McMonigal Investments Pty Ltd v Central Coast Council [2026] NSWLEC 1414
Before: Porter C · NSW Land and Environment Court
Summary
This appeal is about whether an assumed presence approach to surveying a critically endangered species, the Genoplesium insigne (variable midge orchid), allows for an assessment of serious and irreversible impacts under the Biodiversity Act 2016 (NSW) (BC Act). The Applicants, McMonigal Investments Pty Ltd and BW Sewell Pty Ltd (McMonigal) have appealed pursuant to s 8.7 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) (EPA Act) against a deemed refusal of DA/1411/2024 (DA) by Central
Catchwords
DEVELOPMENT APPEAL – biodiversity values – critically endangered species – Genoplesium insigne – translocation plan – living dead – adequacy of assumed presence approach to surveys – inadequate information – surveys required
Outcome
The Court orders: (1) The appeal is dismissed. (2) The exhibits are returned, except exhibits 1, A, B and C.
Legislation cited
Biodiversity Act 2016 (NSW), ss 1.5, 6.5, 7.5, 7.7, 7.13 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW), ss 4.15, 8.7, Pt 4 Land and Environmental Court Act 1979 (NSW), s 39 Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017 (NSW), cll 1.4, 6.7 Central Coast Local Environmental Plan 2022, Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 (NSW), ss 37, 38
Read the full judgment
Authoritative text on NSW Caselaw · ~47k words
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