Suburban Blue Print Pty. Ltd. v. Hobsons Bay City Council

Summary:

Applicant challenged the denial of a construction permit for two dwellings in part because of vulnerability to inundation due to climate change and storm surges. The Australian State Tribunal (VCAT) granted the permit, reasoning that the proposed dwelling’s “almost-appropriate” raised floor level was acceptable given the fact that a large number of homes in the community were likely to flood.

At Issue: Whether construction permit was granted with sufficient consideration of the area’s vulnerability to climate change and storm surges.