Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW336
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
This unit introduces you to the Local Government Act 1993 (New South Wales) and Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (New South Wales) to help prepare you for the real world of local government law.
You will gain knowledge across a wide range of issues related to the Local Government Act, including the history of local government in New South Wales and council’s various functions and accountability.
In relation to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, issues covered include development assessment, development consents and managing environmental conflict.
Although the unit concentrates on New South Wales legislation, the principles examined in this unit apply Australia-wide.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of principles, practices, and concepts underpinning the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW); and demonstrate a well-developed understanding of how planning issues are dealt with by the courts in applying the contemporary local government and planning laws;
- use cognitive, technical and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement to identify local government and planning issues; evaluate key case law; and analyse the appropriate principles of local government and planning law;
- demonstrate a well-developed ability to present coherent arguments based on evidence drawn from a variety of sources regarding the future of local government and planning law in Australia; and
- communicate coherently and independently an exposition of knowledge and ideas relevant to local government and planning law scenarios in Australia.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Yes | 40% | All offerings | This assignment relates to practical exercises in local government, which add weight to the time and effort required for the assessment task by students and assessors. No. Words: 2500 |
| Final Invigilated Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 60% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material may be held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
Environmental and Planning Law in New South Wales
ISBN: 9781760022594
Lyster, R., Lipman, Z., Franklin, N., Pearson, L. and Wiffen, G., The Federation Press 5th ed. 2021
Text refers to: All offerings
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