Confidently navigate significant change to the NSW planning system. As the 2026 reforms fundamentally reshape approvals, controls and enforcement, focus on how the new regime operates in practice - and where legal and procedural risk now sits. Across three targeted sessions, you will gain practical insight into Planning Agreements, Development Control Orders and a practical guide to the New EP&A Act. Essential attendance for lawyers, planners and advisers who must guide clients and projects through significant planning reforms in NSW.
Description
Attend full series and earn 3 CPD points in Substantive Law
This program is based on NSW legislation
If you register for the full series as a live online product after the date of an individual session, you will be sent the recording for the sessions that have passed. Alternatively, you can register for individual sessions by following the links below.
Navigating Planning Agreements
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
1.00pm to 2.00pm Navigating Planning Agreements
Presented by Dennis Loether, Partner, Bartier Perry Lawyers; Recommended by Doyle’s Guide as a Leading Planning & Development Lawyer in NSW 2018 – 2024; Recognised in Best Lawyers Australia for Planning & Environment Law 2020-2025
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD unit in Substantive Law
This program is based on NSW legislation
Presenters
Dennis Loether, Partner, Bartier Perry LawyersDennis Loether is an experienced Local Government, Environment and Planning practitioner with over nine years' experience in this area. He has acted on a wide range of matters within the Land and Environment Court and has advised statutory authorities, local governments and private sector clients in relation to various planning and environmental issues. His recent experience includes: Advising and appearing as a solicitor advocate on behalf of a number of local government authorities in Class 1 proceedings in the Land & Environment Court involving issues such as appeals under section 97 of the EP&A Act, appeals against Orders issued under section 121B of the EP&A Act and seeking utilities orders; Advising electricity providers on compulsory acquisition of easements and appearing on behalf of both applicants and acquiring authorities on Class 3 compulsory acquisition appeals in the Land & Environment Court; Advising and appearing in Class 4 challenges to the validity of development consents; Advising local government authorities in statutory interpretation issues, legislative objections and practice and procedure; Advising and appearing as a solicitor advocate in Land and Environment proceedings under the Trees (Disputes Between Neighbours) Act 2006 and Drafting Voluntary Planning Agreements for applicants and local government authorities .
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The New EP&A Act in Practice
Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Gain practical insight into the amended Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, including key provisions commencing from March and April 2026 and those still to come. Walk away with a clear understanding of how the changes affect day‑to‑day decision‑making and compliance.
1.00pm to 2.00pm The New EP&A Act in Practice
A practical overview of the operational changes under the EP&A Act amendments, focusing on provisions commencing progressively from March and April 2026 and those yet to commence.
Presented by Mark Bonanno, Senior Lawyer, Canterbury-Bankstown Council and Bianca Collingwood, Barrister, Martin Place Chambers
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD unit in Substantive Law
This program is based on NSW legislation
Presenters
Mark Bonanno, Senior Lawyer, Canterbury-Bankstown CouncilMark Bonanno is an Accredited Specialist in Property Law who has almost a quarter of a century of experience. His practice concentrates mainly on planning and development. Mark has acted for developers in high rise residential developments from acquisition to sale, including Land & Environment Court litigation to support proponents. He has also acted for several banks undertaking mortgage certification work for Bendigo & Adelaide Bank, Mortgage One and other lenders. Mark has also appeared for several NSW Councils in Class 1, 2, and 4 matters, and undertaken Class 5 prosecutions. Currently Mark is a Senior Lawyer at City of Canterbury Bankstown.
Bianca Collingwood, Barrister, Martin Place Chambers
Since being called to the Bar, Bianca has been advising and appearing for clients in a variety of matters including in the Land and Environment in merit appeals (development appeals and Tree applications), building, construction and strata matters in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, real property proceedings in the Supreme Court and civil and criminal proceedings in the Local Court.
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Development Control Orders – Tricks and Traps
Tuesday, 2 June 2026
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD unit in Substantive Law
This program is based on NSW legislation
1.00pm to 2.00pm Development Control Orders – Tricks and Traps
Presented by Angus Hannam, Barrister, Martin Place Chambers
Chair:
Ryan Bennett, Partner, Pikes & Verekers; Doyle’s Guide Recommended Planning & Development Lawyer NSW 2026
Presenters
Ryan Bennett, Partner, Pikes & VerekersWith over 18 years' experience in the area of planning and environmental law, Ryan has extensive experience in the Land and Environment Court, particularly in its Class 1 jurisdiction (planning appeals). Ryan has a strategic and commercially based approach to his clients’ planning and environmental matters. He employs a solution-driven methodology to resolving his clients’ issues, aiming to keep them out of Court where possible. Ryan believes that successful development involves a whole-of-development approach and an understanding of the strategic goals of his clients. He works hard to understand these goals early in the client relationship so that both parties are working towards the same end. Through his tested approach, Ryan is able to effectively represent his clients’ interests in negotiating with all levels of government authorities to achieve the best possible outcome. Ryan is aware of the challenges of developers in producing high-quality development and of the competing political, economic and social issues faced by property developers and landowners. He strategically adapts his approach to each matter accordingly. Ryan prepares and conducts Land and Environment Court appeals in respect of the full spectrum of matters litigated in that jurisdiction, including single dwellings, subdivisions, large-scale subdivisions, large retail and commercial development, complex re-zonings, and high-density residential redevelopment. Throughout his career, Ryan has demonstrated an ability to carry out his work in a timely and competent manner. It is because of this skill that Ryan has a long standing group of clients that return with repeat work.
Angus Hannam, Barrister, Martin Place Chambers
Angus Hannam is a junior barrister at Martin Place Chambers in Sydney, specializing in litigation. He is listed among the chambers' barristers, who bring experience from various law firms to the NSW Bar.
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