent and the council cannot exercise the power to make a determination in
relation to the same matter
B. Procedural limitations:
* mandatory and directory - How is the distinction determined and what rules
apply in each case?
C. Remedies for breach of the principles

Desired Outcomes: Understanding of how councils make decisions, meeting

practice and procedure; the administrative law principles, including natural
justice and the rules of procedural fairness which regulate the exercise of
council powers and the process, and outcomes of judicial review.

Lecture 5:
12 Jun

Accountability, sources of finance, rate exemptions and financial management

5.1 Accountability of Local Government

strategic planning
financial management
access to information
communication with communities and options for community partipation in
council decision making
disclosure and misuse of information
annual report
powers of Minister for Local Government and Director-General to require
councils to supply information
powers of Minister to issue a performance improvement order, suspend a
council or to extend a suspension beyond 3 months
powers of Director-General to authorise investigations
powers of the Director-General to surcharge councillors and staff
role of the Ombudsman
powers of Minister for Local Government in relation to Ombudsmans reports
powers of the Independent Commission Against Corruption

LG Act, Ch 13 Pt 2
LG Act, ch 13 pt 3, ch 7 pt
3 (ss 158-167)
GIPA Act
LG Act, s 664
LG Act, s 434A
LG Act, ss 10A-11
LG Act, s 429
LG Act, s 430-434
LG Act, s 435-438
LG Act, s 434A
LG Act, ss 438A-438G
LG Act, 255( 1A)
Farrier, pp 83-87
LEC Supp. Materials
LG Act, ss 431-438
LG Act, ss 673-674;
EP&A Act, ss 123-124

5.2 Sources of finance

rates
charges
fees
grants

LG Act, ch 15 pts 1-5 and

7-13
Pearson, pp 132-140 and
157-160

10

investments
loans
limit of annual income from rates and charges (rate pegging)

LG Act, ss 505 513

5.3 Rate exemptions

from all rates

from all rates except water supply special rates and sewerage special rates

LG Act, ch 15, pt 6
Pearson, pp 140-151
Henningham, Exemptions
from Rating and
other Rating Issues
(LEC website)

5.4 Challenge to rates

time limit for appeal to Land and Environment Court

grounds for appeal

LG Act, ss 526, 574, 555557

Desired Outcomes: Understanding of all aspects of accountability, sources of

finance and rating, rate exemptions and appeals.

Lecture 6:
19 Jun

History of town planning and environmental plan making

6.1 History of Town Planning in NSW

restrictive covenants
common law control - nuisance
legislation before 1945
the Local Government (Town and Country Planning) Amendment Act
1945
the Cumberland County Council and the County of Cumberland
Planning Scheme
the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and
its objects.
The major amendments of the EP&A Act which took effect on 1 July
1998
relationship of State and Local Governments in the planning field
have the object s of the EP&A Act been achieved?

6.2 A New Planning System for NSW

*

the Green Paper and White Paper

Planning Bill 2013 and the cognate Planning Administration Bill 2013;
principal proposed provisions and their likely effects if enacted

Lawyers
warn
against
NSW planning reforms
(LEC Website),
Norton Rose Fulbright:
Jacinta Studdert and
Felicity Rourke - Planning
reform introduced in the
NSW Parliament: the
Planning Bill 2013

6.3 Environmental Planning Instruments (subject to provisions in the

draft planning legislation which have not at the time of preparation of this
Subject Guide been passed by the Parliament)

history of conceptual changes in relation to environmental planning

instruments (EPIs)
content of EPIs
local environmental plans (LEPS)
State environmental planning policies (SEPPS)
interrelationship of EPIs
challenges to validity of EPIs
enforcement of EPIs

Henningham,
A Question of Balance
(LEC Website)
Farrier, ch 3
EP&A Act, pt 3

11

characterisation of uses/purposes:
dominant/ancillary
independent uses/purposes
significance of characterisation of uses/purposes in environmental
planning law
what is a development standard?
what is the significance of SEPP No 1 in relation to development
standards?
suspension of restrictive covenants and easements to enable
development to be carried out -

EP&A Act, s 4
Farrier, p 34
Pearson, pp 71 and 187194
Pearson, pp 177-179
EP&A Act: s 4
EP&A Act, s 28
Planning
Law Implications for
Conveyancing
Negotiating the Planning
Control Minefield

Desired Outcomes: Understanding of how land use control has evolved

and how it now works.

Break: Saturday 21 June 2014 Sunday 6 July 2014

Lecture 7:
10 Jul

Development Control Plans and existing use rights (subject to

provisions in the draft planning legislation which have not at
the time of preparation of this Subject Guide been passed by
the Parliament)

7.1 Development Control Plans (DCPs)

what is a DCP?
what functions does a DCP perform?
what restrictions are there?

EP&A Act, ss 74B, 74C,

74D and 74E

7.2 Existing use rights

what is an existing use?

characterisation of the purpose of an existing use
who bears the burden of proof of an existing use?
when is an existing use abandoned?
distinction between existing uses and other lawful uses and existing consents
and the consequences
alteration, extension, rebuilding, enlargement expansion, increase in area or
intensification of a building, work or use of land
limitations on certain changes
changes to existing uses included in some LEPs as exempt development
modification or surrender of existing use as a condition of development
consent

Henningham, Planning
Law Implications for
Conveyancing
Negotiating the Planning
Control Minefield
EP&A Act, pt 4, Div 10
Farrier, pp 43, 175-181
EP&A Regulation, Pt 5

EP&A Act, s 80(1)(b)

EP&A Act, s 80A(1)(b

Desired Outcomes: Understanding of basis of existing use rights, their

justification, how they arise, how they operate and how they can be changed.

Lecture 8:
17 Jul

Development applications, their consideration and development consents (subject to provisions

in the draft planning legislation which have not at the time of preparation of this Subject
Guide been passed by the Parliament)

12

8.1 Development applications and development consents

*

What is development?

development which does not require development consent (including exempt

development) EP&A Act s 76
development that requires development consent including complying
development EP&A Act s 76A
prohibited development EP&A Act 76B
designated development EP&A Act s 77A, 78A(8), 79; EP&A Reg cl 4, Sch 3
advertised development EP&A Act s 4(1); EP&A Reg cl 5
integrated development EP&A Act ss 90 93B
State significant development EP&A Act ss 89C 89L (following repeal of Part 3A)
State significant infrastructure EP&A Act ss 115T 115U
Critical State significant infrastructure s 115V
exempt development EP&A Act s 76(2)
complying development and complying development certificates 84A - 86
accredited certifiers EP&A Act s 4
certificates in relation to development EP&A Act Part 4A :
*
compliance certificates
*
construction certificates
*
occupation certificates
*
subdivision certificates
notification of neighbours
requirements for development applications EP&A Act s 78A - 81
staged development applications EP&A Act ss 83A 83D
consideration of development applications EP&A Act ss 79C
integration of principles of ecologically sustainable development and climate
change into the development assessment process contrast s 79C of EP&A
Act with s 89(1)(c) of the LG Act
repeal of Pt 3A
determination and conditions/deemed refusal EP&A Act ss 80 - 82
planning agreements EP&A Act ss 93F 93L
Planning Assessment Commission EP&A Act ss 23B -23F
joint regional planning panels EP&A Act ss 23G 23F
independent hearing and assessment panels EP&A Act ss 23I 23J
obligations of councils to assist new bodies (subject to penalty) EP&A Act s

23N

section 94 contributions and special infrastructure contributions

validity of consents and conditions of consent (Newbury test)
severability of invalid conditions
deferred commencement consents EP&A Act s 80(3); ; EP&A Reg cl 95
total or partial consents
commencement of consent
effect of issuing construction certificate
compliance of construction certificate with development consent and BCA
post-consent notification and its effect
modification of development consents EP&A Act s 96
revocation of development consents and compensation for abortive
expenditure
lapsing of development consents EP&A Act ss 95 95A
perils when a consent is granted or refused against staff advice; possible
surcharge of responsible individuals if negligence by or misconduct of
individuals causes deficiency or loss is incurred by council

Desired Outcomes: Student's own assessment of whether the amendments have

achieved their stated aims: is public participation adequate? Is privatisation of
planning decisions appropriate? Has the NSW State Government carried out its
election promise to give planning powers back to the people (Contract with NSW.
March 2011)?

13

Lecture 9:
24 Jul

Internal review of planning determinations, building certificates, planning appeals, judicial

review and tree disputes between neighbours (subject to provisions in the draft planning
legislation which have not at the time of preparation of this Subject Guide been passed
by the Parliament)

9.1 Internal review of determinations

Review under Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP & A
Act) and comparison with review of determinations under Section 100 of
the LG Act

EP&A Act, s 82A

9.2 Building Certificates

what is a building certificate?

history of the building certificate provisions
obligations to issue a building certificate
what protections are provided by a building certificate?
who is protected and who is not?
appeals in relation to building certificates
regularisation of breaches of planning law

EP&A Act, ss 149A-149G

9.3 Planning Appeals

merit appeals by applicant - rehearing of the application

merit appeals by objectors to designated development
time for appeals to be lodged and time for appeal when not specified
other appeals

EP&A Act, ss 97 & 98

L & E Court Rules 2007,
PT 7 cl 7.1

9.4 Judicial Review

process of judicial review

State Government reversal of decisions by consent authorities and
legislative prevention of challenges
differences between a judicial review challenge and a merit appeal

LG Act, ss 672-675
EP&A Act, ss 101, 122 &
123
Farrier, pp 36-38

9.5 Action where consent tainted by corruption

suspension and revocation of decision to grant or modify a consent that is

tainted by corrupt conduct

9.6 Tree disputes between neighbours

EP&A Act s 124A

Trees (Disputes Between
Neighbours) Act 2006

purposes of the legislation

to what trees does the legislation relate?
operation of the legislation

Desired Outcomes: Understanding of operation of internal review of decisions,

building certificates, merit appeals and judicial review and tainting of
consents by corruption.

Lecture 10:
31 Jul

Assessment of Part 5 activities, Land and Environment Court and

enforcement powers of councils (subject to provisions in the
draft planning legislation which have not at the time of
preparation of this Subject Guide been passed by the
Parliament)

10.1 Environmental assessment of "activities" which do not require development consent

14

activity carried out by public authority

approval by a public authority (as a "determining authority") of an activity
proposed by a person who wishes to carry it out
the need for an environmental impact assessment

EP&A Act, pt 5
Farrier, pp 229-235

10.2 Land and Environment Court

jurisdiction of the Court

classes of jurisdiction
remedies

http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov
au/lec.nsf/pages/inde
x

10.3 Enforcement powers - council orders, environmental planning instruments,

consents (including conditions), complying development certificates
(including conditions)

orders
civil proceedings
offences

EP&A Act, ss 121B-121ZP

& LG Act, ss 124-157
LG Act, ss 626-628, 673674
EP&A Act, ss 122-127A
Farrier, p 200
Protection of the
Environment
Operations Act, chh
8-9

Desired Outcomes: Understanding the purpose that Part 5 of the EPA Act
performs, understanding the role and operation of the Land and Environment
Court and the means of enforcement of Local Government and Planning
Laws.

Lecture 11:
7 Aug

Actionable liability of councils and options for resolution of

planning disputes and other disputes apart from determination
by a court

11.1 Actionable liability of councils

negligence
provision of information
nuisance
the interaction between the High Court decision in Pyrenees SC v Day and
the Civil Liability Act 2002, particularly ss 43 and 43A of that Act
defences, immunities and statutory exculpation
liability under statute
Occupational Health and Safety
Australian Consumer Law
Insurance
restrictions on personal injury and death claims under the Civil Liability Act
2002
exculpation from liability

11.2 Alternative Dispute Resolution

what are the options for resolution of planning and other disputes apart from
determination by a court?
request for internal review by the Council of determination
negotiation
facilitation

Henningham, What has

the Civil Liability Act
2002 done to the
High Court decision
of Pyrenees SC v
Day?
LG Act, ss 731 - 733

15

mediation
discussion of each of the above options and when to use them

time and cost

outcomes

Andrew Floyer Acland, A

Sudden Outbreak of
Common Sense,
Hutchinson Business
Books

Desired Outcomes: Understanding the extent of the actionable liability of councils

and the limitations imposed by the Civil Liability Act 2002 and understanding
the various options for resolution of planning and other disputes, apart from
court determination and when to use them.

Lecture 12:
14 Aug

Revision, which will take the form of a review and discussion of the whole subject

16

LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PLANNING CASE LIST

Agostino v Penrith CC (2010) 72 LGERA 380 (development standards)
Aquatic Airways v Warringah SC (1990) 71 LGRA 10 (existing use)
Armidale CC v Alec Finlayson Pty Ltd (1999) 104 LGERA 9 (actionable liability)
Armstrong v Ashfield MC (2001) 119 LGERA 384 (existing use)
Ashfield MC v Joyce [1976] 1 NSWLR 455 (exemption from rates)
Associated Provincial Picture Houses v Wednesbury Corporation [1948] 1 KB 223 (admin. law pples)
Attorney-General: ex rel Anka (Contractors) v Legg (1979) 39 LGRA 399 (pecuniary interest)
Auburn C v Nehme (1999) 106 LGERA 19 (existing use)
Australian Red Cross Society v Albury CC [1973] 2 NSWLR 309 (exemption from rates)
Avenhouse v Hornsby SC (1999) 104 LGERA 355 (actionable liability)
Bailey v Forestry Commission (1989) 67 LGRA 200 (Part 5 assessment)
Ballina SC v Ringland (1994) 83 LGERA 115 (defamation claims not available to councils)
Balmain Association v Planning Administrator for Leichhardt MC (1991) 25 NSWLR 615 (admin law
pples)
Barnes v Dungog SC [1999] NSWLEC 146 (validity of orders)
Benalup Holdings v Lismore CC (1993) 81LGERA 257 (modn. of consents)
Bertram v Warringah Shire Council (1990) 72 LGRA 39 (characterisation)
BGP Properties v Lake Macquarie CC (2004) 138 LGERA 237 (ESD principles)
BHP v Blacktown CC (1989) 130 LGERA 1 (judicial review)
Blacktown City Council v Grah (1990) 69 LGRA 303 (exemption from rates)
Blue Mountains CC v Laurence Browning (2006) 150 LGERA 130 (development standards)
Botany Bay CC v Remath Investments (2000) 111 LGERA 446 (requirements for DAs)
Boulton v Burwood MC (1988) 66 LGERA 131 (admin. law pples)
Bourne v Murphy (1996) 92 LGERA 329 (irregularity in manner of election)
Boy Scouts Association v Sydney CC (1959) 4 LGRA 260 (exemption from rates)
Brodie and Anor v Singleton SC and Ghantous v Hawkesbury CC (2001) 114 LGERA 235 (actionable
liability)
Brown v Randwick CC [2011] NSWLEC 172 (admin law pples)
Burnie Port Authority v General Jones (1994) 179 CLR 520 235 (actionable liability)
Burns Philip Trustee Co v Wollongong City Council (1983) 49 LGRA 420 (conflict of interest issue in
planning)
Byron Shire Businesses for the Future v Byron SC and Holiday Villages (1994) 84 LGERA 434 (judicial
review)
C B Investments v Colo SC (1980) 41 LGRA 210 (characterisation)
Calkovics v Minister for Local Government and Planning (1989) 72 LGRA 269 (validity of EPIs)
Caltex Aust. Petroleum v Manly (2007) 155 LGERA 255
Cameron v Lake Macquarie CC (2000) 107 LGERA 308 (status of tree preservations order)
Campbelltown CC v Toth (2004) 135 LGERA 336 (L & E Court practice and procedure)
Carstens v Pittwater Council (1999) 111 LGERA 1 (ESD principles)
City of Sydney V Streetscape Projects (Australia) Pty Ltd [2011] NSWSC 1214
Centro Properties v Hurstville CC (2004) 135 LGERA 257 (validity of consent)
Chamwell P/L v Strathfield Council (2007) 151 LGERA 400 (characterization)
City of Noarlunga v Fraser (1986) 61 LGRA 324 (characterisation)
Coffs Harbour Environment Centre v Coffs Harbour City Council (1991) 74 LGRA 185 (development
within public reserve)
Cooper & Wilton v Maitland CC (1992) 130 LGERA 217 (validity of consent notification of
neighbours)
Cousins v Wingecarribee SC (1998) 100 LGERA 17 (validity of consent)
Cramer v Leichhardt MC (1992) 130 LGERA 182 (building certificates)
CSR v Fairfield CC (2001) 117 LGERA 77 (deferred commencement consent)
Cumerlong Holdings Pty Ltd v Dalcross Properties Pty Ltd & Ors [2010] NSWCA 214 (2 September
2010)
Cumerlong Holdings Pty Ltd v Dalcross Properties Pty Ltd [2011] HCA 27 (3 August 2011)
Curran v Taree City Council (1989) 75 LGRA 187 (actionable liability)
Currey v Sutherland SC (1998) 100 LGERA 365 (precondition for consent)
Dareton Local Aboriginal Land Council v Wentworth Council (1995) 89 LGERA 120 (exemption from
rates)
Day v Pinglen (1981) 148 CLR 289 (lapsing of consent)

17

Delta Properties v Brisbane CC (1955) 95 CLR 11 (council decision making)

Director-General DLG & Co-ops Re: Cr. G.F. Roberts PIT 1/1995 )
Director-General DLG Re: Cr JF Miller PIT 2/1997
)
Director-General DLG Re: former Cr J Finkernagel PIDT 1/2007 )
Director-General DLG Re: Cr. C. Gulaptis PIT 2/2001
)
(pecuniary interest)
Director-General DLG Re: Cr. D.V. Judge PIT 4/1995
)
www.dlg.nsw.gov.au
Director-General DLG Re: Cr. JM Treloar PIT 1/1999
)
Director-General DLG Re: Cr. R. Wadsworth PIT 4/1996
)
Director-General DLG Re: former Cr. J.O. Ward PIT 3/1995
)
Director-General DLG Re: Cr. BN Cottrer PIT 3/1997
)
(pecuniary interest)
Director-General DLG Re: C. B Balendra PIT 3/2000
)
www.dlg.nsw.gov.au
Director-General DLG Re: Cr.E Bennett PIDT 2/2007
)
Director-General DPC Re Cr Martin Ticehurst LGPIDT 07/2012
(misbehavior)
www.dlg.nsw.gov.au
Dixson v Wingecarribee SC (1999) 103 LGERA 103 (development standard)
Downward v Babington [1975] VR 872 (pecuniary interest)
Doyle v Newcastle CC (1990) 71 LGRA 55 (characterisation)
Drummoyne MC v Roads and Traffic Authority (1989) 67 LGRA 155 (Part 5 assessment)
Dunlop v Woollahra MC [1982] AC 158 (actionable liability)
E S Turnbull v Wollongong CCl (1990) 71 LGRA 240 (characterisation)
Earle Cameron Construction Group v Parramatta CC (1981) 46 LGRA 130 (existing use)
Everall v Ku-ring-gai MC (1991) 72 LGRA 369 (council decision making)
Fairfield City Council v Holroyd City Council (1999) 103 LGERA 205 (validity of consent condition)
Fatsel P/L v ACR Trading P/L (1987) 64 LGRA 177 (burden of proof in civil enforcement proceedings)
Fazzolari v Parramatta CC [2009] HCA 12 (2 April 2009) (acquisition of land)
Fitch v Shoalhaven CC (1987) 67 LGRA 165 (validity of s 94 condition of consent)
Foodbarn v Solicitor-General (1975) 32 LGRA 157 (characterisation)
Galandon v Narrabri SC (1983) 51 LGRA 5 (validity of consent condition)
Garrett v Freeman (2006) 147 LGERA 96 (statutory protection of council employees)
Gee v Sydney CC (2004) 137 LGERA 157 (validity of consent)
GIO of NSW v Penrith City Council (1999) 102 LGERA 102 (actionable liability)
GJ Knight Holdings v Warringah SC [1975] 2 NSWLR 796 (actionable liability)
Gosford CC v Popran Creek (1995) 89 LGERA 208 (characterisation of development)
Goulburn CC v Haines (1992) 78 LGERA 281 (exemption from rates)
GPT Re v Wollongong CC (2006) 151 LGERA 116 (validity of consent; development standards)
Grace & Anor v Thomas Street Caf & Ors (2007) 159 LGERA 57 (existing uses)
Grace & Anor v Thomas Street Caf & Ors (No 2) [2008] NSWCA 72 (existing uses)
Graham Barclay Oysters Pty Ltd v Ryan; Ryan v Great Lakes Council; State of NSW v Ryan (2002)
125 LGERA 1 (actionable liability)
Gray v Minister for Planning (2006) 152 LGERA 258 (ESD principles)
Gumbangerrii Aboriginal Corporation v Nambucca Council (1996) 130 LGERA 160 (exemption from
rates)
Guthega Development v Minister Administering the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (1986) 61
LGRA 401 (Part 5 assessment)
Halpin v Sydney CC (2000) 110 LGERA 464 (consent of owners corporation required)
Hardi v Woollahra MC L&E Ct 1987 Cripps J unreported (legitimate expectation to be notified)
Hastings MC v Mineral Deposits (1981) 43 LGRA 198 (lapsing of consent)
Hawkesbury SC v Hills (1988) 12 NSWLR 461 (recovery of council rates)
Helman v Byron SC (1995) 87 LGERA 349 (administrative law principles)
Hilpalm v Heavens Door (2004) 137 LGERA 57 (status of consents)
Herring Daw & Blake v Gosford CC (1995) 87 LGERA 220 (Part 5 assessment)
Hope v Bathurst City Council (1980) 144 CLR 1 (council rates farmland)
Hornsby SC v Porter (1990) 70 LGRA 175 (public participation)
Hortis v Manly C (1999) 104 LGERA 43 (consent preconditions)
Hoxton Park Group v Liverpool City Council (2010) 178 LGERA 275 (councils legal existence and
power to consider a DA)
House of Peace Pty Ltd v Bankstown City Council (2000) 106 LGERA 440 (existing
use/characterisation)
Hub Action Group Inc v Minister Planning (2008) 161 LGERA 136 (ESD principles)
I D A Safe Constructions v Woollahra MC (1981) 48 LGRA 62 (validity of SEPP1)
Imhoff v Port Stephens Council (2005) 139 LGERA 95 (appeals against rates and categorization of
land)
I W v City of Perth (1997) 94 LGERA 224 (personal liability of councillors and staff)

18

Ireland v Cessnock CC (1999) 103 LGERA 285 (building certificates)

Jarasius v Forestry Commission (1988) 71 LGRA 79 (Part 5 assessment)
Lennard v Jessica Estates [2008] NSWCA 121 (30 May 2008)
KCR v Orange CC (1968) 16 LGRA 153 (validity of special rate)
Kiama MC v French (1984) 54 LGRA 42 (characterisation)
Kindimindi Investments Pty Ltd v Lane Cove Council (2006) 143 LGERA 277 (validity of consent)
King v Great Lakes SC (1986) 58 LGRA 366 (validity of conditions of consent)
Ku-ring-gai MC v Geoffrey Twybill & Assocs (1979) 39 LGRA 154 (characterisation)
Kyogle SC v Francis (1988) 66 LGRA 167 (negligent misrepresentation by a council)
Kyogle SC v Muli Muli [2005] NSWCA 4, 141 LGERA 343 (time at which service of rate notice
effected)
Kyriacou v Kogarah MC (1995) 88 LGERA 110 (negligent misrepresentation by a council)
Lane Cove MC v Lujeta (1986) 58 LGRA 157 (existing use)
Legal and General Life of Australia v North Sydney MC (1990) 69 LGRA 201 (development
standards)
Leichhardt MC v Minister for Planning (1992) 78 LGERA 306 (SEPPs)
Leichhardt MC v Minister for Planning (No.2) (1995) 87 LGERA 78 (validity of EPI)
Lennard v Jessica Estates (2008) 159 LGERA 420 (suspension of covenants)
Lend Lease Management v Sydney City Council (1988) 68 LGRA 61 (validity of conditions of consent)
Lend Lease GPT (Rouse Hill) P/L v The Hills SC [2010] NSWLEC 130 (exemption from rates)
Lesnewski v Mosman MC (2005) 138 LGERA 2071 (inconsistency between consenting plans and
consent)
Levadetes v Hawkesbury SC (1988) 67 LGRA 190 (period within which s 94 contributions should be
spent)
Levenstrath Community Assn v Nymboida SC (1999) 105 LGERA 362 (calculation of council meeting
quorum)
Macs Ltd v Minister Administrating LG Act 1993 [2009] HCA 12 (2 April 2009) (acquisition of land)
McGovern v Ku-ring-gai Council (2007) 153 LGERA 308 (form and content of DA, procedural
fairness)
Maclean SC v Nungera Co-Operative Society (1995) 86 LGERA 430 (exemption from rates)
Malcolm v Newcastle CC (1991) 73 LGRA 356 (characterisation)
Maule v Liporoni (2002) 122 LGERA 140 (statutory preclusion of challenges to consents)
Mid Density Developments v Rockdale MC (1993) 81 LGERA 104 (effect of s 149(5) certificate
disclaimer)
Mineral Wealth v Gosford CC (2003) 127 LGERA 74 (building certificates)
Minister for Planning v Walker (2008) 161 LGERA 423 (ESD principles) (on appeal to the High Court)
Mirvac v Sydney CC (2003) 131 LGERA 363 (validity of condition of consent)
Mison v Randwick MC (1991) 73 LGRA 349 (validity of condition of consent)
Murlan Consulting v Ku-ring-gai Municipal Council (2009) 170 LGERA 162 (reasonable apprehension
of bias by a Commissioner of the Land and Environment Court)
Murray Darling Community Care Inc v Wentworth Council (2000) 111 LGERA 345 (exemption from
rates)
MW & SW Enterprises v Strathfield Council (2010) 172 LGERA 125
Nagle v Rottnest Island Authority (1993) 67 ALJR 426 (actionable liability)
National Parks and Wildlife Service v Stables Perisher (1990) 71 LGRA 286 (jurisdiction of L&E Ct)
Newbury DC v Secretary of State for the Environment [1981] AC 578 (common law test for validity of
consent conditions)
Newcastle CC v Royal Newcastle Hospital [1959]; AC 248 (1959) 4 LGR 154 (exemption from rates)
North Sydney MC v Boyts Radio and Electrical (1989) 67 LGRA 344 (existing use)
North Sydney MC v P D Mayoh (No 2) (1990) 71 LGRA 222 (development standards)
North Sydney MC v Sydney Serviced Apartments (1990) 71 LGRA 432 (characterisation)
Panagopoulos v Willoughby CC (1992) 78 LGERA 270s (council decision making)
Pancho Properties v Wingecarribee SC (1999) 110 LGERA 352 (development standards)
Parramatta CC v Hale (1982) 47 LGRA 319 (proper consideration of relevant matters)
Parramatta CC v Pestell (1972) 128 CLR 305 (council special rates)
Parramatta cc v R&R Fazzolari (2008) 162 LGERA 1 per Tobias JA (effect of s 24 LG Act 1993)
Parramatta CC v Peterson (1987) 61 LGRA 286 (section 94 contributions)
Penrith CC v Waste Management Authority (1990) 71 LGRA 376 (characterisation)
Perre v Apand (1999) 198 CLR 180 (actionable liability)
Porter v Hornsby SC (1989) 69 LGRA 101 (public participation)
Power v Pentill House (1993) 80 LGERA 247 (the statutory offences are offences of strict liability)
Progress and Securities v North Sydney MC (1988) 66 LGRA 236 (options for dissatisfied applicants)
Public Trustee v Sutherland SC (1992) 75 LGRA 278 (actionable liability)

19

Pyrenees SC v Day; Eskimo Amber Pty Ltd v Pyrenees SC (1998) 96 LGERA 330 (actionable liability)
Quality Parks v Maclean Shire Council (2002) 120 LGERA 272 (exemption from rates)
R v Barnett: ex parte Warringah SC (1967) 14 LGRA 118 (dismissal of councils original position)
Randwick MC v Pacific Seven (1989) 69 LGRA 13 (severability of invalid conditions of consent)
Randwick MC v Rutledge (1959) 102 CLR 54 (status of public reserve land)
Romeo v Conservation Commission (NT) (1998) 96 LGERA 410 (actionable liability)
Ryde CC v Echt (2000) 107 LGERA 317 (council orders)
Ryde MC v Macquarie University (1978) 55 LGRA 373 (exemption from rates)
San Sebastian v Minister administering the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (1986) 162
CLR 340 (actionable liability)
Sansom v Hudson (1997) 94 LGERA 292 (irregularity of manner of election)
Scurr v Brisbane CC (1973) 133 CLR 242 (administrative law principles)
Seaton v Mosman MC (No.1) (1996) 93 LGERA 1 (management of public land)
Secure Parking Management v Sydney CC (1998) 99 LGERA 110 (exemption from rates)
Shaddock v Parramatta City Council (1981) 36 ALR 385 (negligent misrepresentation)
Shellharbour MC v Rovilo (1989) 16 NSWLR 104 (owners consent to DA)
Shire of Perth v O'Keefe (1964) 110 CLR 529 (existing use)
Smith v Wyong SC (2003) 132 LGERA 148 (validity of EPI)
Smith v Wyong SC (No 3)) (1984) 53 LGRA 170 (lapsing of consent)
Somerville v Dalby (1990) 69 LGRA 422 (public participation)
South Australia v Slipper (2004) 137 LGERA 374 (procedure fairness)
South Sydney CC v Paul Dainty Corp (1992) 75 LGRA 202 (characterisation)
Statewide Roads v Holroyd City Council (1996) 90 LGERA 160 (exemption from rates)
Steelbond (Sydney) v Marrickville MC (1994) 82 LGERA 192 (retrospectivity)
Stockland Development v Manly Council (2004) 136 LGERA 254 (consideration of DCPs and relevant
policies)
Strathfield MC v Poynting (2001) 116 LGERA 319 (development standards)
Stutchbury v Pittwater Council (1999) 105 LGERA 1 (council orders)
Styles v Wollondilly SC (2002) 120 LGERA 172 (council meeting procedures)
Sutherland SC v Heyman (1985) 157 CLR 424 (actionable liability)
Sutton v Warringah SC (1987) 16 NSWLR 498 (delegation of functions)
Swadling v Sutherland SC (1994) 82 LGERA 431 (status of consent conditions)
Sydney CC v Claude Neon (1989) 15 NSWLR 724 (owners consent to DA)
Sydney CC v Griffiths (1985) 55 LGRA 221 (dismissal of a councillor)
Sydney CC v Reid (1994) 84 LGERA 381 (status of local government)
Sydney CC v University of Technology, Sydney (1992) 78 LGRA 200 (exemption from rates)
Sydney MC v Campbell [1925] AC 338 (exercise of council functions)
Sydney Turkish Islamic Centre and Mosque Association v Sydney City Council (1989) 68 LGRA 143
(exemption from rates)
Telstra Corp v Hornsby Council (2006) 146 LGERA 10 (ESD principles)
The Dubler Group v Ku-ring-gai Council (2004) 133 LGERA 438 (applicable law at determination of
appeal)
Thompson v Randwick MC (1950) 81 CLR 87 (exercise of councils functions)
Thornpast v Parramatta CC (2004) 137 LGERA 205 (development standards)
Toomelah Co-Operative v Moree Plains Shire Council (1996) 90 LGERA 48 (exemption from rates)
Trustees for Gospel Trust No. 1 v Brisbane CC (2005) 143 LGERA 99
Twist v Randwick MC (1976) 136 CLR 106 (admin. law principles)
Valantine v Muswellbrook SC & Ors [2008] NSWSC 1300 (L G Code of Conduct issues)
Van Haasteren v South Sydney Council (2000) 109 LGERA 252 (council orders)
Vanmeld v Fairfield CC (1992) 75 LGRA 374 (public participation)
Vaughan-Taylor v David Mitchell-Melcann and Minister for Minerals and Energy (1991) 73 LGRA 366
(existing use)
Wallarah Minerals v Mulwaree SC (2000) 111 LGERA 132 (development standards)
Warringah SC v Caltex Oil (Australia) (1989) 68 LGRA 206 (existing use)
Warringah SC v Pittwater PC (1992) 76 LGRA 231 (exercise of council functions)
Warringah SC v Raffles (1978) 38 LGRA 306 (characterisation)
Warringah SC v Sedevcic (1987) 10 NSWLR 335 (exercise of discretion by Court)
Waverley MC v P E Bakers (1985) 54 LGRA 309 (validity of consent conditions)
Weal v Bathurst CC (2000) 111 LGERA 181 (proper consideration of relevant matters)
Wentworth Park Sporting Complex Trust v Leichhardt Council (2003) 125 LGERA 440 (exemption
from rates)
White v Ryde MC [1977] 2 NSWLR 909 (admin law principles)
Willoughby CC v Dasco Design and Construction Pty Ltd (2000) 111 LGERA 422 (modification of

20

consents)
Windy Dropdown v Warringah Council (2000) LGERA 299 (modification of consents)
Wingecarribee SC v Pancho Properties (2001) 117 LGERA 104 (development standards)
Wollongong CC v Fregnan (1980-82) 46 LGRA 391 (actionable liability)
Woollahra MC v Banool Developments (1973) 129 CLR 138 (existing use)
Woolworths v Pallas Newco (2004) 136 LGERA 288 (characterisation of a use is it a jurisdictional
fact to be determined by the Court?)
Wotton v Wingecarribee SC (1989) 68 LGRA 38 (characterisation)
Wykanak v Rockdale CC (2001) 113 LGERA 335 (council decision making validity of decisions)
Wyong SC v Shirt (1980) 146 CLR 40 (actionable liability)
YMCA v Sydney City Council (1954) 20 LGR 35 (exemption from rates)