QueenslandPlanningandEnvironmentCourtAct2016Current as at [Not
applicable]Indicative reprint noteThis is anunofficialversion of a
reprint of this Act that incorporates allproposed
amendments to the Act included in the Economic Developmentand
Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018. This indicative
reprinthasbeen prepared for information
only—it is not an authorised reprint of
theAct.The point-in-time
date for this indicative reprint is the introduction date
forthe Economic Development and Other
Legislation Amendment Bill 2018—19 September
2018.DetailedinformationaboutindicativereprintsisavailableontheInformationpage of the
Queensland legislation website.
Planning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 1 Preliminary[s 1]Planning and Environment Court Act
2016An Act about the Planning and Environment
CourtNotauthorised—indicativeonlyPart
1Preliminary1Short
titleThis Act may be cited as thePlanning and Environment CourtAct
2016.2CommencementThis Act
commences on a day to be fixed by proclamation.3DictionaryThe dictionary
in schedule 1 defines words used in this Act.Part 2Establishment and jurisdictionDivision 1Establishment4Continuation(1)ThePlanningandEnvironmentCourt(theP&ECourt)iscontinued in existence.(2)The P&E Court—(a)is a
court of record; andCurrent as at [Not applicable]Page
5
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 2 Establishment and jurisdiction[s
5](b)has a seal that must be judicially
noticed.5Constituting P&E Court(1)The Governor in Council may, by
gazette notice, appoint 1 ormore District
Court judges who are each to constitute the P&ECourt.(2)A
District Court judge appointed to constitute the P&E
Courtis called aP&E Court
judge.(3)The appointment
may be for a specific period.(4)IfaDistrictCourtjudgepurportstoconstitute,andmakeadecision or order of, the P&E Court, the
decision or order isvalid despite—(a)thejudgenothavingbeenappointedasaP&ECourtjudge; or(b)the
judge’s appointment as a P&E Court judge havingended.(5)More
than 1 P&E Court may sit at the same time.(6)When
more than 1 P&E Court is sitting at the same time, eachmay
exercise the jurisdiction and powers of the P&E Court.6Chief Judge has overall responsibility
for P&E Court(1)The Chief Judge is responsible for the
administration of theP&ECourtandforensuringtheorderlyandexpeditiousexercise of the
jurisdiction and powers of the P&E Court.(2)Subject to any Act, the Chief Judge has
power to do all thingsnecessary or convenient to perform the
functions mentioned insubsection (1).Page 6Current as at [Not applicable]
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyDivision 2Planning and
Environment Court Act 2016Part 2 Establishment and
jurisdiction[s 7]General
jurisdiction7Jurisdiction(1)TheP&ECourthasjurisdictiongiventoitunderanyAct(each anenabling Act).Notes—1Various Acts give the P&E Court
jurisdiction. However, under thePlanning Act,
chapter 6 and schedule 1 and part 4 of this Act, itsmain
heads of jurisdiction are—•appeals against
decisions under the Planning Act (in this Act,called ‘Planning
Act appeals’)•appeals against decisions of tribunals
established under thePlanning Act, section 235.2For when courts have jurisdiction, see
also theActs InterpretationAct 1954,
section 49A.(2)Unless the Supreme Court decides a
P&E Court decision orothermatterunderarelevantenablingActisaffectedbyjurisdictional error, the decision or
matter is non-appealable,other than—(a)under part 7; or(b)under the relevant enabling Act.(3)In this section—non-appealable, for a P&E
Court decision or matter, meansthe decision or
matter—(a)is final and conclusive; and(b)maynotbechallenged,appealedagainst,reviewed,quashed, set aside or called into question
in any way inany court.8District Court jurisdiction
unimpairedA P&E Court judge retains all of the
judge’s jurisdiction as aDistrict Court judge.Current as at [Not applicable]Page
7
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 2 Establishment and jurisdiction[s
9]9When P&E Court must remit to
tribunal(1)If—(a)a
P&E Court proceeding is, or includes, a matter withina
tribunal’s jurisdiction; and(b)the
court is satisfied the matter should be dealt with bythe
tribunal;the court must, by order, remit the matter
to the tribunal.(2)On the making of the order, the
Planning Act sections 229 and239applyasifthedocumentstartingtheP&ECourtproceedingwereadocumentstartingatribunalproceedingunder that
Act.10Principles for exercising
jurisdiction(1)In conducting P&E Court
proceedings and applying the rules,the P&E
Court must—(a)facilitatethejustandexpeditiousresolutionoftheissues; and(b)avoid undue delay, expense and
technicality.(2)The parties to a P&E Court
proceeding impliedly undertake tothe court and
each other to proceed in an expeditious way.Division 3Declaratory jurisdiction11General declaratory jurisdiction(1)AnypersonmaystartaP&ECourtproceedingseekingadeclaration (adeclaratory
proceeding) about—(a)a
matter done, to be done or that should have been donefor
this Act or the Planning Act; or(b)the
interpretation of this Act or the Planning Act; or(c)thelawfulnessoflanduseordevelopmentunderthePlanning Act; orPage 8Current as at [Not applicable]
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 2 Establishment and jurisdiction[s
12](d)theconstructionofalanduseplanundertheAirportAssets(RestructuringandDisposal)Act2008andtheinterpretation of chapter 3, part 1 of
that Act; or(e)theconstructionoftheBrisbaneportLUPundertheTransport Infrastructure Act 1994.Note—Under theActs
Interpretation Act 1954, section 7, a reference toan
Act in this list of subject matter about which a declarationmay
be sought includes a reference to the statutory instrumentsmade
under the Act.(2)However,adeclaratoryproceedingforamatterunderthePlanning Act, chapter 3, part 6,
division 3 may be started onlyunder section
12.(3)Also, a person may not start a
declaratory proceeding for amatter under the
Planning Act, chapter 3, part 6, division 2.(4)The
P&E Court may also make an order about any declarationit
makes.Note—Foraproceedingunderthissectioninrelationtoadevelopmentapproval that
was a PDA development approval under the EconomicDevelopment Act 2012, see also section
51AJ(3) and (4) of that Act.12Declaratory jurisdiction for Minister’s call
in ofdevelopment application(1)Thissectionappliestoanassessmentmanagerforadevelopment
application if—(a)theapplicationisthesubjectofacallinunderthePlanning Act; and(b)when
the call in took place, the assessment manager hadnot
decided, or had refused, the development.(2)Theassessmentmanagermaystartaproceeding(alsoadeclaratory proceeding) in
the P&E Court for a declarationabout a matter
done, to be done or that should have been donein relation to
the call in.Current as at [Not applicable]Page
9
Planning and Environment Court Act 2016Part 3
Rules and orders or directions[s 13]Part
3Rules and orders or directionsNotauthorised—indicativeonly13Rules(1)The Governor in Council may make rules
of the P&E Courtabout any or all of the following
matters—(a)anything required or permitted under
an enabling Act tobe prescribed by the rules;(b)the P&E Court’s procedures;(c)anything necessary or convenient for
the P&E Court’spurposes.Example of a
matter the rules may provide for—a matter that
may be dealt with by the P&E Court’s officers under part
8(2)However, the rules may be made only
with the concurrence ofthe Chief Judge and a P&E Court
judge.(3)TheP&ECourt’sproceduresaregovernedbytherules,subject to
relevant enabling Acts.(4)The rules may be
uniform rules that apply to other courts.(5)The
rules are subordinate legislation.Note—Undersection80,particularprovisionsoftherepealedSustainablePlanning Act
2009continue in effect as if they formed part of
the rules.14Orders and directions(1)TheP&ECourtmaymakeanorderordirectionabouttheconduct of a P&E Court
proceeding.(2)The Chief Judge may make directions of
general applicationabout the P&E Court’s procedures.Note—See, for
example, section 22.(3)Inmakinganorderordirectionunderthissection,theinterests of justice are
paramount.Page 10Current as at
[Not applicable]
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 4 Powers and procedure (general)[s
15](4)Anorderordirectionmadeunderthissectionmaybeinconsistent with a provision of the
rules.(5)However,ifthereisaninconsistencybetweenanorderordirection made under this section and a
provision of the rules,theorderordirectionprevailstotheextentoftheinconsistency.(6)The
P&E Court or Chief Judge may vary or revoke an order ordirection made under this section.Part
4Powers and procedure(general)Division 1Alternative
dispute resolutionSubdivision 1ADR
process15Purpose of subdivisionThe
purpose of this subdivision is to provide an opportunityforpartiestoaP&ECourtproceedingtoparticipateinanADR process.16ADR
process(1)AnADR
processis a process, without adjudication, under
therules in which an ADR registrar or mediator
helps the partiestoadisputethesubjectoftheP&ECourtproceedingtoachieve an early, inexpensive settlement or
resolution of thedispute.(2)TheADRprocessincludesallthestepsinvolvedintheprocess,
including the following steps—(a)ADR
conferences;(b)pre-ADRconferenceandpost-ADRconferencesessions;Current as at [Not applicable]Page
11
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 4 Powers and procedure (general)[s
17](c)joint sessions of some or all of the
parties;(d)private sessions;(e)another step prescribed by the rules.(3)An ADR registrar may, as part of the
ADR process, conferwiththepartiesaboutthewaytoconducttheP&ECourtproceeding.17Referral to ADR processIf a P&E
Court proceeding is referred to an ADR process—(a)theproceedingisnotstayed,unlesstheP&ECourtorders otherwise; but(b)the
P&E Court can not decide the proceeding until theADR
process has been finalised.18Resolution
agreement(1)If the parties agree on a resolution
of their dispute or part of itas a result of
an ADR process, the agreement must be writtendownandsignedbyorforeachpartyandbytheADRregistrar, or mediator, who conducted the
ADR process.(2)The agreement has effect as a
compromise.19Documents to be filed(1)As soon as practicable after an ADR
process has finished, theADR registrar, or mediator, who
conducted the ADR processmust file a certificate about the ADR
process in the approvedform.(2)The
certificate must not contain comment about the extent towhich a party participated or refused to
participate in the ADRprocess.(3)However,thecertificatemayindicatethatapartydidnotattend the ADR process.Page
12Current as at [Not applicable]
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2016Part 4 Powers and procedure (general)[s
20]20Orders giving effect to resolution
agreement(1)A party may apply to the P&E Court
for an order giving effectto an agreement reached as a result of
an ADR process.(2)However, a party may apply for the
order only after the ADRregistrar, or mediator, who conducted
the ADR process files acertificate about the process under
section 19(1).(3)The P&E Court may make any order
it considers appropriatein the circumstances.21Preservation of confidentiality(1)AnADRregistrarormediatormustnotdisclosetoanyoneinformation
acquired by the ADR registrar or mediator duringan
ADR process, other than under subsection (2).Maximum
penalty—50 penalty units.(2)TheADRregistrarormediatormaydisclosetheinformation—(a)withtheagreementofthepersontowhomtheinformationrelatesorsomeoneelseauthorisedbytheperson; or(b)for
the purpose of giving effect to this part; or(c)for
statistical purposes not likely to reveal the identity ofa
person to whom the information relates; or(d)for
an inquiry or proceeding about an offence happeningduring the ADR process; or(e)foraproceedingfoundedonfraudallegedtobeconnected with,
or to have happened during, the ADRprocess;
or(f)if the disclosure is authorised under
an Act or anotherlaw.Current as at
[Not applicable]Page 13
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2016Part 4 Powers and procedure (general)[s
22]Subdivision 2P&E Court
proceedings22ADR registrar’s powers on Chief
Judge’s directionThe Chief Judge may give directions about
the matters and thetypes of proceedings in which an ADR
registrar may exercisethe P&E Court’s powers for P&E
Court proceedings.23ADR registrar’s powers to hear and
decide(1)This section applies if the P&E
Court makes a direction thatan ADR registrar
is to hear and decide a particular P&E Courtproceeding.(2)The
ADR registrar may hear and decide the proceeding andmakeanorderordirection,includingafinaljudgmentororder.24Conduct of proceedings(1)Subjecttosection28,theADRregistrarforaP&ECourtproceeding may
decide how to conduct the proceeding.(2)However,theADRregistrarmustgivethepartiestotheproceeding—(a)notice of the time and place of any hearing;
or(b)iftheADRregistrardecidestheproceedingcanbedecidedonwrittensubmissionsonly—anoticerequiringthesubmissionstobegiventotheADRregistrar within
a stated reasonable period.25Reference to
P&E Court by ADR registrar(1)If
an ADR registrar considers it would be more appropriatefortheP&ECourttodecideamatterinaP&ECourtproceedingbeforetheregistrar,theregistrarmayreferthematter to the court.Page 14Current as at [Not applicable]
Planning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 4 Powers and procedure (general)[s
26](2)The P&E Court may dispose of the
matter or refer it back totheADRregistrarwithanydirectionthecourtconsidersappropriate.Notauthorised—indicativeonly26Review by P&E Court(1)The P&E Court may review any
decision, direction or act ofan ADR registrar
(acourt review).(2)ApartytoaP&ECourtproceedingforwhichanADRregistrar is exercising, or has
exercised, powers may apply fora court review
only within—(a)15businessdaysafterthedecision,directionoractcomplained of is
made or done; or(b)if the P&E Court is satisfied
there are sufficient groundsto allow a
longer period—the longer period allowed bythe P&E
Court.(3)A court review is to be on the
material that was before theADRregistrarandanyadditionalmaterialtheP&ECourtgives leave to consider.Note—A
court review is not by way of hearing anew.Subdivision
3ADR registrar’s powers27ADR
registrar’s powers—general(1)In a P&E
Court proceeding, an ADR registrar may make anorder or give a
direction as follows—(a)if the parties
consent in writing;(b)about the conduct of an ADR
conference, or at the endofanADRconference,toensuretheexpeditiousprogress of the
proceeding.(2)However, an order made under this
section can not be a finaljudgment or order.Current as at
[Not applicable]Page 15
Planning and Environment Court Act 2016Part 4
Powers and procedure (general)[s 28]Note—An order made
under section 23(2) may be a final judgment or order.Notauthorised—indicativeonly28Provision for
exercise of ADR registrar’s powersThe following
apply for the exercise of powers, including thehearing and
deciding of a P&E Court proceeding, by the ADRregistrar—(a)the
ADR registrar must—(i)facilitate the just and expeditious
resolution of theissues; and(ii)avoid undue delay, expense and technicality;
and(iii)act with as
little formality as is consistent with afair and
appropriate consideration of the issues;(b)theprovisionsofthisActrelevanttoaP&ECourtproceeding apply as if the proceeding were
before theP&E Court;(c)the
ADR registrar must ensure all parties are affordednatural justice;(d)the
ADR registrar may, subject to paragraph (c), prohibitor
regulate questioning in the hearing.Division 2Powers29Where
P&E Court may sitThe P&E Court may sit at any
place.30AdjournmentsTheP&ECourtmaydothefollowingforaP&ECourtproceeding—(a)adjourn it from time to time and place to
place;(b)adjourn it to a time, or a time and
place, to be fixed.Page 16Current as at
[Not applicable]
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 4 Powers and procedure (general)[s
31]31Subpoenas(1)The
P&E Court may summon a person as a witness and—(a)require the person to produce in
evidence documents inthe person’s possession or power;
and(b)examine the person; and(c)punish the person for not attending
under the summonsor for refusing to give evidence or for
failing or refusingto produce the documents.(2)Despitesubsection(1),apersonisnotrequiredtogiveevidence that
may tend to incriminate the person.(3)For
subsection (1), a P&E Court judge has the same powers asa
District Court judge.32P&E Court may
extend period to take an action(1)ThissectionappliesiftherulesorarelevantenablingActrequiresanactionrelatingtoaP&ECourtproceedingorproposedP&ECourtproceedingtobetakenwithinaparticular period or before a
particular time, even if the periodhas ended or the
time has passed.(2)The P&E Court may allow a longer
period or different time totake the action
if satisfied there are sufficient grounds for theextension.33Taking and recording evidenceTheP&ECourtmusttakeevidenceonoath,affirmation,affidavit,declarationorinanotherwaythecourtconsidersappropriate and must record the
evidence.34Power to state case for Court of
Appeal(1)This section applies if—(a)a question of law arises during a
P&E Court proceeding;andCurrent as at
[Not applicable]Page 17
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 4 Powers and procedure (general)[s
35](b)the proceeding has not ended;
and(c)theP&ECourtjudgepresidingconsidersitdesirablethat the Court
of Appeal decides the question.(2)The
P&E Court judge may state the question in the form of acase
stated for the Court of Appeal’s opinion.(3)Until the Court of Appeal decides the case
stated, the P&ECourtcannotmakeadecisiontowhichthequestionisrelevant.(4)TheP&ECourtcannot,intheP&ECourtproceeding,proceed in a
way, or make a decision, inconsistent with theCourt of
Appeal’s decision on the case stated.35Terms
of orders etc.The P&E Court may make an order, give
leave or do anythingelse it is authorised to do on terms
it considers appropriate.36Contempt(1)A P&E Court judge has the same
power to punish a person forcontempt as a
District Court judge.(2)TheDistrictCourtofQueenslandAct1967,section129applies to the P&E Court in the same way
as it applies to theDistrict Court.37Discretion to deal with noncompliance(1)If the P&E Court finds there has
been noncompliance with aprovision of this Act or an enabling
Act, the court may dealwith the matter in the way it
considers appropriate.(2)Without limiting
subsection (1) and to remove any doubt, it isdeclared that
subsection (1)—(a)applies for a development approval
that has lapsed, or adevelopment application that has
lapsed or has not beenproperly made under the Planning Act;
andPage 18Current as at
[Not applicable]
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 4 Powers and procedure (general)[s
38](b)is not limited to—(i)circumstances in relation to a current
P&E Courtproceeding; or(ii)provisionsunderwhichthereisapositiveobligation to take particular action.(3)In this section—noncompliance, with a
provision, includes—(a)non-fulfilmentofpartorallofthetermsoftheprovision; and(b)a
partial noncompliance with the provision.provisionincludes a definition.38What
happens if P&E Court judge or ADR registrar diesor is
incapacitated(1)Subsection (2) applies if, after
starting to hear a P&E Courtproceeding, the
P&E Court judge presiding (thefirst
judge)dies or can not continue with the
proceeding for any reason,including, for example, absence or
illness.(2)Another P&E Court judge
may—(a)after consulting the parties—(i)order the proceeding be reheard;
or(ii)adjourn the
proceeding to allow the first judge tocontinue dealing
with the proceeding when able; or(b)with
the parties’ consent, make an order about—(i)deciding the proceeding; or(ii)completingthehearingof,anddeciding,theproceeding.(3)If,afterstartingtoperformfunctionsforaP&ECourtproceeding, an
ADR registrar dies or can not continue withthe proceeding
for any reason, the proceeding is to be dealtwith in the way
the P&E Court considers appropriate.Current as at
[Not applicable]Page 19
Planning and Environment Court Act 2016Part 4
Powers and procedure (general)[s 39]Division 3PartiesNotauthorised—indicativeonly39Planning
Minister(1)This section applies for a declaratory
proceeding or PlanningAct appeal at any time before it is
decided.(2)IftheplanningMinisterbecomessatisfiedtheproceedinginvolves a State
interest, that Minister—(a)is entitled to
be represented in the proceeding; and(b)may
elect to be a party in the proceeding by filing in theP&E Court a notice of election in the
approved form.(3)The election may be made at any time
before the proceedingis decided.(4)In
this section—planningMinistermeanstheMinisteradministeringthePlanning Act, chapter 6, part 1.State interestsee the Planning
Act, schedule 2.40AppearanceA party to a
P&E Court proceeding may appear personally orby
lawyer or agent.41Representative proceedings in
particular cases(1)Aperson(therepresentative)maystartaP&ECourtproceeding of the following kind on behalf
of someone else(therepresented)—(a)a declaratory proceeding;(b)aproceedingforanenforcementorderunderthePlanning Act.(2)However, the proceeding may be started only
if the followingconsents—(a)if
the represented is a person—the person;Page 20Current as at [Not applicable]
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 4 Powers and procedure (general)[s
42](b)iftherepresentedisanunincorporatedbody—itscommittee or other controlling or governing
body.(3)Therepresentedmaycontributeto,orpay,theexpenses,including legal
costs, incurred by the representative in relationto
the proceeding.Division 4Miscellaneous42P&E Court proceedings open to
publicA P&E Court proceeding, other than a
proceeding ordered bythe court to be decided on written
submissions only, must beopen to the public, unless the rules
provide otherwise.43Nature of appeal in generalSubject to any relevant enabling Act, an
appeal to the P&ECourt is by way of hearing
anew.44Privileges, protection and
immunity(1)A person who is 1 of the following in
a P&E Court proceedinghas the same privileges, protection or
immunity as the personwould have if the proceeding were in
the District Court—(a)the P&E Court judge presiding over
the proceeding;(b)a party to the proceeding;(c)a lawyer or agent appearing in the
proceeding;(d)a witness attending in the
proceeding.(2)InperformingthefunctionsofanADRregistrar,oramediatorunderareferringorder,theADRregistrarormediator has the same privileges,
protection or immunity as aDistrict Court
judge performing a judicial function.Current as at
[Not applicable]Page 21
Planning and Environment Court Act 2016Part 5
Planning Act proceedings[s 45]Part 5Planning Act proceedingsNotauthorised—indicativeonlyNote—The Planning Act
provides for matters about starting an appeal. Seesection 229 of that Act.Division 1Planning Act appeals45Who
must prove case(1)For a Planning Act appeal about any of
the following matters,the appellant must establish the
appeal should be upheld—(a)anapplicationorrequestunderthePlanningActforwhich the appellant was the applicant
or person makingthe request;(b)a
local government’s decision, or the conditions applied,underalocallawabouttheuseofpremisesortheerectionofabuildingorotherstructureunderthePlanning Act;(c)an
infrastructure charges notice, or a notice amending aninfrastructure charges notice, under the
Planning Act;(d)a decision by a tribunal.(2)For a Planning Act appeal about a
development application bya submitter or advice agency, the
applicant must establish theappeal should be
dismissed.(3)For a Planning Act appeal by the
recipient of an enforcementnotice under the
Planning Act, the enforcement authority thatgave the notice
must establish the appeal should be dismissed.(4)ForaPlanningActappealbyanaffectedownerofacompensationclaimunderthePlanningAct,section32thelocalgovernmentrequiredtodecidetheclaimforthecompensationunderthatsectionmustestablishtheappealshould be
dismissed.(5)In this section—Page 22Current as at [Not applicable]
Planning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 5 Planning Act proceedings[s
46]advice agencysee the Planning
Act, schedule 2.Notauthorised—indicativeonly46Nature of appeal(1)If,
for a Planning Act appeal, the appellant was the applicantor a
submitter for a development application the subject of theappeal, section 43 applies subject to
subsections (2) to (5).(2)ThePlanningAct,section45appliesfortheP&ECourt’sdecision on the appeal as if—(a)theP&ECourtweretheassessmentmanagerforthedevelopment
application; and(b)the reference in subsection (7) of
that section to whenthe assessment manager decides the
application were areference to when the P&E Court makes
the decision.(3)The P&E Court can not consider a
change to the developmentapplication unless the change is only
a minor change to theapplication.(4)The
P&E Court can not consider a change to the developmentapprovalthesubjectofachangeapplicationunderthePlanning Act, section 78, unless the
change is only a minorchange to the approval.(5)The P&E Court is not prevented
from considering and makingadecisionaboutagroundofappeal(basedonareferralagency response under the Planning Act)
merely because thatActrequiredtheassessmentmanagertorefusethedevelopment application or approve it
subject to conditions.(6)If the appeal is
against a decision about a superseded planningschemeapplicationunderthePlanningAct,theP&ECourtmust—(a)considertheaspectoftheappealrelatingtotheassessmentmanager’sconsiderationofthesupersededplanningschemeinquestionasiftheapplicationhadbeen
made under the superseded planning scheme; and(b)in
considering the aspect, disregard the planning schemein
force when the application was made.Current as at
[Not applicable]Page 23
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 5 Planning Act proceedings[s
47]47Appeal decision(1)IndecidingaPlanningActappeal,theP&ECourtmustdecide to do 1
of the following (theappeal decision) for thedecision appealed against—(a)confirm it;(b)change it;(c)set
it aside and—(i)make a decision replacing it;
or(ii)returnthemattertotheentitythatmadethedecision appealed against with directions
the P&ECourt considers appropriate.(2)Theappealdecisionmayalsoincludeotherorders,declarationsordirectionstheP&ECourtconsidersappropriate.(3)The
appeal decision (other than one to confirm the decisionappealedagainstortosetitasideandreturnthematter)istaken,forthePlanningAct(otherthanchapter6),tohavebeenmadebytheentitythatmadethedecisionappealedagainst.Division 2Evidence in P&E Court proceedings48Application of divisionThis
division applies to the following proceedings—(a)any
Planning Act proceeding;(b)any declaratory
proceeding.Note—Under the
Planning Act, section 278, this division also applies to aproceeding relating to the Planning Act in a
court other than the P&ECourt or in a
tribunal and to anyone else acting judicially in relation to
aproceeding relating to the Planning
Act.Page 24Current as at
[Not applicable]
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2016Part 5 Planning Act proceedings[s
49]49Appointments and authorityItisnotnecessarytoproveeitherofthefollowingforanenforcement
authority CEO—(a)appointment to that office;(b)authority to do anything under the
Planning Act.50SignaturesA signature
purporting to be that of an enforcement authorityCEO
is evidence of the signature it purports to be.51Instruments, equipment and
installations(1)Anyprescribedinstrument,equipmentorinstallationthatisusedbyanappropriatelyqualifiedpersonunderanyprescribed conditions is taken to be
accurate and precise in theabsence of
evidence to the contrary.(2)In this
section—prescribedmeans prescribed
by regulation under this Act oranother
Act.52Analyst’s certificate or reportAcertificateorreportpurportingtobesignedbyanappropriately qualified person and
stating any of the followingmatters is
evidence of the matter—(a)the person’s
qualifications;(b)thepersontook,orreceivedfromastatedperson,astated sample;(c)thepersonanalysedthesampleonastatedday,orduring a stated period, and at a
stated place;(d)the results of the analysis.Current as at [Not applicable]Page
25
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 5 Planning Act proceedings[s
53]53Evidence of planning instruments or
designations(1)Acertifiedcopyofaplanninginstrumentordesignationnotice is
evidence of the content of the instrument or notice.(2)The P&E Court must take judicial
notice of a certified copy ofa planning
instrument or designation notice.(3)A
copy of the gazette or newspaper containing a notice aboutthemakingofaplanninginstrumentordesignationisevidence of the matters stated in the
notice.(4)In this section—certified
copy, of a document, see the Planning Act,
schedule2.designationsee the Planning
Act, section 35(1).designationnoticemeansanoticeunderthePlanningAct,section 38(2)(b) or (c).54Planning instruments presumed to be within
powerA Minister’s or local government’s power
under the PlanningAct to make a planning instrument is to be
presumed, unlessthe issue is raised.55Evidence of local planning
instruments(1)Alocalgovernment’schiefexecutiveofficermaycertifyadocument to be a true copy of all or part of
any of its localplanning instruments in force at a stated
time.(2)The certified document is admissible
in evidence as if it werethe original.56Effect of planning and development
certificatesAplanninganddevelopmentcertificateunderthePlanningAct is evidence
of the matters the certificate states.Page 26Current as at [Not applicable]
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 6 Costs[s 57]57Evidentiary aids generally(1)Acertificatepurportingtobesignedbyanenforcementauthority CEO
stating any of the following matters is evidenceof
the matter—(a)a stated document is—(i)an appointment or a copy of an
appointment; or(ii)a direction or
decision, or a copy of a direction ordecision, given
or made under the Planning Act; or(iii)a
notice, order, permit or other document, or a copyof a
notice, order, permit or other document, givenunder the
Planning Act;(b)on a stated day, or during a stated
period, the benefit of adevelopment permit for stated
development was or wasnot vested in a stated person;(c)on a stated day, or during a stated
period, a developmentpermit—(i)wasorwasnotineffectforastatedpersonordevelopment; or(ii)was
or was not subject to a stated condition;(d)on a
stated day, a stated person was given a stated noticeor
direction under the Planning Act;(e)a
stated amount is payable under the Planning Act by astated person and has not been paid.(2)In this section—development
permitsee the Planning Act, section 49(3).Part
6Costs58Definitions for partIn this
part—costs—Current as at [Not applicable]Page
27
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 6 Costs[s 59](a)foraP&ECourtproceedingofthefollowingtype,includes a party’s costs to investigate, or
gather evidencefor, the proceeding that the P&E Court
decides the partyreasonably incurred—(i)adeclaratoryproceedingaboutthelawfulnessofland
use or development under the Planning Act,including any
order under section 11(4);(ii)an enforcement
notice appeal;(iii)an enforcement
proceeding; and(b)foranenforcementnoticeappeal,alsoincludescostsrelating to investigations or gathering of
evidence for thegiving of the relevant enforcement
notice.enforcementnoticeappealmeansanappealagainstthegiving of an enforcement notice under
the Planning Act.enforcementproceedingmeansaproceedingforanenforcementorderorinterimenforcementorderunderthePlanning Act.59General costs provisionSubjecttosections60and61,eachpartytoaP&ECourtproceedingmustbeartheparty’sowncostsfortheproceeding.60Orders for costs(1)The
P&E Court may make an order for costs for a P&E
Courtproceeding as it considers appropriate if a
party has incurredcosts in 1 or more of the following
circumstances—(a)the P&E Court considers the
proceeding was started orconducted primarily for an improper
purpose, including,for example, to delay or obstruct;Example—A party
(thefirst party) with similar
commercial interests toanother party started a proceeding.
The P&E Court considers theproceedingwasstartedprimarilytoadvancethefirstparty’sPage
28Current as at [Not applicable]
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 6 Costs[s 60]commercial interests by delaying or
obstructing the other party’sdevelopment
approval from taking effect.(b)the
P&E Court considers the proceeding to have beenfrivolous or vexatious;Example—The
P&E Court considers a proceeding was started or
conductedwithout reasonable prospects of
success.(c)a party has not been given reasonable
notice of intentionto apply for an adjournment of the
proceeding;(d)a party is required to apply for an
adjournment becauseof the conduct of another party;(e)without limiting paragraph (d), a
party has introduced,or sought to introduce, new
material;(f)apartyhasdefaultedintheP&ECourt’sproceduralrequirements;(g)the
P&E Court considers an applicant for a developmentapplicationorchangeapplicationdidnotgivealltheinformationreasonablyrequiredtoassessthedevelopment application or change
application;(h)theP&ECourtconsidersanassessmentmanager,referral agency or local government should
have takenan active part in a proceeding and did not
do so;(i)anapplicant,submitter,assessmentmanager,referralagency or local
government does not properly dischargeits
responsibilities in the proceeding.(2)In
this section—change applicationmeans an
application under the PlanningAct, section 78,
other than for a minor change.referral
agencysee the Planning Act, section 54(2).Current as at [Not applicable]Page
29
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 7 Appeals to Court of Appeal[s
61]61Orders for costs for particular
proceedings(1)If, for an enforcement proceeding, the
P&E Court makes anenforcementorderorinterimenforcementorderagainstaperson, it may award costs against the
person.(2)If the P&E Court declares that an
owner wrongly sought thecancellation of a development approval
in contravention of arequirement under the Planning Act to
obtain the consent ofanotherpersonorentitytothecancellation,itmustawardcosts against the owner.(3)If
the P&E Court allows an assessment manager to withdrawfromanappeal,thecourtmustnotawardcostsagainsttheassessment manager.62Procedures, scale and enforcement of orders
for costs(1)This section applies to an order for
costs made under section60 or 61.(2)The
P&E Court may make an order for the amount of costs tobe
decided under the appropriate procedure and scale of costsfor
proceedings in the District Court.(3)An
order made under section 60 or 61 may be enforced as if itwere
an order of the District Court.Part 7Appeals to Court of Appeal63Who may appeal(1)A
party to a P&E Court proceeding may appeal a decision inthe
proceeding, but only on the ground of error or mistake inlaw
or jurisdictional error.(2)However, the
appeal may be made only with the leave of theCourt of
Appeal.(3)Power to grant leave may be exercised
by a single judge ofappeal.Page 30Current as at [Not applicable]
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 8 Registry and officers[s
64]64When leave to appeal must be sought
and appeal made(1)ApartyintendingtoseektheCourtofAppeal’sleavetoappeal against a P&E Court
decision must apply for the leavewithin 30
business days after receiving the decision.(2)A
notice of appeal must be served and filed within 30 businessdaysafteranygrantoftheleaveunlesstheCourtordersotherwise.65Court
of Appeal’s powersThe Court of Appeal may do 1 or more of the
following—(a)returnthemattertotheP&ECourttodecideinaccordance with the appeal decision;(b)affirm, amend, or revoke the decision
appealed againstand substitute another order or decision for
the decision;(c)make an order it considers
appropriate.Note—See also the
Planning Act, section 72.Part 8Registry and
officers66Registrars and other officers(1)The P&E Court’s principal
registrar is the principal registrarappointed for
the District Court.(2)The P&E Court’s registrars are the
registrars appointed for theDistrict
Court.(3)TheP&ECourt’sotherofficersaretheotherofficersappointed for the District Court.Current as at [Not applicable]Page
31
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 9 Miscellaneous[s 67]67ADR registrarThe P&E
Court’s principal registrar may, after consulting theChief Judge, appoint a registrar or other
officer of the P&ECourt as an ADR registrar of the
court.68Registries(1)Each
District Court registry is a registry of the P&E Court.(2)The registry of the P&E Court at
Brisbane is the P&E Court’sprincipal
registry.(3)TheP&ECourt’sregistriesareundertheP&ECourt’sprincipal registrar’s control.(4)The principal registrar may give
directions in connection withtheP&ECourtandP&ECourtproceedingstotheP&ECourt’s
registrars and other officers employed in the registries.69P&E Court records(1)TheP&ECourt’sprincipalregistrarmustkeeprecordsofP&ECourtdecisionsandperformtheotherfunctionsthecourt directs.(2)The
P&E Court’s records held at a place must be kept in thecustody of the P&E Court’s principal
registrar.Part 9Miscellaneous70Annual report(1)As
soon as practicable but no later than 4 months after the endof
each financial year, the Chief Judge must prepare and giveto
the Minister a written report about the operation of the
P&ECourt during the financial year.(2)The Minister must table a copy of the
report in the LegislativeAssembly within 14 sitting days after
receiving the report.Page 32Current as at
[Not applicable]
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 10 Savings and transitional
provisions[s 71](3)TheChiefJudgemaycombinethereportwiththeDistrictCourt report for
the same financial year in the 1 report.(4)In
this section—DistrictCourtreportmeansthereportpreparedundertheDistrictCourtofQueenslandAct1967, section 130A,
for afinancial year.71Judicial noticeAllcourtsandpersonsactingjudiciallymusttakejudicialnoticeoftheappointmentandsignatureofpersonsholdingoffice under this Act.72Approval of formsThe Chief Judge
and another P&E Court judge may approveforms for use
under this Act.73Regulation-making power(1)TheGovernorinCouncilmaymakeregulationsunderthisAct.(2)A regulation may impose a penalty of
no more than 20 penaltyunits for a contravention of a
regulation.Part 10Savings and
transitionalprovisionsDivision 1Savings and transitional provisionsfor
Act No. 26 of 2016Note—See also the
Planning Act, chapter 8, part 2.Current as at
[Not applicable]Page 33
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 10 Savings and transitional
provisions[s 74]74Definitions for divisionIn this
division—courtmeans the
Planning and Environment Court continuedunder repealed
SPA, immediately before the commencement.repealed
SPAmeans the repealedSustainablePlanningAct2009.75Continuance of existing
judgeshipsOn the commencement, a judge of the court
becomes a P&ECourt judge for the rest of the judge’s
unexpired term of officeas a judge of the court.76Proceedings(1)ThissectionappliestoamatterunderrepealedSPAoranenabling Act if
a person—(a)had started proceedings under repealed
SPA before thecommencementbuttheproceedingshadnotendedbefore the
commencement; or(b)had, immediately before the
commencement, a right tostart proceedings under repealed SPA;
or(c)hasarighttostartproceedingsthatarisesafterthecommencement in relation to—(i)astatutoryinstrumentmentionedinthePlanningAct,
section 287; or(ii)anapplicationmentionedinthePlanningAct,section 288;
or(iii)any provision of
an enabling Act that provides forthecontinuationofthematterafterthecommencement.(2)ThisActappliestoanyappealinrelationtoproceedingsmentioned in
subsection (1)(a).Page 34Current as at
[Not applicable]
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 10 Savings and transitional
provisions[s 76]Example—Proceedings are continued under the Planning
Act, section 311(2)(a).This Act will apply to an appeal in
relation to the proceedings.(3)This
Act applies to the proceedings mentioned in subsection(1)(b) or (c) subject to subsections (4) and
(5).Notes—1Forbringingproceedingsaboutparticularmattersundertherepealed SPA, see also the Planning Act,
sections 311 and 346.2ForapplyingparticularprovisionsofthisActtoproceedingsmentioned in
subsection (1)(b) or (c), see also division 2.(4)For
proceedings brought under section 11—(a)a
reference in that section to the Planning Act is taken toinclude a reference to repealed SPA;
and(b)a reference in that section to the
Planning Act, chapter 3,part6,division2istakentoincludeareferencetorepealed SPA, chapter 6, part 11, division
1; and(c)a reference in that section to the
Planning Act, chapter 3,part 6, division 3 is taken to include
a reference to a callin of an application under repealed
SPA, chapter 6, part11, division 2.(5)For
proceedings brought under section 12—(a)a
reference in that section to the application the subjectof a
call in under the Planning Act is taken to include areference to an application under repealed
SPA, chapter6, part 11, division 2; and(b)a reference in that section to the
assessment manager istaken to include a reference to an
assessment managerunder repealed SPA.(6)Also, to remove any doubt, it is declared
that repealed SPA,section 440—(a)applies also for a development approval that
has lapsed;and(b)is not limited
to—Current as at [Not applicable]Page
35
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 10 Savings and transitional
provisions[s 77](i)circumstancesinrelationtoacourtproceedingunderrepealedSPAoracurrentP&ECourtproceeding; or(ii)provisionsunderwhichthereisapositiveobligation to take particular action;
and(c)appliesasifareferencetoaprovisionnotbeingcompliedwith,ornotbeingfullycompliedwith,istaken to include—(i)non-fulfilment of part or all of the
provision; and(ii)a partial
noncompliance with the provision.(7)In
this section—provisionincludes a
definition.77Continuance of existing orders and
directions(1)AnorderofthecourtinforceimmediatelybeforethecommencementcontinuesineffectasanorderoftheP&ECourt.(2)The order may be discharged or amended
under this Act bythe P&E Court.(3)A
direction (a practice direction) issued by the Chief Judge
ofthe District Court under repealed SPA,
section 446(2), and inforceimmediatelybeforethecommencementcontinuesinforce as if it were made under section
14(2).(4)A practice direction must be read with
the changes necessarytomakeitconsistentwith,andadaptitsoperationto,allenabling Acts.(5)Subsections (3) and (4) do not prevent
further directions fromamending or repealing a practice
direction.78Existing references to courtIn
another Act or document, a reference to the court is takento
be a reference to the P&E Court.Page 36Current as at [Not applicable]
Division 2Planning and
Environment Court Act 2016Part 10 Savings and transitional
provisions[s 79]Transitional
provisions forEconomic Development and OtherLegislation Amendment Act 2018Notauthorised—indicativeonly79Application of divisionThisdivisionappliestothefollowingP&ECourtproceedings—(a)a
declaratory proceeding brought under this Act about amatter under the repealed SPA;(b)anappealmentionedinthePlanningAct,section347(1);(c)anappealbroughtunderthePlanningActaboutadecision on an application mentioned section
288(1) ofthat Act.80Definition for divisionIn this
division—repealed SPAmeanstherepealedSustainablePlanningAct2009.81Applying s 37 and pt 6 to proceedings(1)For applying section 37 to the
proceeding—(a)areferenceinthatsectiontoanenablingActorthePlanning Act includes a reference to the
repealed SPA;and(b)areferenceinthatsectiontoadevelopmentapprovalincludesareferencetoadevelopmentapprovalunderthe repealed
SPA; and(c)a reference in that section to a
development applicationincludes a reference to a development
application underthe repealed SPA.(2)For
applying part 6 to the proceeding—Current as at
[Not applicable]Page 37
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Part 10 Savings and transitional
provisions[s 82](a)areferenceinsection58,definitioncostsandsection61(2)tothePlanningActincludesareferencetotherepealed SPA; and(b)areferenceinsection60(1)(g)toadevelopmentapplicationincludesareferencetoadevelopmentapplication
under the repealed SPA; and(c)a
reference in section 61(2) to a development approvalincludesareferencetoadevelopmentapprovalunderthe repealed
SPA; and(d)a reference in part 6 to an assessment
manager, referralagency,applicantorsubmitterincludesareferencetoanassessmentmanager,referralagency,applicantorsubmitter under the repealed SPA.82Appeals about particular applications
under repealedSPA(1)This section
applies if the proceeding—(a)is started after
the commencement; and(b)is an appeal
mentioned in section 79(c).(2)For
applying part 5, division 1 to the proceeding—(a)areferenceinsection45(1)(a)or46(5)or(6)tothePlanning Act includes a reference to the
repealed SPA;and(b)areferenceinsection45(2)or46toadevelopmentapplicationincludesareferencetoadevelopmentapplication
under the repealed SPA; and(c)areferenceinsection45(2)or46(1)toasubmitterincludes a
reference to a submitter under the repealedSPA; and(d)areferenceinsection45(2)toanadviceagencyincludesareferencetoanadviceagencyundertherepealed SPA.Page 38Current as at [Not applicable]
Schedule 1Planning and
Environment Court Act 2016Schedule 1DictionaryNotauthorised—indicativeonlysection 3ADR
conferencemeans a mediation or a chaired meeting
ofexperts, a case management conference or
without prejudiceconference convened under the rules.ADRprocess see section 16(1).ADRregistrarmeansapersonholdingappointmentundersection 67 as an ADR registrar of the
P&E Court.appeal decisionsee section
47(1).approved formmeans a form
approved under section 72.assessment managersee the Planning
Act, section 48.business daydoes not include
a day between 26 December ofa year and 1
January of the following year.Chief
Judgemeans the Chief Judge of the District
Court.costs, for part 6,
see section 58.declaratory proceedingsee sections
11(1) and 12(2).development applicationsee the Planning
Act, schedule 2.development approvalsee the Planning
Act, section 49(1).enablingAct,foraprovisionabouttheP&ECourt,seesection 7(1).enforcement
authoritysee the Planning Act, schedule 2.enforcement authority CEOmeans the chief executive or thechiefexecutiveofficer,howevercalled,ofanenforcementauthority.enforcement
notice appeal, for part 6, see section 58.enforcement proceeding, for part 6,
see section 58.mediatormeansapersonappointedasamediatorunderareferring order.Current as at
[Not applicable]Page 39
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Schedule 1minor
changesee the Planning Act, schedule 2.P&E Courtsee section
4.P&E Court judgesee section
5(2).P&E Court proceedingmeans—(a)generally—a proceeding before the
P&E Court; and(b)forpart6—aproceeding,includingapartofaproceedingandanapplicationinaproceeding,beforethe
P&E Court.P&ECourt’sprincipalregistrarmeanstheP&ECourt’sprincipal registrar under section
66(1).party, for a
provision about a P&E Court proceeding, meansany
or all of the following for the proceeding—(a)the
applicant or appellant;(b)the
respondent;(c)any co-respondent;(d)if
the Minister is represented, or elects to be a party—the
Minister.Planning Actmeans thePlanning Act 2016.Planning Act appealmeans an appeal
to the P&E Court forwhich the Planning Act is the enabling
Act.Note—For the appeal
right, see the Planning Act, section 229.Planning Act
proceedingmeans—(a)a
P&E Court proceeding for which the Planning Act isthe
enabling Act, including a Planning Act appeal; or(b)a declaratory proceeding relating to
the Planning Act; or(c)aproceedingforanenforcementorderunderthePlanning Act.planning
instrumentsee the Planning Act, section 8(1).Page
40Current as at [Not applicable]
Notauthorised—indicativeonlyPlanning and Environment Court Act
2016Schedule 1referring
ordermeans an order of the P&E Court
referring adisputethesubjectofaP&ECourtproceedingtoanADRprocess.relevantenablingAct,forprovisionaboutaP&ECourtproceeding, means the enabling Act that
confers jurisdictionfor the proceeding on the P&E
Court.rulesmeans the rules
of the P&E Court made under section13(1).submittersee the Planning
Act, schedule 2.tribunalsee the Planning
Act, schedule 2.Current as at [Not applicable]Page
41