Stormwater Drainage – Access and Easements
If a property owner or developer (the Developer) has submitted a development application to make renovations to or subdivide their property or for a change of use or operational works (Development Application), it is paramount they consider the connection of stormwater pipes, any overland flow paths and lawful points of discharge. If no lawful point […]
Updates to Brisbane City Plan
The Brisbane City Plan 2014 (City Plan) is Brisbane’s local government planning scheme, which guides the development and use of the city. As Brisbane continues to grow, Brisbane City Council regularly updates and amends the City Plan to support development and infrastructure. The most current amendment is v33.00/2025, which was effected on 27 June 2025 […]
The Gold Coast’s “in situ” vegetation laws
Looking to clear vegetation on your Gold Coast property? You may wish to consider the case of JJJM Pty Ltd v Council of the City of Gold Coast [2024] QPEC 9.
Sunshine Coast Council – Draft new Planning Scheme
Submissions close 19 September 2025 The Sunshine Coast Council (Council) has drafted a proposed new planning scheme (Proposed Scheme), which will replace the existing Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 (Existing Scheme). The purpose of the Proposed Scheme is to implement changes which support and regulate the growth and development of the Sunshine Coast. The Proposed […]
Environmental Protection Act 1994 – Proposed Amendments
Proposed Amendments to Environmental Protection Legislation The Environmental Protection Act 1994 (“EP Act”), plays a key role in regulating environmental management and protection in Queensland, and is set to undergo a targeted review to improve its effectiveness and responsiveness to emerging challenges. The review and proposed changes are part of a commitment by the Department […]
Amendments Relating to Composting Facilities
The laws relating to new and existing composting facilities have changed. This article summarises the changes with particular focus on the new “4 kilometre rule”. The amendments are to the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019 which operates under the Environmental Protection Act 1994. The amendments are made by the Environmental Protection (Composting Facilities) Amendment Regulation 2024. […]
Advice on Penalty Infringement Notices
Penalty Infringement Notices (“PINs”) can be issued by the Government for a range ofmatters. Milne Legal can advise you about a range of PINs, including PINs issued by the Department of Environment and Science pursuant to the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) for, for example, a breach of an environmental authority condition (for example involving […]
Minor Changes in the Planning Act 2016 (QLD)
The Planning Act 2016 (Qld) (PA) provides a process for making a “minor change” to a development approval. Usually, a minor change application should be made to theassessment manager for the development application (which is most often the local Council), however in certain circumstances the application must be made to the Planning and Environment Court, […]
Ministerial Extensions during COVID-19
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Queensland Government issued three “Extension Notices” pursuant to section 275R of the Planning Act 2016 (“the PA”). Each of the “Extension Notices” applies to development approval and compliance permit currency periods under section 85 of the PA, section 299(2) or any other relevant provisions of the PA […]
Infrastructure Charge Notices
Once a development approval is issued, if the development is going to place extra demand on the Council’s trunk infrastructure networks, an infrastructure charges notice will be issued. The amount of the charge will depend upon the type of approval and what extra demand is been placed on trunk infrastructure. If you do not agree […]