A land & environment court for Victoria? An analysis of the deficiencies and proposals for reform of the Victorian framework for the dealing with environment and planning issues

Should Victoria have a Land and Environment Court as does New South Wales, to deal with environmental issues which arise from planning decisions? At present there is no specialist body or tribunal which can adjudicate on matters such as whether an Environment Effects Statement (EES) should be prepared before certain development projects proceed. Legislation in Victoria leaves important decisions such as this to the judgment of the government of the day and proponents of proposed works, without community or concerned groups having any legal avenues to keep a check on decisions made.