Our helpful kits and videos give you a step-by-step guide to running a case in the Planning and Environment List of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

CELS Appeals Kit A step-by-step guide to running a case in the Planning and Environment List of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

CELS Objections Kit An easy to understand booklet on all aspects of objecting to planning permits.

Video One: Planning Decisions in Victoria

Follow the story of Rob and his local group, Bittern Watch Inc as a case study, to understand the rules that apply to planning decisions in Victoria and how to find the rules that apply to your particular area.

Planning Decisions in Victoria will answer your questions about –

  • What are the rules that apply to planning decision  in Victoria?
  • Where can I find the rules that apply to the area of Victoria that I’m interested in?
  • Who are the decision makers and what is the decision making process?

Video Two: Going to VCAT

Follow the story of Rob and his local group, Bittern Watch Inc as a case study, to be informed on how to decide whether to take your particular planning or environment issue to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).

Going to VCAT will answer your questions about –

  • How do I decide whether to go to VCAT or not?
  • How do I lodge a review application to review a decision?
  • Who are the parties in the case?
  • Can you give me an an overview of the VCAT process from the start to the finish?

Video Three: Preparing your VCAT case

Preparing your VCAT case shows how a local community group, Bittern Watch Inc,  prepared its case for   the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and gives top tips on how you can put forward your strongest argument in your case.

Preparing your VCAT case will answer your questions about –

  • How do I prepare and find the background information that is important to making my case?
  • How do I prepare my case strategy?
  • How do I best use the tools of mediation, settlement, expert evidence and prepared submissions?

Video Four, Part One and Part Two: Your day in VCAT

Your day in VCAT gives you key skills for presenting your planning case in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, (VCAT).  It will give you some information about the hearing process, some practical tips, and tell you about what happens beyond your hearing day.

Your Day In VCAT Part 1 – Key skills for presenting your case in VCAT

Your Day In VCAT Part 2 – Practical tips

  • Practical tips for dealing with witnesses
  • Practical tips for dealing with hostile and aggressive parties

Video Four, Part Three and Part Four: Your day in VCAT

Your Day In VCAT Part 3 – Practical Tips for writing your submissions for VCAT

Your Day In VCAT Part 4: What happens beyond your hearing day?

  • Site visits
  • Getting your decision and rights to appeal
  • Appealing