Natural Grass at Norman Griffiths Inc v Ku-ring-gai Council [2023] NSWLEC 84

Land and Environment Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Natural Grass at Norman Griffiths Inc v Ku-ring-gai Council [2023] NSWLEC 84 Hearing dates: 2, 3, 4 and 9 August 2023 Date of orders: 11 August 2023 Decision date: 11 August 2023 Jurisdiction: Class 4 Before: Duggan J Decision: See paragraph 155 Catchwords: JUDICIAL REVIEW – council determination to construct synthetic grass playing field and stormwater mitigation - s 5.5 of Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) (EP&A Act) – no failure of duty to inquire under s 5.5 – admissibility of expert evidence – construction of s 171A(4) of Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 (NSW) – s 5.7 of EP&A Act – whether activity will significantly affect the environment – no failure to comply with s 5.7 – whether delegation duly exercised in approving the activity – summons dismissed Legislation Cited: Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW) Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW) Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) Interpretation Act 1987 (NSW) Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 (NSW) Cases Cited: Barrick Australia Ltd v Williams (2009) 168 LGERA 43 Drake-Brockman v Minister for Planning (2007) 158 LGERA 349 Fullerton Cove Residents Action Group Inc v Dart Energy Ltd and Another (No 2) (2013) 195 LGERA 229 Guthega Development Pty Ltd v Minister Administering the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW) (1986) 7 NSWLR 353 Michael Realty Pty Ltd v Carr [1975] 2 NSWLR 812 Palm Beach Protection Group Incorporated v Northern Beaches Council (2020) 250 LGERA 212 Prasad v Minister for Immigration & Ethnic Affairs (1985) 6 FCR 155 Prineas v Forestry Commission (NSW) (1983) 49 LGRA 402 Timbarra Protection Coalition Inc v Ross Mining NL (1998) 98 LGERA 211 Woolworths Ltd v Pallas Newco Pty Ltd (2004) 136 LGERA 288 Category: Principal judgment Parties: Natural Grass at Norman Griffiths Inc (Applicant) Ku-ring-gai Council (Respondent) Representation: Counsel: R White (Applicant) A Stafford (Respondent)