Clayton Utz

Clayton Utz offers a ‘wealth of expertise’ on native title and cultural heritage issues, working with major proponents, including mining and mineral companies, energy producers, and public sector organisations, as well as native title holders, on native title issues for projects, the negotiation of agreements with traditional owner groups, and high-stakes disputes between proponents and native title claimants. The firm is notably advising ARTC on native title issues relating to its Inland Rail project, including acquisitions in New South Wales and Queensland, and cultural heritage engagements in several states. The team is led by Brisbane’s Mark Geritz, an experienced adviser on major projects, while Perth’s Lucy Shea is active on environmental and planning issues as they relate to native title. Melbourne-based Damien Gardiner is noted for his work in the energy space, including on emerging energy transition issues, while Brisbane-based Stuart MacGregor takes the lead on cultural heritage issues in the energy and resources sector, and previously handled native title issues for the Crown Solicitor’s office in South Australia. Also in Brisbane, senior associate Georgia Davis is particularly active in negotiating native title and cultural heritage agreements, while Melbourne-based senior associate Robert Stilling combines native title analysis of infrastucture projects with notable experience in representing respondents in native title claims before federal courts.