Property think tank webinar

The collapse of the Bathla Group has sent ripples through Australia's construction sector, raising critical questions about financial distress management in major projects. With Queensland delivering an unprecedented infrastructure pipeline amid margin pressures and market uncertainty, are project participants adequately prepared to identify and respond to insolvency warning signs before external administrators arrive?

This monthly roundup examines key NSW Supreme Court and District Court decisions interpreting the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999, analyzing how courts are applying the legislation's 'pay now, argue later' philosophy in disputes over adjudication determinations, payment claims, and enforcement stays. The decisions address critical issues including interlocutory injunctions, payment schedule validity, and the interplay between interim adjudications and final dispute resolution

This monthly roundup examines five significant NSW Supreme Court and Court of Appeal decisions from August 2026 that clarify critical aspects of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999, including payment claim validity, procedural fairness in adjudications, and enforcement of judgment debts. The cases address contentious issues such as the 12-month limitation period for payment claims, the relevance of unpaid judgment debts in security for costs applications, and the scope of sec

The most impactful agricultural technologies address clearly defined problems.

The NSW Land and Environment Court dismissed a heritage homeowner's claim against neighbouring trees, finding insufficient evidence to prove the trees caused structural damage. The decision establishes that property owners must demonstrate clear causal connections between specific trees and alleged damage, rather than relying on proximity alone.

Developers need to be aware of changes to notification requirements for off-the-plan contracts.

The agricultural sector is facing heightened scrutiny in today's credit markets. Rising interest rates and new investment vehicles are reshaping expectations and making capital more difficult to secure.

In a recent Queensland Supreme Court case, the key issue for the Court to decide was whether the 'ratchet' rent review clauses in the lease were permitted by the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 ("the Act"). Ratchet rent review clauses do not allow CPI or market rent reviews to decrease the rent.

Special counsel Mark Cowan shares his journey to Cooper Grace Ward after nearly two decades in property, planning and environment law, discussing what attracted him to the firm's collaborative culture. The conversation explores how planning and environment law has transformed into a dynamic field spanning urban development, renewables, infrastructure, agriculture and mining, while examining the persistent challenge of delivering infrastructure efficiently amid shifting government policies.

The Building (Approvals and Practitioners) Bill 2026 represents a comprehensive overhaul of New South Wales' building approvals regime, introducing significant reforms to streamline processes and support housing targets.