Unit of Study LAWS2014 Local Government and Planning Law (2024)

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

Module 1: Federal, state, local governments' roles; the NSW legal regime; planning instruments and land zoning

Module 2: Structure of councils; honesty, procedural fairness, disclosure of interests; rates and other funding

Module 3: The Development Approval process; appeals and judicial review; the NSW Land & Environment Court

Module 4: Councils' service functions; management of lands; "public" vs "private" in rates exemptions

Module 5: Modification of consents and planning instruments; continuing and existing use rights

Module 6: Councils' regulatory functions and enforcement roles