Environmental Defenders Office of Northern Queensland

The Community Litigants Handbook

EDO Queensland and EDO-NQ have published the Community Litigants Handbook: Using the Planning Law to Protect the Environment as a much needed community resource.

The Community Litigants Handbook is a comprehensive step-by-step guide to challenging development applications and approvals in Queensland’s Planning and Environment Court. By purchasing and reading a copy of the Handbook you can learn about a range of matters associated with Planning and Environment Court appeals, including:

when and how to start a Planning and Environment Court appeal
the costs and risks of litigation
how to prepare and file court documents
how to prepare your case and increase your chances of success
how to present evidence and appear in Court

The Handbook is packed with easy tips, easy to follow checklists and example court documents; you will find it an invaluable tool to running your own planning appeal and getting your voice heard!

"Individuals and community groups often appear in the [Planning and Environment] Court. What this Handbook does is give guidance and direction to them about the intricacies of the cases, and issues, which arise there. … I am sure it will be of great benefit to community members with an interest in their neighborhoods, and environmental questions generally."

Judge Alan Wilson SC
Extract from foreword to the handbook

"Being a community litigant takes courage, compassion and strong determination. It is one thing to be aware of inappropriate development that depletes our natural resources and threatens the future of our native habitat and species, but it is quite another to stand up for your beliefs by taking action."

Anita O’Hart
Solicitor

The Handbook is only $30 (including GST) and all proceeds go towards public interesst environmental Law.

To order your copy, please complete the Handbook Order Form and return by fax, email or post to EDO-NQ together with your payment OR

phone EDO-NQ on (07) 4031 4766.

Click below to read extracts from the Community Litigants Handbook: