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ARTICLE · 13 APRIL 2025

Local Government: Development Applications Challenged

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Onslow Marine Supply Base v Shire of Ashburton [2025] WASAT 24.

AustraliaGovernment, Public Sector
Murray Thornhill
Murray Thornhill
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Our Local Government team discuss Onslow Marine Supply Base v Shire of Ashburton [2025] WASAT 24

A recent decision by the State Administrative Tribunal (Tribunal) has raised concerns about Local Governments' ability to refuse development approvals for works.

Understanding the Case

In Onslow Marine Supply Base v Shire of Ashburton [2025] WASAT 24,[1] the Tribunal reviewed the Shire of Ashburton's local planning scheme and determined that the Shire did not have sufficient grounds to refuse approval for works carried out by Onslow Marine Supply Base (OMSB) related to Chevron's gas platform decommissioning activities.

This decision may create challenges for Local Governments in preventing works that lack necessary approvals, even in cases where substantial work has already been undertaken.

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