Known for advising a number of government agencies, the team at Ashurst, primarily based in Melbourne, maintains a stellar track record in environmental litigation, and excels in advising on significant infrastructure, mining, resource, and renewables projects. In Sydney, Tony Hill is known for his long-standing experience in contamination disputes, environmental accidents and major resource and urban redevelopment projects. Jane Hall handles numerous city-shaping projects involving environmental, heritage and water law issues, while Paul Wilson in Brisbane is experienced in advising on incident management matters, in addition to rail and port developments. Other key members of the team include John Briggs and Robert Jamieson.
Environment and planning in Australia
Ashurst
Practice head(s):
Tony Hill
Other key lawyers:
Jane Hall; Paul Wilson; John Briggs; Robert Jamieson; Rebecca Dixon; Mark Brennan; Jeff Lynn; Michael Voros
Testimonials
‘Experience and depth of knowledge particularly in the NSW mining industry.’
‘In addition to their knowledge of the law in this area, they have an excellent understanding of the relevant government departments administering environment and planning in NSW.’
‘Pragmatic and problem-solving approach.’
Key clients
NSW Government
Victorian Government
Barro
ACEN Australia
Rio Tinto
Transurban
Alcoa of Australia
AGL
Murchison Hydrogen Renewables
Whitehaven Coal
Work highlights
- Advised Sydney Metro on multiple aspects of the $12bn Sydney Metro City and Southwest Project.
- Represented Barro in relation to various EPA enforcement actions taken in relation to hotspots at its Sunshine landfill, including Supreme Court judicial review and VCAT merits review proceedings.
- Represented the Murchison Renewable Hydrogen Project in objecting to mining tenement applications by other parties.
Clayton Utz
The predominantly Sydney based team at Clayton Utz continues to handle significant domestic infrastructure projects, often acting in planning litigation. Practice head Claire Smith is a climate change, planning, and environment specialist, while Brendan Bateman is noted for his depth expertise in advising on air and water quality, biodiversity conservation, and waste management. Brisbane's Karen Trainor is well-versed in energy transition matters, and Damien Gardiner in Melbourne has ample knowledge of environmental incident responses and investigations. John Clayton regularly assists private developers, and Alison Packham is particularly knowledgeable of the state and federal environmental planning laws governing infrastructure projects. Lauren Smith assists numerous energy and resource clients, and utility providers with development strategies and approvals. Wendy Evans joined the Brisbane team in February 2023, contributing her deep knowledge of statutory planning issues.
Practice head(s):
Claire Smith
Other key lawyers:
Brendan Bateman; Karen Trainor; Damien Gardiner; John Clayton; Alison Packham; Lauren Smith; Wendy Evans; Sallyanne Everett; Nick Thomas; Lucy Shea; Robert Stilling
Testimonials
‘A high-quality, full-service firm.’
‘The team is practical and approachable.’
‘Wendy Evans is passionate, intelligent and experienced.’
Key clients
Idemitsu Australia and Idemitsu Renewable Developments Australia
Energy Australia
New Hope Mining Corporation
Blackstone Inc. and Blackstone Real Estate Australia
Australia Rail Track Corporation
Landcom
Lyon Group
Inner West Council
Blacktown City Council
Liverpool City Council
Brisbane City Council
Ipswich City Council
City of Gold Coast
New South Wales Government
Victorian Government
Forestry Corporation of NSW
Petrofac
Transgrid
Sydney Water
Squadron Energy
Smartest Energy
Graymont Limited
HammondCare
Hanson
nbn
Queensland Heritage Council
Stanwell Corporation
Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia
Work highlights
- Advising Idemitsu on a flagship energy transition project in the Hunter Valley involving the development of a renewable energy technology precinct.
- Advising ARTC in relation to environmental and planning aspects of the A$14.5bn Inland Rail Program, Australia’s largest ever rail project in Victoria, NSW and Qld.
- Advised Squadron Energy, a company of Tattarang on the acquisition of CWP Renewables.
Norton Rose Fulbright
Leveraging support from the firm’s litigation, risk advisory, regulatory compliance and investigation experts, the team at Norton Rose Fulbright is well-equipped to advise both public and private clients on the full gamut of issues affecting projects. The team boasts expertise in climate risk and litigation, environmental legislation as well as planning appeals. Elizabeth Wild leads the team, which is primarily based in Sydney, specialising in contaminated land issues and remediation law, while Tamara Brezzi in Melbourne regularly appears before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in planning appeals. Anneliese Korber advises the New South Wales government on planning matters concerning major projects, and Krista MacPherson exhibits broad knowledge of environmental impact assessments and pollution control.
Practice head(s):
Elizabeth Wild
Other key lawyers:
Tamara Brezzi; Anneliese Korber; Krista MacPherson; Elisa de Wit; Rebecca Hoare
Testimonials
‘The team provides excellent client service.’
‘Excellent subject matter expertise, they regularly share legislative or market changes and impacts.’
‘They are great to deal with on large and complex issues.’
Key clients
Bayport Group
Intrapac Property Pty Ltd
Vicland Group
Cross River Rail Delivery Authority
Breen Holdings Pty Ltd
Mirvac BTR Developments Pty Ltd
Logan City Council
Australian Super
Queensland Government – Department of Environment and Science
Stockland Development Pty Ltd
Arrow Energy Pty Ltd
ID-FLK Amber Developments Pty Ltd
Investa Property Group
Cleanaway Pty Ltd
Qantas Airways Limited
Commonwealth Government
Tasman Environmental Markets
Transport for NSW
Ampol Limited
Shell
Goodman International
Renew Estate
Property NSW
Victorian Government
Grocon
Suez Recycling & Recovery Pty Ltd
Growthpoint Australia Limited
Country Carbon
Gold Coast City Council
CWP Renewables
Bunnings
Work highlights
- Assisted Bayport Group and Intrapac Property Pty Ltd with obtaining certain approvals required to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Lilydale Quarry.
- Advised Cross River Rail Delivery Authority on claims related to the taking of various interests in land for the purpose of delivering the Cross River Rail Project.
- Advisied the Queensland Government – Department of Environment and Science in relation to its proposed purchase of Varna Station.
Allens
Assisting both the public and private sector clients, the team at Allens acts for numerous significant Australian corporations in matters concerning the criminal aspects of environment and planning, including enforcement actions and investigations. In Brisbane, co-head Bill McCredie maintains a broad practice which encompasses project development assessments and approvals. In Melbourne, co-head Jillian Button and Naomi Bergman are noted for their expertise in environmental law compliance, while Felicity Rourke has a great deal of expertise in handling challenges to statutory approvals.
Practice head(s):
Bill McCredie
Other key lawyers:
Jillian Button; Naomi Bergman; Felicity Rourke; Eve Lynch; Rebecca Pleming; Emily Johnstone; Rebecca Ritchie
Key clients
Santos
Woodside Petroleum
Stockyard hill
Alinta Energy
Stockland
GFM Home Trust
Baptist Care
McDonald’s Australia Limited
BHP
Glencore Group
BlueScope
ATCO Australia
Ingham Property and CSR
Work highlights
- Represented Woodside in proceedings brought by the Australian Conservation Foundation in relation to Woodside’s Scarborough Gas Project.
- Advising a range of clients on planning issues concerning development sites, including commercial real estate and large-scale renewable projects.
- Advising BHP on its planning application to extend the life of the Mt Arthur Coal Mine in NSW, including advice on rehabilitation and transition to closure.
Corrs Chambers Westgarth
Corrs Chambers Westgarth is well-regarded for advising on social infrastructure projects in the hospital, health, and social and affordable housing spaces. Practice head Louise Camenzuli has expansive knowledge of government light, rail, road and telecoms projects. Christine Covington acts for numerous energy and resources, and industrial clients in climate change and sustainability matters. Brisbane-based Anna White’s caseload encompasses contamination response and management issues, and environmental assessments. Max Newman regularly appears before the Land and Environment Court of NSW in appeals and judicial reviews. All mentioned individuals are located in Sydney, unless stated otherwise.
Practice head(s):
Louise Camenzuli
Other key lawyers:
Christine Covington; Anna White; Max Newman; Brent Lillywhite; Rosie Syme
Testimonials
‘The team are leading experts in their field. They have a deep understanding of our business’ needs.’
‘Their collaboration, depth of knowledge throughout the team, and commercial sense sets the Corrs team apart.’
‘The team has an in-depth level of knowledge of planning legislation and they use this to their advantage.’
‘Corrs are experts in navigating and resolving complex issues, together with having the relationships with many industry professionals.’
‘Louise Camenzuli is one of the most passionate and client focused lawyers I have worked with. I had full faith and trust in her capability to get an outcome.’
‘Max Newman is clearly very knowledgeable and always provides information in a way that is readily understandable and well thought through.’
‘Louise Camenzuli and Max Newman are incredibly responsive, great at communicating their availability, and reliable when it comes to delivering on what and when.’
‘Louise and her team are absolute professionals and experts in all planning law matters.’
Key clients
Queensland Government
Victoria Government
NSW Government
Northern Territory Government
Santos
AGL
Transgrid
John Holland and CPB Contractors
Stockland
Nbn
Mirvac
Investa and Oxford Properties
Coles
Work highlights
- Advising Santos on the AUD3.6bn development of the Hunter Gas Pipeline which will connect Narrabri to the eastern gas network.
- Advising Investa and Oxford Properties on all aspects of the AUD1.7bn Pitt Street Metro Station development project in the Sydney Central Business District.
- Advising Transgrid on all aspects of the A$5bn Humelink Project.
Herbert Smith Freehills
Herbert Smith Freehills is known for handling contentious environmental mandates and regulatory investigations. The team has a great deal of expertise in advising on hydrogen and pumped hydro projects, and the development of wind and solar farms. Peter Briggs leads the team, assisting clients with obtaining environment, planning and regulatory approvals for energy, resources, infrastructure, and urban development projects. Melbourne's Heidi Asten is particularly adept at advising international companies on sustainability disclosures, while Perth's Naomi Hutchings has deep knowledge of new policies and regulations concerning the transition to a lower carbon economy. In Brisbane, Kathryn Pacey advises numerous government and private sector clients on environmental compliance, infrastructure projects and regulatory issues.
Practice head(s):
Peter Briggs
Other key lawyers:
Heidi Asten; Naomi Hutchings; Kathryn Pacey
Testimonials
‘The team is at the forefront of all environment and planning issues, in Australia but also internationally.’
‘The team is intuitive, they understand what our priorities are without us having to spell that out. ’
‘Peter Briggs is one of the finest lawyers I have worked with. He spots issues quickly, and the efficient way he delivers advice and assistance is second to none. He is truly a trusted advisor.’
Key clients
AGL
BHP
Bison Energy
BP
Charter Hall
Chevron Corporation
Department of Environment and Science (Qld)
Department of Transport Victoria (including Rail Projects Victoria)
EDF Renewables
Edify Energy
Energy Australia
Energy Corporation of NSW
ENGIE ANZ
Flotation Energy
Global Power Generation Australia
Golden Plains Wind Farm Management Pty Ltd
Goldwind Australia
Horizon Power
Lendlease
Main Roads WA
New Energy Solar
NSW Government (various government agencies and departments)
Opal Packaging Australia
Origin
RES
Riverside Developments
TasNetworks/ Marinus Link Pty Ltd
Tilt Renewables
Total Enren
TransUrban
Vestas
Victorian Government
WestWind Energy
WinterbourneWind Pty Ltd
Woodside Energy
Work highlights
- Advising TasNetworks on the $3bn Marinus Link project to provide an electricity and telecommunications interconnector between Tasmania and Victoria.
- Advising Energy Corporation of NSW on the Critical State Significant Infrastructure Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone transmission project.
- Advising State government agencies on significant multi-billion-dollar urban renewal projects in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and WA.
King & Wood Mallesons
King & Wood Mallesons’ caseload consists of a broad range of issues, including emissions reduction and sustainability commitment mandates. Brisbane based practice head Matthew Austin has deep knowledge of PFAS contamination issues, and has expansive experience in advising blue chip clients and government bodies. Melbourne's Mark Beaufoy has broad knowledge of greenfield and infrastructure development planning approvals. In Sydney, Michael Causer is well-regarded for his expertise in contaminated land, hazardous substances and dangerous goods, and pollution law; and Michelle Astridge frequently advises clients on liability arising from non-compliance with environmental legislation. Anna Vella departed the team to join Baker McKenzie in November 2022.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Austin
Other key lawyers:
Mark Beaufoy; Michael Causer; Michelle Astridge; Sally Audeyev
Testimonials
‘KWM provide excellent clarity in their advice. Our team really value the way tricky issues are communicated and resolved.’
‘Given the team’s broad experience in the sector, they have an excellent ability to distil complex issues into understandable advice.’
‘Smart, commercial, responsive, bench strength.’
Key clients
Rio Tinto
Brookfield
Dexus
Telstra
Aurizon
Frasers Property
BlueScope Steel
Lendlease
BHP
Australian Rail Track Corporation
AGL Energy
Queensland Investment Corporation
Neom Company
Gladstone Ports Corporation
Investa
Department of Industry, Sciences, Energy and Resources
University of New South Wales
Work highlights
- Advised Aurizon on its AUD$2.35 bn acquisition of One Rail.
- Advising Stockland on numerous greenfields development projects in Melbourne’s outer metropolitan growth areas.
- Advising Telstra on the national rollout of its’ mobile base stations.
Maddocks
Acting for a diverse client base of government bodies, energy providers, and water authorities, the Sydney based team at Maddocks is adept at handling the full spectrum of environment and planning matters. Michael Winram co-leads the team and often advises energy companies, and developers, while co-head Maria Marshall works out of the Melbourne office, and has deep knowledge of Environmental Effects Statement related matters, and VCAT cases. Patrick Ibbotson is known for his experience in handling development and environmental law issues, while Breellen Warry assists clients with biodiversity conservation, contamination, and waste regulation matters. Joshua Same is well-versed in infrastructure and redevelopment project related mandates.
Practice head(s):
Michael Winram; Maria Marshall
Other key lawyers:
Patrick Ibbotson; Breellen Warry; Joshua Same; Chris Cantor; Briana Eastaugh; Terry Montebello
Testimonials
‘The team listens and responds accordingly.’
‘The team at Maddocks are a good combination of experienced and knowledgeable legal professionals interspersed with an excellent group of younger, up and coming stars.’
‘Every member of the Maddocks Team is approachable, knowledgeable, and experienced. They work quickly to understand a matter, provide clear advice, and execute strategy every time.’
Key clients
Monash University
Regional Growth Development Corporation
78 of the 79 Victoria Local Councils
55 of the 128 NSW Local Councils
Victoria Planning Authority
Re-Grow Capital
M.M Hearn Constructions Pty Ltd
Airservices Australia
Transport for New South Wales
Water Infrastructure NSW
MacMasters Beach and District Progress Association
Australian Conservation Foundation
Sydney Water
Work highlights
- Assisting Airservices Australia in response to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination at 56 airports in Australia.
- Advising Parramatta City Council on the acqusition by of a large parcel of land in the Parramatta CBD owned by Council by Sydney Metro.
- Acting for Monash University to protect its interests with regards to the development of the Suburban Rail Loop project.
Minter Ellison
The environment and planning department at Minter Ellison advises a litany of blue-chip clients on the environmental and planning aspects of mixed use, residential and retail developments. The practice often assists clients with projects across the infrastructure, mining, and urban renewal sectors, in addition to advising on regulatory compliance relating to land use, planning law. In Sydney, Simon Ball leads the group has experience in administrative law, while Luke Walker is noted for his knowledge of resource recovery law. In Brisbane, Tim Hanmore is known for handling a range of compliance, development, and operational issues.
Practice head(s):
Simon Ball
Other key lawyers:
Tim Hanmore; Luke Walker
Testimonials
‘The Minters team is very capable and has great diversity in skill set and culture. It has been a pleasure working with all members for the tricky projects we have given to them to assist us with.’
‘They have a network of relationships with key regulators and other professionals.’
‘Outstanding knowledge of Victorian and Commonwealth environmental law, along with a contemporary understanding of the political landscape that sets the scene for positive outcomes.’
‘Simon Ball is accessible, responsive, and consistently provides fit for purpose advice and support. There is very little that he has not seen or handled before.’
Key clients
Yancoal
Transport for New South Wales
Glencore
Queensland Government Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Powerlink Queensland
Stanwell Corporation Limited
Visy
Heritage Minerals
Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science
Dexus
Yarra Ranges Council
Neoen
Marble Solar
Barunga West Council
Work highlights
- Advised Yancoal on all aspects of environment and planning legislation in respect of its various NSW coal mines.
- Handled two phases of legal due diligence investigations into the CopperString Project on behalf of the Queensland Government.
- Assisting Neoen with the preparation of the EES in relation to the Kentbruck Green Power Hub.
White & Case
Headed by ESG and sustainability specialist Tim Power, the Melbourne based practice at White & Case exhibits deep expertise in renewable energy projects, namely, battery, solar and wind farms. The group is known for handling a broad range of issues relating to mining and critical minerals, transport, and land contamination. Michelle Keen and Fiona Curl are particularly active in the renewable energy sector while the latter also specialises in road projects.
Practice head(s):
Tim Power
Other key lawyers:
Michelle Keen; Fiona Curl
Testimonials
‘The W&C team have deep experience and expertise. Their attitude, approach, and ethic have made them core members of our broader team. ’
Key clients
Star of the South
Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers Pty Ltd
Crowley Government Services
AusNet Transmission Group Pty Ltd
Suburban Rail Loop Authority
Rail Projects Victoria
Esso Australia Pty Ltd
Wind Prospect Pty Ltd
Fosterville Gold Mine Pty Ltd
Alinta Energy Pty Ltd
Golden Plains Wind Farm Management Pty Ltd
OSMI Australia Pty Ltd
Woolnorth Wind Farm Holdings Pty Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised on Star of the South, Australia’s first proposed offshore wind farm, located in Gippsland Victoria.
- Advising Perdaman Chemicals And Fertilisers Pty Ltd in relation to the environmental and Aboriginal cultural heritage aspects of the USD$4bn Urea Plant.
- Advising Crowley in relation to the development of a fuel storage facility in Darwin, Northern Territory.
Colin Biggers & Paisley
The team at Colin Biggers & Paisley is adept in advising on the planning and development aspects of major residential community and resource projects. Other areas of expertise include environmental compliance, licensing, and enforcement. In Brisbane, practice head Ian Wright is noted for his work advising public sector clients on environment and infrastructure mandates, and Ben Caldwell is a key contact for corporations on planning developments. Sydney's Todd Neal has a great deal of experience in advising on compulsory acquisitions. David Passarella in Melbourne acts for corporations in the healthcare, industrial and retail sectors.
Practice head(s):
Ian Wright
Other key lawyers:
Ben Caldwell; Todd Neal; David Passarella; Anthony Landro
Key clients
Brisbane City Council
Kings Hill Development Pty Ltd
Logan City Council
Moreton Bay Regional Council
The Scots College
Sunshine Coast Regional Council
Goldmate Pty Ltd
Woolworths Group Limited
MacDonalds
Pellicano
Consolidated Properties Pty Ltd
Presbyterian Church of Australia
Work highlights
- Assisted DCF Property Group on their VCAT Appeal for a AUD 170m mixed-use development at 28-32 Albert Road, South Melbourne.
- Advising Brisbane City Council in relation to the redevelopment of Eagle Street Pier precinct in the Brisbane CBD.
- Acted for Serenitas Management in Settled Class 1 Land and Environment Court proceedings.
Gilbert + Tobin
Gilbert + Tobin's Sydney based practice is skilled in handling environmental impact assessments, and the remediation and development of contaminated land. The group has a great deal of expertise in compulsory acquisitions, pollution related issues, and renewable energy projects. Ben Fuller leads the team, and often advises on land access rights, and waste regulatory frameworks. Ilona Millar has expansive experience in the development of carbon contracts and natural sinks, and Ben Hayward is a key contact for corporate and government clients.
Practice head(s):
Ben Fuller
Other key lawyers:
Ilona Millar; Ben Hayward
Testimonials
‘The senior partners have deep knowledge and insight.’
‘Extensive knowledge and skill in a complex and fast-moving area. They are also able to promptly respond to questions, queries, and issues in relation to a complex area.’
‘Ilona Millar has outstanding knowledge and depth of experience in international and domestic climate policy, legislative and regulatory matters.’
Key clients
GrainCorp Limited
PAG
Cleanaway
Norsk Hydro
Kin Group
Bingo Industries Limited
HRL Morrison and Co
Jemena
Bluewaters Power Station
Transport for NSW
KKR
Tellus Holdings
Orica
Nine Network Australia
Holdmark Property Group
Foresight Group
Lendlease
GigaComm
New Century
MP Water
Work highlights
- Advising on the Queensland Department of Environment and Science’s ongoing investigation of PFAS contamination issues at its Pinkenba Facility.
- Advised PAG on the acquisition of Cordina Farms from the Cordina family.
- Advised on the acquisition of all of Suez’s Australian recycling and recovery business via the acquisition of the 100% share capital of Suez Australia Holding Pty Ltd.
Hall & Wilcox
Acting for a varied client roster of utility and social infrastructure providers, public and private stakeholders, as well as government bodies, Hall & Wilcox is known for advising on compensation claims for land acquisition and financial loss. Primarily based in Melbourne, the team has deep knowledge surrounding the development, investigation, remediation of contaminated land. Meg Lee acts for clients in environmental approvals and appeals, while Rory O’Connor focuses on development and infrastructure projects. Brisbane's Brendan Tobin frequently handles climate change litigation and greenfield project approvals, while Stan Kondilios, who leads the Sydney group, assists clients with development proposals, ensuring they are environmentally sustainable. Natalie Bannister is skilled in handling environmental disputes, and Luke Denham frequently advises on land compensation.
Practice head(s):
Meg Lee; Rory O’Connor; Stan Kondilios; Brendan Tobin; Natalie Bannister
Other key lawyers:
Luke Denham
Testimonials
‘Hall & Wilcox provide a great service, with clear advice and attention to detail. The firm is highly experienced in planning and environment, and capable of managing transactional work, through to complex proceedings and large scale assessment and approval processes.’
‘Meg Lee provides an excellent service. She cares about our business, and brings together the technical skills of her firm with sound strategic judgment that has a clear focus on outcomes.’
‘Dedicated responsive team. Great team to interact with. They are happy to advise strongly against courses of action, even when there is political pressure to take a certain position.’
‘Stan Kondilios provides clear, firm, and sound advice, even when it may not be what we as clients want to hear, which gives me confidence they are acting in our best interests. Always super responsive and when dealing with your matter.’
Key clients
Department of Environment Land Water and Planning VIC, now Department of Transport and Planning
Riverlee Caruso Epping Pty Ltd
City of Kingston
Victorian Rail Track Corporation
Scentre Group
Southeastern Infrastructure Management Group Ltd
Greater Geelong City Council
Dandy Premix Concrete Pty Ltd
Sterling Global
Minister for Planning
Elanora Offshore Dev Co Pty Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Elanora Offshore on its application for a feasibility licence for the development of an offshore wind farm in the Gippsland Declared Area.
- Advised the Minister for Planning and the Department in an Advisory Committee process in relation to the Declaration of the Bass Coast as a Distinctive Area and Landscape.
- Advising Grollo Carbon Ventures on its proposal to operate and manage carbon farming initiatives on various properties.
Addisons
In Sydney, the environment and planning department at Addisons is particularly experienced in advising on urban development project approvals, acting for a number of public sector clients. Practice co-head Penny Murray frequently advises landowners on compensation claims for government resumptions of land, while co-head Harshane Kahagalle is proficient in securing development approvals. Lee Cone is particularly adept at advising on commercial, mixed use and residential developments.
Practice head(s):
Penny Murray; Harshane Kahagalle
Other key lawyers:
Lee Cone
Testimonials
‘In-depth subject matter expertise.’
‘We have have enormous confidence in Penny Murray’s technical and practical expertise. Penny is regarded as a go-to lawyer in NSW for planning matters.’
‘Deep commercial knowledge and ability to connect technical legal arguments to business outcomes.’
Key clients
Mirvac
Stockland
Dexus
Cbus Property
Vicinity Centres
Novm
Toga
Country Leisure
Bega Cheese
InvoCare Australia Limited
Payce
Merivale
Pacific Bay Resort
Stargate Property Group
HSN Property Group
Growthbuilt
Levande
Centuria Healthcare
Work highlights
- Advised Mirvac on achieving planning approval for a residential strata and community title development at West Pennant Hills in Sydney.
- Advising Toga on its Marrickville development.
- Advising Vicinity Centres on its planning proposal and redevelopment for Bankstown Shopping Centre.
Baker McKenzie
Baker McKenzie is particularly adept at assisting clients with the contamination, environmental and planning aspects of major projects, including airports, education facilities, and means of transport. Samuel Allam’s practice involves advice on due diligence transactions, energy and infrastructure projects as well as land and environmental litigation. Brisbane-based Anna Vella joined the team from King & Wood Mallesons in November 2022 and is noted for her capabilities in planning litigation proceedings and renewable energy projects. Ex-practice head Ruth Dawes has since left the firm.
Other key lawyers:
Samuel Allam; Odette Adams; Amber Hu; Anna Vella
Testimonials
‘The partners are able to solve the most complex of planning issues.’
Key clients
Queensland Department of Environment and Science
Infrastructure New South Wales
Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute
VicForests
Providence Climate Capital
Bursa Malaysia
Work highlights
- Acted for the Queensland Treasury and Department of Environment and Science in relation to the Queensland Government’s $500m Land Restoration Fund.
- Advised Infrastructure NSW on the planning and environment matters relating to the State Significant Development concept application for the Powerhouse Ultimo Renewal project.
- Advised solar farm developer Providence Climate Capital in obtaining approval from the Land and Environment Court for a photovoltaic solar farm and associated infrastructure under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Clyde & Co LLP
Clyde & Co LLP handles the full-spectrum of environmental law matters, including climate change related issues, and crisis management. Jacinta Studdert leads the Sydney based team, and is noted for her broad expertise in acting in cases concerning infrastructure, project and property development. Matthew Thornton-Dibb and Valencia Govender specialise in incident and pollution responses. Nicola Irwin-Faulks is another key member of the team.
Practice head(s):
Jacinta Studdert
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Thornton-Dibb; Valencia Govender; Nicola Irwin-Faulks
Key clients
Minderoo Foundation
Work highlights
- Contributed to the research report prepared by the Minderoo Foundation, entitled “The Price of Plastic Pollution – Social Costs and Corporate Liabilities”. The report is a deep dive into the liability risks arising from the manufacture, distribution, use and disposal of plastics and looks at viable legal pathways for plastics litigation,
Johnson Winter Slattery
Biodiversity, cultural heritage and waste, environmental approvals and compliance remain key areas of focus for the Sydney based practice at Johnson Winter Slattery. The team frequently assists clients with sustainability considerations and corporate supply chains. Samatha Daly leads the group and is skilled in acting in environment and planning litigation, in addition to advising on environmental incidents and investigations. Angus Hanna is active across the mining, resources, and waste sectors.
Practice head(s):
Samantha Daly
Other key lawyers:
Angus Hanna; William Oxby; Heather Pym
Testimonials
‘Samantha Daly’s team at Johnson Winter Slattery has particular strength in the combination of litigation capability and experience and an exceptional quality of client service considered holistically and not in a narrow legal sense.’
‘Sam Daly understands people. She understands how to listen to clients and hear what clients are saying about their interests.’
‘They are the leading firm in NSW for advice on environment and planning and native title issues in the resources industry with extensive experience on all aspects from mine conception through to mine operation and then mine closure.’
Key clients
Greenspot
Glencore
Grafil
GrainCorp
Independent schools
CMOC Northparkes mine
TPG Telecom Limited
GB Energy Holdings Limited
Nonferral Recycling Pty Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised Greenspot, a joint venture between the owners of Borg and Bettergrow, in the repurposing of the old Wallerawang coal-fired power station.
- Advised Glencore on the planning and environmental approvals required for the Mount Owen Complex in the Hunter Valley.
- Represented Mangoola Coal Operations (a Glencore subsidiary) in proceedings in the Land and Environment Court and the NSW Supreme Court against Muswellbrook Shire Council.
Pinsent Masons LLP
Pinsent Masons LLP handles a broad range of issues relating to projects in the energy and renewables, infrastructure, and industrial sectors. Other areas of expertise for the Sydney based team include crisis management and incident response related matters, and issues concerning pollution and contamination. Hailed by clients as a 'leading partner in the field', practice head Kirstie Richards has vast experience in handling land access matters and environmental and planning litigation, while Alec Kibblewhite regularly advises on mining projects.
Practice head(s):
Kirstie Richards
Other key lawyers:
Alec Kibblewhite
Testimonials
‘The team’s strengths include their availability and ability to turn advice around so quickly.’
‘Kirstie Richards is a leading partner in the field. We rely on her for a huge range of environment and planning advice. Her advice is always spot on, pragmatic and commercial.’
Key clients
AGL Energy Limited
Vestas Development Australia Pty Ltd
Tilt Renewables Australia Pty Ltd
Beijing Jingneng Clean Energy (Australia) Pty Ltd
Wollar Solar Development Pty Ltd
Fuchs Lubricants (Australasia) Pty Ltd
EDF Renewables Australia Pty Ltd
Someva Pty Ltd
Iberdrola Australia Limited
Orica Australia Pty Limited
Work highlights
- Advising Beijing Jingneng Clean Energy (Australia) Pty Ltd on planning and environmental issues associated with the recently constructed 110MW Biala Wind Farm.
- Advising Someva Pty Ltd on environmental and planning issues associated with the proposed 150 MW Coonerang Wind Farm in NSW.
- Advising AGL Energy Limited (AGL) on a wide range of planning, approval, environmental and contamination issues associated with a vast number of power stations, gas storage, and pumped hydro facilities.
Piper Alderman
The team at Piper Alderman, primarily based in Adelaide, exhibits broad expertise in due diligence, environmental enforcement, and regulatory aspects of major projects, with particular emphasis on environmental compliance requirements. Ashley Watson is a key contact for government authorities, while Kathryn Walker has deep knowledge of carbon capture and storage related issues, planning approvals, and water infrastructure matters. Sydney's Paul Vergotis is experienced in advising clients on procedural matters falling under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation.
Practice head(s):
Paul Vergotis; Kathryn Walker; Ashley Watson
Other key lawyers:
Alicia Chryssochoides
Testimonials
‘Piper Alderman’s Environment and Planning team has a strong network of qualified experts in the design and building industry and this gives them a competitive edge.’
‘The team stands out for their personable approach, drive to achieve positive outcomes, and efficient communication.’
‘Piper Alderman delivers a personalised intuitive service, providing exceptional and timely professional advice.’
‘A highly professional firm with very capable staff.’
‘I found the team to be very knowledgeable and easy to work with. The team members are very engaging and are prompt in answering emails and enquiries.’
‘Kathryn Walker is exceptional – competent, friendly and a great communicator.’
‘Kathryn Walker has provided an outstanding and exemplary service, she is highly knowledgeable, reactive, and personalised. Kathryn was always readily available to provide advice, was prompt, exact and clearly understood the processes to achieve to the desired outcomes.’
‘Paul Vergotis is very to the point and well versed in this field, offering strategic direction for matters.’
Key clients
Cohen Group
Department of Planning & Transport South Australia
Hall Chadwick
Forme Projex
Flagship Property Holdings
JAMG Holdings Pty Ltd
Hanson Construction Materials
Cooper Standard Automotive Pty Ltd
Fletcher Building
Burke Urban
Forme Projex
Wilderness College
Symal Infrastructure Pty Ltd
West Bowden Developments
Lucas Total Contract Solutions
Surewin Parkview Pty Ltd
Duke Developments Australia 4 Pty Ltd
QMS Media
Akuo Energy Pacific Pty Ltd
TRW Automotive
Archer Materials Limited
IGO Limited
National Trust Of South Australia
Prodigy Gold NL
Work highlights
- Advising the Department for Planning and Transport, South Australia on the $15.4bn Torrens to Darlington (T2D) motorway project.
- Represented property developer JAMG Holdings Pty Ltd (JAMG) in a Land and Environment Court of NSW appeal against a local Council for the refusal of a development application for a residential building valued at approximately AUD$10m.
- Advising and representing Hanson Construction Materials in a process leading to the potential extension of the largest quarries servicing the needs of South Australia.