About the Land Appeal Court

Appeals from the Land Court are heard by the Land Appeal Court, which comprises a Supreme Court judge and two Land Court members (other than the member whose decision is under appeal).

Further appeal is by leave to the Court of Appeal on questions of law.

About the Land Appeal Court

Any party to a proceeding in the Land Court has the right to appeal to the Land Appeal Court against all or part of the Land Court’s decision.

The Land Appeal Court sits in the Supreme Court district where the land that is the subject of the dispute is located. This can be at Brisbane, Rockhampton, Townsville or Cairns.

When you can and can’t appeal

You can’t appeal matters where the outcome involves the Land Court making a recommendation rather than a final binding decision, as this is an administrative function, not a judicial function.

For example, recommendations are made under the Mineral Resources Act 1989 and Environmental Protection Act 1994 about objections to mining projects and associated environmental authorities.

Although there is no right of appeal to the Land Appeal Court in these matters, you may be able to apply to the Supreme Court for a review under the Judicial Review Act 1991.

Appeal period

Unless the legislation applying to your matter specifies a different time limit, you must file and serve your appeal to the Land Appeal Court within 42 days after the Land Court makes the order with the decision you’re appealing.

Note: Under the Mineral Resources Act 1989, the time limit for filing and serving an appeal against a compensation determination for mining activities is 20 business days. Check the relevant legislation carefully.

How to appeal

Start an appeal by filing a Notice of appeal to the Land Appeal Court (DOCX, 103.8 KB) or in the Land Court registry either:

• in person at Level 8, Brisbane Magistrates Court building, 363 George Street, Brisbane
• by post to The Registrar, Land Appeal Court of Queensland, GPO Box 5266, Brisbane Qld 4001.

The notice of appeal must state the grounds on which you’re appealing the Land Court’s decision.

You’ll need to pay a filing fee at the time of filing.

What happens next

The Land Appeal Court makes orders and directions setting out a timetable for your appeal, including orders about:

• the preparation of an appeal record book, as it’s the appellant’s responsibility to prepare the appeal record book
• exchange of written submissions
• exchange of lists of authorities.

A hearing date may also be set for the hearing of your appeal.

For further information, see Land Appeal Court Practice Direction 1 of 2020 (PDF, 277.1 KB).

Deciding an appeal

Appeals to the Land Appeal Court are by way of rehearing. The court examines the transcript of proceedings from, and record of evidence presented to, the Land Court.

The Land Appeal Court can admit new evidence only if satisfied that the evidence is necessary to avoid grave injustice and there is a good reason why the evidence wasn’t previously given.

After hearing the appeal, the Land Appeal Court may:

• return the matter to the Land Court for a further decision
• affirm or amend the Land Court’s decision
• revoke the Land Court’s decision and substitute its own
• make any order it considers appropriate.

The Land Appeal Court can also award costs.

Court of Appeal

If you disagree with the Land Appeal Court’s decision, you may wish to apply for leave (permission) from the Court of Appeal to appeal the decision.

Apply within 42 days after the Land Appeal Court makes the order with its decision.

See details on applying for leave to appeal from the Court of Appeal or contact the Court of Appeal registry.

Members of the Land Appeal Court

The Land Appeal Court is made up of a judge of the Supreme Court and two members of the Land Court, other than the member whose decision is under appeal.

The Supreme Court judges who currently act as members of the Land Appeal Court are:

• The Honourable Justice Sean Cooper—Southern District (profile—SCLQ website)
• The Honourable Justice David North—Northern District (profile—SCLQ website)
• The Honourable Justice James Henry—Far Northern District (profile—SCLQ website)
• The Honourable Justice Graeme Crow—Central District (profile—SCLQ website).

See the judicial districts in Queensland.

More information

• Judgments (Supreme Court Library)
• Forms
• Practice Directions

Contact us

Please send all formal Land Court and Land Appeal Court correspondence to Landcourt@justice.qld.gov.au. Do not send formal correspondence directly to individual staff members in the Land Court.

The Land Court and Tribunal Registry also provides registry services to the Aboriginal Land Tribunal.