In the media
Criminal elements still influential in CFMEU
construction division, report finds
A preliminary investigation into the CFMEU's
construction division has found it is still influenced by bikies
and attempts to remove criminal elements were
"inadequate", following its entry into administration.
The investigation by Geoffrey Watson SC found the union was
"caught up in a cycle of lawlessness". (16 September
2024) Read more here.
Higher towers, smaller homes, fewer car spaces
recommended to solve NSW housing crisis
A report released by the Productivity and Equality
Commission today has flagged a number of recommendations to help
New South Wales to meet its housing targets. Despite NSW committing
to building 377,000 new homes by mid-2029, building approvals have
lagged this year. The report states that more higher-density zones
and cutting apartment design requirements are some measures that
could help the state reach its housing targets. (11 September 2024)
Read more here.
Home values hit record highs, climbing in all states
except Victoria
Property values around the country have surged to record
highs, with the average Australian home now worth more than
$970,000, as values soar across NSW but grind down in Victoria. The
numbers could be a worry for the Reserve Bank if households feel
wealthier because of the rising value of their properties and spend
more as a result, defying its efforts to curb spending. (10
September 2024). Read more here.
Developer to launch audacious bid for the old Sydney
Fish Market
A former development proponent of the Sydney Fish Market
is staking an audacious claim to legal rights over the old site in
a move that will create more drama for the government as it
prepares to open new state-of-the-art premises next door. Dominic
Galati, an infant formula entrepreneur who was part of a joint
venture proposing to develop the existing site a decade ago, has
asked Premier Chris Minns through his solicitors to freeze the
expressions of interest process for tenancies at the new site while
matters arising from a decision by the NSW Court of Appeal last
year are investigated. (14 September 2024). Read more here.
Published – articles, papers, reports
More than two-thirds of Australian homes have building
issues, new report says
New Australian Housing and Urban Institute research has
found that about 70 per cent of households have reported building
quality problems. It also found that most of Australia's
existing housing stock was energy-inefficient, with an energy
rating of three stars or lower, and were of poor quality. (10
September 2024). Read more here.
Cases
Ultra Construction Pty Ltd v Lift Shop Pty
Ltd [2024] NSWSC 1150
APPEAL AND REVIEW – appeal from the Local Court –
contract – contract for the construction of a lift in
residential premises – whether Magistrate erred by failing to
make a finding as to the commencement date of the contract –
whether Magistrate erred by finding time for performance ran from
initialling of the contract – whether Magistrate erred in
finding no repudiation by Lift Shop – whether Magistrate
failed to take into account critical evidence – whether
Magistrate erred in finding there was no contractual obligation to
install – whether Magistrate failed to provide adequate
reasons
Roxy Pacific Killara Pty Ltd v The Owners
– Strata Plan 10053 [2024] NSWCATAP 177
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION – Home Building Act 1989 (NSW)
– S 48O discretion – Defects
Thakur v Secretary, Department of Customer
Service [2024] NSWCATOD 150
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – administrative review – Home
Building – applications for contractor licences –
individual and company – employee – remuneration
– not a subcontractor
Legislation
Environmental Planning Instruments
Bega Valley Local Environmental Plan 2013 (Amendment No 46) (2024-481) – published LW 13 September 2024
Blue Mountains Local Environmental Plan 2015 (Amendment No 22) (2024-482) – published LW 13 September 2024
Byron Local Environmental Plan 2014 (Amendment No 42) (2024-483) – published LW 13 September 2024
Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2023 (Amendment No 10) (2024-484) – published LW 13 September 2024
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