Environmental and Planning Law in New South Wales

The book "Environmental and Planning Law in New South Wales" by Rosemary Lyster and a team of experts, including Zada Lipman, Nicola Franklin, Linda Pearson, and Graeme Wiffen, provides a comprehensive guide to the legal framework governing environmental and planning issues in New South Wales, Australia. Here is a detailed overview of the book:

Key Themes

1. Integration of Planning and Environmental Law:

   • The book integrates planning and assessment provisions with environmental law topics, covering pollution control, biodiversity protection, heritage preservation, natural resource management (energy and water), and corporate social responsibility.

2. Climate Change and Energy Law:

   • Chapters 7 and 8, authored by Rosemary Lyster, focus on Energy and Climate Law, which are critical natural resource issues.

3. Water Management:

   • Chapter 8 discusses Water Law, another pressing natural resource issue in New South Wales.

4. Biodiversity Conservation:

   • Chapter 10 addresses Conserving Biodiversity, highlighting the legal frameworks and strategies for protecting Australia's unique flora and fauna.

5. Mining and Environmental Impact:

   • Chapter 11 examines the legal aspects of Mining and the Environment, including the environmental impacts of mining activities.

6. Heritage Protection:

   • Chapter 12 discusses Protected Areas and Crown Lands, as well as Heritage, emphasizing the legal protections for natural and cultural heritage.

7. Pollution and Waste Management:

   • Chapters 13 and 14 cover Pollution and Waste and Contaminated Land, respectively, addressing the legal frameworks for managing pollution and waste.

8. Corporate Social Responsibility:

   • Chapter 17 explores Corporate Social Responsibility, highlighting the role of businesses in environmental sustainability.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide a thorough understanding of environmental and planning law in New South Wales. It begins with an overview of environmental law in Australia (Chapter 1) and then delves into managing environmental conflict (Chapter 2). The subsequent chapters cover land use planning (Chapter 3), development control (Chapter 4), environmental impact assessment in New South Wales (Chapter 5), and Commonwealth assessment and approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (Chapter 6).

Critical Reception

While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book's comprehensive approach and the expertise of its authors suggest it is well-regarded in academic and professional circles. The inclusion of a diverse authorial team—comprising academics, judges, a Commissioner, and solicitors—adds to its credibility and utility.

Editions and Availability

The book has been published in multiple editions, with the fifth edition being the most recent. It is available in both print and electronic formats, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

Conclusion

"Environmental and Planning Law in New South Wales" by Rosemary Lyster and her co-authors is a seminal work that provides a detailed and integrated analysis of environmental and planning law in New South Wales. Its comprehensive coverage of key themes, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, mining impacts, and corporate social responsibility, makes it an essential resource for legal professionals, academics, and policymakers.