Welcome to the third edition of the NSW Local Government Court Reporter for 2024. The purpose of this publication is to keep you up to date with decisions that impact local councils in NSW.

In this edition we consider cases regarding:

• whether a resolutions passed at a council meeting can constitute a binding agreement

• the assessment process for State significant development, with relevance to assessments under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW)

• a certifier’s decision to issue a construction certificate, found to be invalid

• compensation for market value and stamp duty in relation to a compulsory acquisition

• liability of council executives for executive liability offences under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW)

• physical commencement of a development consent

• the extension of a marina

• whether ‘adequate arrangements’ were in place for suitable vehicular access when development consent was granted

• the compensation to be paid for the compulsory acquisition of a leasehold interest over Crown land managed by a local council as a public park

• a request for information under the Government Information (Public Information) Act 2009 (NSW) that included confidential and personal information.

We hope you enjoy reading this edition of the Court Reporter.