Availabilities:

2021 unit offering information will be available in November 2020

Unit description

Examines the crucial role of local government in relation to environmental decision-making, and its powers and functions generally. It provides a comprehensive grasp of planning laws within New South Wales, and provides a critical perspective on these laws. Local government has significant powers over the environment, and additional delegated authority under the Local Government Act 1993.

Unit content

Topic 1: The planning regime: 'Who decides what in planning law?'
Topic 2: Approval process
Topic 3: Appeals
Topic 4: Enforcement role of local government
Topic 5: Modification of consents and planning instruments continuing and existing use rights
Topic 6: The role and responsibilities of local government
Topic 7: Honesty and disclosure of interests
Topic 8: Funding for councils
Topic 9: Local government functions Part 1: Regulatory and service functions
Topic 10: Local government functions Part 2: Environmental management

Learning outcomes

Unit Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a unit. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes. The unit learning outcomes and graduate attributes are also the basis of evaluating prior learning.

GA1: Intellectual rigour, GA2: Creativity, GA3: Ethical practice, GA4: Knowledge of a discipline, GA5: Lifelong learning, GA6: Communication and social skills, GA7: Cultural competence
On completion of this unit, students should be able to:GA1GA2GA3GA4GA5GA6GA7
1describe the way in which environmental planning instruments are madeKnowledge of a discipline
2demonstrate an understanding of the application of environmental planning instruments to an existing or proposed development on an area of landKnowledge of a discipline
3critically evaluate the existing system of planning and emerging challengesIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineCommunication and social skills
4demonstrate knowledge of the constitution and structure of local governmentKnowledge of a discipline
5analyse and apply in any given factual situation the law with respect to the processes of local government decision-makingKnowledge of a discipline
6evaluate the process of obtaining approval for an activity from local governmentIntellectual rigourKnowledge of a disciplineCommunication and social skills
7effectively conduct legal research, critical analysis and the written presentation of research and argument.Intellectual rigourCommunication and social skills

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. describe the way in which environmental planning instruments are made
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  2. demonstrate an understanding of the application of environmental planning instruments to an existing or proposed development on an area of land
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  3. critically evaluate the existing system of planning and emerging challenges
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA6: Communication and social skills
  4. demonstrate knowledge of the constitution and structure of local government
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  5. analyse and apply in any given factual situation the law with respect to the processes of local government decision-making
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
  6. evaluate the process of obtaining approval for an activity from local government
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA4: Knowledge of a discipline
    • GA6: Communication and social skills
  7. effectively conduct legal research, critical analysis and the written presentation of research and argument.
    • GA1: Intellectual rigour
    • GA6: Communication and social skills

Teaching and assessment

Notice

Intensive offerings may or may not be scheduled in every session. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Southern Cross University employs different teaching methods within units to provide students with the flexibility to choose the mode of learning that best suits them. SCU academics strive to use the latest approaches and, as a result, the learning modes and materials may change. The most current information regarding a unit will be provided to enrolled students at the beginning of the study session.

Fee information

Domestic

Commonwealth Supported courses
For information regarding Student Contribution Amounts please visit the Student Contribution Amounts.
Commencing 2021 Commonwealth Supported only. Student contribution band: 3

Fee paying courses
For POSTGRADUATE or UNDERGRADUATE full fee paying courses please check Domestic Postgraduate Fees OR Domestic Undergraduate Fees

International

Please check the international course and fee list to determine the relevant fees.

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