Introduction Few things are more frustrating than receiving a planning decision that feels wrong. The QueenslandPlanning and Environment Court (QPEC) exists precisely for these

The Queensland Planning and Environment Court clarifies the distinction between challenging the merits of a development approval and establishing jurisdictional error. The Queensland Planning

In Smith v Brisbane City Council & Anor [2026] QPEC 35, the Planning and Environment Court adjourned a five-day trial of a submitter appeal,

On 18 September 2026, Brisbane City Plan 2014 was updated to version 37.00/2026. Four adopted amendments commenced on that day. The most significant reshapes

Brisbane City Council’s “More Homes, Sooner” reforms have reshaped the low-medium density residential (LMR) zone under Brisbane City Plan 2014. The reforms were delivered

Since the middle of 2025, a wind, solar or large battery project in Queensland cannot lodge a properly made development application without two documents

In Philip Usher Constructions Pty Ltd v Logan City Council [2026] QPEC 33, the Planning and Environment Court dismissed a challenge to the validity

In Cordwell Resources Pty Ltd v Noosa Shire Council [2026] QPEC 32, the Planning and Environment Court allowed an appeal against a council’s refusal of

Planning and Environment Law Update – [2026] QPEC 34 In Emerald Pharmacy Services Pty Ltd v Central Highlands Regional Council & Anor [2026] QPEC

On 11 September 2026, a package of reforms to Queensland’s State assessment framework commenced. Fewer development applications will be referred to the State Assessment

Retirement village, aged care, over 55, Class 3: these labels come from different laws that are easily run together. Here is how Queensland’s planning,

Planning and Environment Law Update | [2026] QPEC 31 A recent decision of the Planning and Environment Court is essential reading for anyone developing

How a development application can outlast two planning Acts, and how Queensland’s transitional provisions and the Planning and Environment Court keep a long-running approval

Several of the first-half decisions of 2026 repay attention less for their planning merits than for their treatment of process, from the limits of

A cluster of decisions in the first half of 2026 addressed the assessment of character, amenity and height, particularly in Brisbane’s traditional building character

The Planning and Environment Court’s 2025 decisions on the conditions power, and in particular the reaffirmation in Aesthete No. 15 Pty Ltd v Council

Through the first half of 2026 the Planning and Environment Court continued to apply the broad evaluative judgment described in Abeleda v Brisbane City

Introduction The Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area (PDA), located in the Redland City Council local government area, was declared by the Queensland State Government

Enforcement and compliance were a recurring theme in the Planning and Environment Court through the first half of 2026, with the Court repeatedly willing

Key Lessons from 1770 Nominees Pty Ltd v Gladstone Regional Council [2026] QPEC 1 A recent decision of the Planning and Environment Court of

QCAT has jurisdiction to hear any matter in relation to a tree which land is affected by as per section 61 of the Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences

The Natural Assets Local Law 2003 (NALL) is a local law made by Brisbane City Council (Council) that regulates the protection and management of natural assets across Brisbane, particularly

As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic Games and responds to sustained population growth, the city is turning its attention to one of its

When developing land situated above neighbouring properties, careful attention must be given to the natural flow of water. Alterations to drainage patterns can lead

Disputes over infrastructure charges and conditions featured prominently in 2025, yielding instructive outcomes for Councils and developers negotiating the cost of growth. In OPD Developers Pty

If a property owner or developer (the Developer) has submitted a development application to make renovations to or subdivide their property or for a

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

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.