Ronchi v. Wellington Shire Council

Summary:

The Tribunal held that the proposed construction of two double-story dwellings in a coastal area placed too great an onus on the developers to prepare for the impacts of climate change. Drawing upon the decision in Myers v. South Gippsland Shire Council (No 1), the Tribunal held that the applicant should instead prepare a coastal hazard vulnerability assessment prior to receiving approval.

At Issue: Whether the Tribunal should set aside a permit for development in a coastal area because a climate change risk assessment had not been completed.