Friend and Brooker Pty Ltd v Council of the Shire of Eurobodalla

Friend and Brooker Pty Ltd (the appellant) appealed to the New South Wales Court of Appeal against a decision of the Land and Environment Court. The dispute concerned the appellant's entitlement to compensation under the *Local Government Act 1919* (NSW) for land resumed by the Council of the Shire of Eurobodalla (the respondent). The appellant argued that the compensation awarded was insufficient, particularly in relation to the value of certain improvements on the land.

The primary legal issue before the Court of Appeal was whether the Land and Environment Court had erred in its assessment of compensation, specifically concerning the valuation of the resumed land and the improvements thereon. This involved determining the correct interpretation and application of the compensation provisions within the *Local Government Act 1919*, particularly in relation to the date of valuation and the consideration of potential development.

The Court of Appeal considered the principles of statutory interpretation applicable to resumption compensation. It examined the evidence presented regarding the value of the land and the improvements, including the appellant's submissions on potential development. The Court ultimately found that the Land and Environment Court had applied the correct legal principles in its assessment and that there was no basis to interfere with its findings of fact regarding the valuation.

The appeal was dismissed.