Councils issue infringements across local laws, planning breaches, permit conditions and more. Paying is an admission, and for some infringements that has consequences beyond the money. There are generally two routes — asking the council to review the decision internally, or electing to have it heard in court — and both run on strict time limits. Which route suits depends on the infringement and on what you want to protect.
Part of our EPA & council defence practice.
Not all infringements are equal — some carry consequences for a permit, a registration or a business that the notice does not spell out.
Internal review is quicker and cheaper where there is a good ground. A court election makes sense where the facts are genuinely in dispute.
Written, evidenced, and inside the window. Most failed reviews fail on presentation rather than merit.
Sometimes, yes. But payment is an admission, and for some infringements that matters — for a permit, a licence, or in a related dispute. Worth ten minutes of advice on anything that isn’t plainly trivial.
Both internal review and court election run on strict statutory periods from the date of the notice. Once they pass, the options narrow sharply and enforcement costs begin to accrue.
General information only — for advice about your situation, book a consult or call us.
Speak with a lawyer who acts in EPA and council matters across Victoria — book online, or call us.
