Cats – Your Responsibilities in the ACT

Responsibilities for pet ownership in the ACT is regulated by the Domestic Animals Act 2000 (ACT) (Domestic Animals Act). Identifying and microchipping your cat Unlike dogs, cats are not legally required to be registered in the ACT. However, cats are required to be identified (section 83 of the Act). The Domestic Animals Regulation 2001 (ACT) […]

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Freedom of Information in the ACT

What is Freedom of Information? The Freedom of Information Act 2016 (ACT) (‘the Act’) allows you to access government information held by an agency or Minister in the ACT. Getting access to government held information is an important way for you to properly participate in government processes and improved decision-making, and to hold the government […]

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Appealing Planning Decisions in ACAT

Decisions are made under the Planning and Development Act 2007 (ACT) (‘PD Act’) every day. These decisions may impact on applicants and the general public depending on the nature of the decision. Some, but not all, decisions made under the PD Act are reviewable. This factsheet discusses planning and development decisions that are reviewable at […]

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Neighbourhood disputes in the ACT

Disputes often arise between neighbours about environmental issues including light pollution, noise pollution, and pollution from smoke, dust, odour and fumes. This factsheet will look at these issues specifically, but also the general issue of neighbourhood disputes, including what you can do to resolve these disputes and when you can take a matter to the […]

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Trees on Boundaries in the ACT

Living in a leafy, tree-filled community like Canberra gives us a range of benefits. Trees are a beautiful and integral part of our neighbourhoods. Yet conflicts can and do arise between neighbours and local government as a result of trees on boundaries. Trees in the ACT Some trees in the ACT are protected under the […]

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Third party standing in planning and environment matters in the ACAT

Members of the public often want to challenge an environment or planning decision made by the ACT Government in the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (‘ACAT’). However, not every decision is a decision that ACAT can review, nor is everyone, or every organisation, entitled to seek review of a decision. To have a decision reviewed […]

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Understanding Defamation in Queensland

Access to Justice: Understanding Defamation: This factsheet explains what defamation is, what defences are available, and what to do if you are concerned that you or your group might be sued. The key points you need to be aware of are: You or your group are entitled to express your opinion on developments and other […]

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Explainer: What is the ‘water trigger’?

In this explainer, we tackle the ‘water trigger’ in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. What is it? And what does it have to do with Adani’s North Galilee Water Scheme? Adani’s plan to pump 12 billion litres of water a year from the Suttor River, to its proposed Carmichael coal mine has […]

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Blair Athol Mine Legacy

EDO’s client the Lock The Gate Alliance (LTG) fought for transparency over Queensland Government decisions behind the transfer of the Blair Athol coal mine to new owners.  The mine, in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, was mothballed by a Rio Tinto joint venture in 2012 after 30 years of operation.  In 2016, the site was sold for […]

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