Finn Roache Lawyers is proud to support the 2026 Environment and Planning
Law Association (NSW) Conference, to be held at Pullman Magenta Shores
Resort on the NSW Central Coast from 4 to 6 November 2026

The annual EPLA Conference brings together members of the judiciary, legal
practitioners, government representatives, planners and other industry professionals to
consider current developments in environment and planning law.

Key issues for environment and planning professionals

This year’s program addresses several issues that are increasingly important to
proponents, landowners, councils and advisers across New South Wales, including:

• biodiversity and planning reform;
• major development and infrastructure following the International Court of
  Justice’s Advisory Opinion on climate change;
• planning and environmental issues arising from data-centre development;
• coastal management and updates from the NSW Department of Planning,
  Housing and Infrastructure;
• recent judgments and proposed changes affecting the Land and Environment
  Court; and
• effective preparation of Statements of Facts and Contentions.

The program also includes sessions on ethical practice, litigation conduct and the use
of technology in environment and planning law practices. Delegates may obtain up to
10 continuing professional development points, including points in the mandatory
streams.

 

A changing legal and regulatory landscape

The conference comes at a time of significant activity in NSW environment and
planning law. The Winter 2026 edition of Environmental Law News highlights
developments concerning environmental-offence sentencing, biodiversity remediation
orders, the NSW Housing Pattern Book reforms, climate considerations in major-
project assessment and changes affecting Land and Environment Court practice.
These developments reinforce the need for early, practical and technically informed
advice. Planning and environmental issues can affect project feasibility, approval
pathways, land use, compliance obligations and exposure to enforcement action. Clear
advice at the outset can help identify risks, preserve options and avoid costly disputes.

 

Finn Roache Lawyers values the contribution EPLA makes to professional education,
informed discussion and the development of environment and planning law in New
South Wales. We look forward to supporting the 2026 Conference and engaging with
colleagues across the profession.

For advice on a planning, property, development or environmental law matter, please
contact the team at Finn Roache Lawyers on 02 8297 1100 or [email protected].