31-40 of 188 results
A tale of two courts: are wind farm assets fixtures or chattels?
Wind farms and other renewable energy sponsors should be aware of two recent decisions of the Supreme Courts of Victoria and New South Wales, which have raised doubt over whether wind farm assets are chattels or fixtures. We briefly explore the key findings of each court and consider some broader repercussions of these decisions for the renewable energy industry. ...
Proposed Design and Place SEPP – creating further complexity in our planning system?
The Explanation of Intended Effect for the proposed Design and Place SEPP, presently on public exhibition, signals major change to the assessment requirements for all development in NSW. Improving design outcomes in the built environment is important, but will the proposed SEPP be the right vehicle to achieve this objective, or will it add another layer to an already complex planning system? ...
In defence of densification
In modern times, Australian cities and many around the world have strived to achieve greater urban densification. This is a trend driven by both the prevailing wisdom of the times and by necessity. Suddenly, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised fundamental questions about urban density and its risks. ...
Suburban hubs and the '20-minute neighbourhood'
As cities grapple with how to open up following months of COVID-19 forced lockdowns, establishing '20-minute neighbourhoods' or suburban hubs could be an answer. ...
Build-to-rent: why our cities need the change
Webinar: Build-to-rent: why our cities need the change ...
The health and economic crisis shines a spotlight on the need for greater social and affordable housing
The pandemic has laid bare Australia's overextended and under-invested social and affordable housing market. We look at some of the investment initiatives that have been pursued to date by the state governments. We also suggest some regulatory and planning changes that can be made. ...
Build-to-rent: stimulating recovery, ensuring resilience
Build-to-Rent (BTR) helps drive economic productivity, and with the right government intervention, could not only play a key role in Australia’s economic recovery from COVID-19, but also ensure the future liveability and resilience of our cities. ...
Double-duty provisions to receive much needed guidance on what constitutes 'land development'
The Victorian SRO has released a draft revenue ruling in an effort to provide practical guidance as to what types of activities constitute 'land development'. Unfortunately, the Draft Ruling does not overcome the existing uncertainty in some common situations and arguably seeks to expand the types of activities that may be considered 'land development'. ...
Retail Leases Amendment Act 2019 (Vic): changes to landlord and tenant rights and obligations
We examine the key amendments introduced by the Retail Leases Amendment Bill 2019 (Vic); and outline steps that both landlords and tenants should take in response. ...
Build-to-rent: key to unlocking the future liveability of Australia's cities
Australian cities are consistently named among the world's most liveable, but the dial is shifting. ...