The Planning and Environment Court (P and E Court) deals with cases about:
- planning and development
- protecting the environment and coasts
- managing fisheries and marine parks
- conserving nature and heritage
- transport infrastructure
- managing vegetation.
Types of proceedings
The Planning and Environment Court (P and E Court) hears proceedings based on the laws that apply to the issue. For example, under the Planning Act 2016, the court may handle:
- appeals about development application decisions
- appeals about infrastructure charges
- appeals about compensation claims
- appeals from Development Tribunal decisions
- applications for enforcement orders to stop or fix development offences
- applications for declarations.
You don’t need a lawyer to bring a matter to the P and E Court. You can represent yourself or have a lawyer or agent (who isn’t a lawyer) represent you.
Learn how to start a proceeding in the P and E Court.
Where the court sits
The Planning and Environment Court (P and E Court) hears cases in Brisbane and other major locations being Southport, Maroochydore, Townsville, and Cairns.
The court can also sit in other areas if needed. It tries to hold hearings near the land or building in dispute so that residents can attend.
If you want the court to sit outside the major locations, such as Brisbane, raise this early in your case.
How the process works
The Planning and Environment Court (P and E Court) manages each case through directions hearings.
Judges regularly monitor and review cases to prepare them for trial.
Learn about the hearings and reviews you may need to attend.
Resolving disputes without a trial
Most cases are resolved before a final hearing. The court encourages alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and provides a free service.
ADR may include:
- meetings between the parties
- meetings of expert witnesses
- meetings chaired by the ADR Registrar.
Learn more about the ADR process.
Representing yourself
You can represent yourself in the Planning and Environment Court (P and E Court) Court or have a non-lawyer agent represent you.
Learn what to consider if you represent yourself.
Court costs
See the list of fees for filing appeals and applications, and searching and copying records, in the Planning and Environment Court (P and E Court).
You will have to pay your own costs, which may include:
- lawyer or expert witness fees
- court filing fees
- other expenses.
Costs are not automatically awarded against a losing party in the P and E Court. However, the court may order a party to pay another party’s costs in certain situations, such as:
- failing to follow directions without a good reason
- procedural defaults
- acting frivolously or vexatiously.
See sections 58–62 of the Planning and Environment Court Act 2016 for more details.
Contact details
