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Environment and resources disputes
The Environment and Resources List forms part of the Planning and Environment Division.
We review decisions made by government organisations about the use and development of natural resources such as water, rock, gravel, or sand, or decisions about activities or developments that can affect the environment.
The matters we hear in the Environment and Resources List fall under the following environment and resource management enactments:
- Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994
- Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021
- Climate Change Act 2017
- Conservation, Forests and Lands Act 1987
- Environment Protection Act 2017
- Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988
- Melbourne Strategic Assessment (Environment Mitigation Levy) Act 2020
- Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990
- Petroleum Act 1998
- Plant Biosecurity Act 2010
- Radiation Act 2005
- Water Act 1989
Planning and environment resources hub
Learn more about how we resolve planning and environment disputes at VCAT. Access training and resources.
Choose the type of application that applies to you
Applications about natural resources
VCAT hears and determines disputes about the use and development of natural resources. This includes licences to take and use water or works licences to construct a bore or dam. It also includes extractive industry work plans and work authorities.
Applications about protecting the environment
VCAT hears and determines disputes about licenses, permits, registrations, authorisations, notices, Better Environment Plans, financial assurances and site management orders issued under the Environment Protection Act 2017. We also determine disputes about environmental audits and environmental auditors appointments.
Application for a declaration under environment and resources laws
VCAT has the power to make declarations in specific circumstances, under some environment and resource management laws. Declaration applications are made to resolve disputes about the interpretation of legislation or, in some cases, resolve an application for a permission or authorisation.
Apply for an enforcement order under environment and resources laws
VCAT has the power to make enforcement orders in specific circumstances under some environment and resource management laws.
Make another type of environment and resources application
Some environment and resource management laws provide an opportunity to apply for a review of a decision made by a government organisation.
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