In the media – National

WGBC report aligns office design to health
A new World Green Building Council report points to "overwhelming evidence" that office design impacts health and productivity, including productivity gains of up to 11 per cent by improving indoor air quality alone (07 October 2014). More...

Report: real estate sector Australia's "most aggressive" tax evader
A new report on tax evasion in Australia has singled out the property industry as the most "tax aggressive" sector, responsible for more than $1.5 billion in annual tax foregone (01 October 2014). More...

Where are the retirement living hotspots
The retirement living sector rates consistently in the Property Council / ANZ Property Industry Confidence Survey as one of the highest predicted growth markets of our industry (02 October 2014). More...

In the media – Victoria

Landmark development opens in Footscray
Grocon has partnered with the Victorian Government to launch a new commercial office development at 1 McNab Avenue, Footscray, part of a multimillion dollar initiative to revitalise Melbourne's inner west (07 October 2014). More...

Victorian National Parks Association calls for river grazing review
An attack on riverfront ­grazing licence renewals has been dismissed by the Victorian Government and farmers. The VNPA called for a plan and resources for river restoration and funding of $20 million to protect riparian lands. The Government denied that it had failed to protect waterways (02 September 2014). More...

In the media – New South Wales

Changes to SEPP65 apartment design guidelines; AIA and BDA comment
Thirteen years on, SEPP65 is considered one of the more successful pieces of NSW planning legislation which has improved multi-residential building standards and amenity. But there have been some small issues with the policy's implementation across the entirety of NSW (10 October 2014). More...

NSW Fair Trading focus on real estate compliance
NSW Fair Trading Minister Matthew Mason-Cox today issued a stern warning to real estate agents, revealing a blitz of property auctions is underway with a focus on underquoting, dummy bidding and deceptive conduct (03 October 2014). More...

In practice and courts – National

National Stronger Regions Fund is open for applications: Round one
The Fund will provide between $20,000 and $10 million for up to 50 per cent of the cost of projects. The Guidelines for the National Stronger Regions Fund detail the type of project proposals sought, how to lodge an application, how assessments will be conducted, and critical program dates. Applications for round one close on 28 November, 2014. To access the guidelines, and to lodge a round one application (1 October 2014). More...

The North East Shipping Management Plan 2014
This will assist decision-makers to determine priorities, providing a strategic guide and a programme of options that will improve safety and bolster environmental safeguards. More...

New Standards Issued October 2014

AS/NZS 3598.1:2014
Energy audits - Commercial buildings
Standards Australia

Announcements, Draft Policies and Plans released 2014

Queensland Condamine-Balonne catchment water purchase round now open
This purchase is for un-supplemented and overland flow water harvesting licence holders. Interested license holders have until 30 October 2014 to make an offer. More...

In practice and courts – Victoria

New DTPLI website today (Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure)
A new department website combining three previous sites went live today. More...

SRO: New congestion levy boundaries
In May 2014, the Victorian Government expanded the congestion levy boundary to include a Category 2 levy area, comprising a number of inner-city suburbs surrounding the Melbourne CBD. This new levy area, along with the existing Category 1 levy area, can be viewed on the congestion levy area map (30 September 2014). More...

In practice and courts – Queensland

Announcements, Draft Policies and Plans released 2014

Approval of MacKay Airport Land Use Plan – August 2014
Jeff Seeney MP, Deputy Premier, approves pursuant to section 41(1) of the Airport Assets (Restructuring and Disposal) Act 2008 (s41(4), the Mackay Airport Land Use Plan – August 2014.
The approval of the Mackay Airport Land Use Plan – August 2014 will take effect immediately on the day this notice is gazetted [10 October 2014]. More...

In practice and courts – New South Wales

Revised apartment design guidelines for public consultation (SEPP65 reform package)
High-level changes for reflection include: Incorporating mixed use and top shop housing; Removal of minimum parking spots for developments close to public transport, and Increased flexibility in design solutions . The reform package is on exhibition for public feedback until 31 October 2014. More...

Cases – Victoria

Wagner v Usatov (Civil Claims) [2014] VCAT 1198 Sale of land – vendors' statement given under Sale of Land Act 1962 s 32 – whether the vendors contravened s 32 – non-disclosure of a planning permit with a condition that required an agreement under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 s 173 – whether the vendors were required to disclose it – Sale of Land Act s 32(2)(b), (e). Jurisdiction – loss caused by contravention of Sale of Land Act 1962 s 32 – Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 s 217, Sale of Land Act 1962 s 48A. More...

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