Rifai v Woods [2024] NSWSC 374

Supreme Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Rifai v Woods [2024] NSWSC 374 Hearing dates: 20, 21 and 27 March, 4 April 2024 Date of orders: 4 April 2024 Decision date: 04 April 2024 Jurisdiction: Equity - Real Property List Before: Peden J Decision: See [96] Catchwords: TORTS — Private nuisance — Interference with use and enjoyment of land — Where stormwater and pool water flowing over and through retaining wall — Whether material and unreasonable interference — Whether natural and reasonable user — Whether injunctive relief appropriate Legislation Cited: Evidence Act 1995 (NSW), s 53 Supreme Court Act 1970 (NSW), s 66 Cases Cited: Bayliss v Lea (1961) 62 SR (NSW) 521 Brown v Tasmania (2017) 261 CLR 328 Corbett v Pallas (1995) 86 LGERA 312 Elston v Dore (1982) 149 CLR 480 Gales Holdings Pty Ltd v Tweed Shire Council (2013) 85 NSWLR 514 Gartner v Kidman (1962) 108 CLR 12 Hargrave v Goldman (1963) 110 CLR 40 Hunt Leather Pty Ltd v Transport for NSW [2023] NSWSC 840 Melaleuca Estate Pty Ltd v Port Stephens Council [2006] NSWCA 31 Overseas Tankship (UK) Ltd v The Miller Steamship Co Pty Ltd [1967] 1 AC 617 Owners Strata Plan 4085 v Mallone [2006] NSWSC 1381 Owners Corp SP 46510 v Tan [2020] NSWSC 156 Quick v Alpine Nurseries Sales Pty Ltd [2010] NSWSC 1248 Sedleigh Denfield v O'Callaghan [1940] AC 880 Southern Properties (WA) Pty Ltd v Executive Director of the Department of Conservation and Land Management (2012) 42 WAR 287 Yared v Glenhurst Gardens [2002] NSWSC 11 Texts Cited: Fleming, The Law of Torts (2nd ed, 1961, Clarendon Press) Category: Principal judgment Parties: Tarek Rifai (First Plaintiff) Nada Rifai (Second Plaintiff) Kane Brian Woods (First Defendant) Natalie Louise Woods (Second Defendant) Representation: Counsel: J R B Pearson (Defendants) Plaintiffs (self-represented)