This decision of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (“VCAT”) involved a Council decision to grant a permit to allow a Eucalyptus plantation, to be used for timber production.

The objections to this proposal related to the possible use of agricultural chemicals and potential impacts to a local water catchment. VCAT granted the permit, stating that the use of chemicals would need to comply with the relevant regulations.

The VCAT member described the information presented to the Tribunal as 'exceedingly complex'. Of particular importance was that the VCAT Member noted that the issue of the effect of a timber plantation on water yield in a catchment was outside what can be dealt with under the planning permit process. Such matters are more suited to a strategic review of the planning scheme.

• The whole decision is available on Austlii