Firms To Watch: Environment and planning

Ruth Dawes joined and kickstarted HFW‘s environmental practice in December 2023. Dawes has extensive experience in the full spectrum of environmental and climate change law issues, including transactional and contentious matters.

Environment and planning in Australia

Clayton Utz

Clayton Utz houses one of Australia’s leading environment and planning practices, renowned for handling the full range of complex and high-profile projects. The team also has extensive litigation expertise and is a key point of contact for emerging environmental and climate regulatory issues. Practice leader Claire Smith specialises in energy transition and climate litigation. Brendan Bateman is highly experienced in the assessment, approval, and delivery of major infrastructure projects. Alongside her work in environmental litigation, Karen Trainor often advises on energy transition projects. John Clayton routinely acts for government bodies and private developers, while Alison Packham has deep knowledge of the impact of environmental and planning laws on major projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Claire Smith


Autres avocats clés:

Brendan Bateman; Karen Trainor; Sallyanne Everett; Nick Thomas; Damien Gardiner; Lucy Shea; Wendy Evans; Mark Brady; John Clayton; William Bartley; Alison Packham


Les références

‘Claire Smith and her team can provide to clients specialist advice in the contaminated land and environmental planning spaces that is a relatively unique offering in the market.. 

‘I love the collaboration opportunities with the planning team. We have a number of geographically adjacent matters with similar characters across appeals and the combination of understanding the bigger picture and the interrelating characteristics of matters is important.’ 

‘With collaboration between the teams, we have been able to work together and build overall solutions rather than piecemeal approach to appeals. Our scheduled catch ups are something we all look forward to.’

Principaux clients

PEXA


Novocastrian Wind


EnergyAustralia


Jemena


Australia Rail Track Corporation


Develop


New Hope Mining Corporation


Tianqi Lithium Energy Australia


Department of Transport


Macquarie Bank


Queensland Hydro


Sydney Water


Squadron Energy


Enel Green Power


Hanson


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Property Exchange concerning the launch of a climate/hazard risk report.
  • Advising on all environmental and planning aspects of the Inland Rail Program.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Norton Rose Fulbright boasts a large and dedicated environmental planning practice; the team is especially renowned for its work on large-scale greenfield and brownfield developments, as well as compulsory land acquisitions. Team head Elizabeth Wild has longstanding experience in contaminated land and remediation law. Anneliese Korber, a seasoned litigator, frequently acts in compulsory acquisitions on behalf of government clients. Krista MacPherson’s deep knowledge of environmental law makes her a key contact for major public and private sector clients. Both Elisa de Wit and Rebecca Hoare are highly-regarded for their expertise in climate change law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Elizabeth Wild


Autres avocats clés:

Elisa de Wit; Rebecca Hoare; Tamara Brezzi; Nick Sutton; Anneliese Korber; Jacqueline Plant; Sally Macindoe; Krista MacPherson


Principaux clients

Queensland Government


BHP Group


Chevron New Energies


Perth Airport


Mirvac BTR Developments


Cleanaway Operations


Mitsubishi Electric Australia


Arrow Energy


J C Decaux Australia


NSW Government


Cross River Rail Delivery Authority


Hi-Quality Quarry Products


RZ Resources


Solveco


NatureCo


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Chevron New Energies, conducted legal due diligence on Northern Territory assets.
  • Advised the NSW Energy Corporation on the establishment of renewable energy zones across NSW.
  • Supported Arrow Energy in its development of the Surat Gas Project.

Allens

Allens often advises public and private sector clients on litigation and high-profile energy and decarbonisation projects, regularly guiding projects from planning and approval through to delivery. Bill McCredie’s wide-ranging practice focuses on major project development, environmental compliance, and regulatory approvals. Felicity Rourke has substantial courtroom experience, handling planning appeals, statutory approval challenges, and land acquisition compensation claims. Eve Lynch handles both transactional work and environmental litigation, while Naomi Bergman plays a key role in advancing major energy, infrastructure, and real estate projects by securing planning and environmental approvals. Jillian Button, a specialist in environmental law, heads the firm’s climate change and ESG practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Graves


Autres avocats clés:

David McLeish; Victoria Holthouse; John Beckinsale; Annabelle Aland; Nigel Papi; Tim Chislett; Eugene Tan; Jillian Button; Felicity Rourke


Les références

‘The team is responsive and able to turn around work on time.’ 

‘They are happy to engage with other experts in the firm for perspectives outside their area of expertise. This is less common at other firms.’

‘Outstanding in all respects. Extremely well organised, extensive knowledge of subject matter, extremely clear communicators, excellent case management, very well organised and superb at coordinating a large team of people.’ 

Principaux clients

Warburg Pincus


Tilt


Aware Super


Elanor Investors


Mirvac Group


Logos


The State of Queensland


Charter Hall


Aqualand


Energy Corporation of NSW


Australian Unity


Vicinity Centres


Aqualand


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for Mirvac Group in the establishment of the Mirvac Industrial Venture.
  • Advising both Stockland and the CHPs on their bid to the NSW Government to redevelop Waterloo Estate.
  • Advising Tilt on the Liverpool Wind Farm.

Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Corrs Chambers Westgarth combines its expertise in contamination and pollution with its ability to advance large-scale infrastructure projects. Christine Covington’s diverse client base includes property developers, trusts, industrial corporates, charities, and government agencies. Louise Camenzuli is well-placed to advise on significant infrastructure projects, and Anna White’s practice increasingly focuses on climate-related financial disclosure standards, carbon credits, and approval pathways. Brent Lillywhite enhances the team with his experience in environmental and planning litigation. Michael Leong remains a key contact for development and infrastructure initiatives.

Responsables de la pratique:

Louise Camenzuli


Autres avocats clés:

Christine Covington; Anna White; Michael Leong; Brent Lillywhite; Rosie Syme; Kirsty Davis; Max Newman; Samuel Volling


Les références

‘The Corrs team members that I have worked with genuinely care about people and the planet, finding time to apply effort and excellence to these priorities, within what is clearly a heavy case load.’

‘The team at Corrs is always available to assist and it includes people with appropriate skills and interest.’

‘The individual practitioners bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the task.’

Principaux clients

BUMA Australia


Senex Energy


NSW Government


Northern Territory Government


Santos


AGL


Transgrid


Stockland


Nbn


Mirvac


Investa and Oxford Properties


Coles


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Powerlink Queensland on all environment and planning requirements for the CopperString 2032 development.
  • Acted for Stockland on its acquisition of 12 of Landlease’s actively trading master planned communities projects.
  • Advising on the delivery of the Hunter Gas Pipeline and Narrabri Lateral Pipeline.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP is widely recognised for its work on cutting-edge energy transition projects, spanning traditional renewables like offshore wind to emerging technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS). The team provides extensive support on land and statutory approvals throughout the project lifecycle, while expertly handling appeals and challenges as needed. With her deep regulatory knowledge and strategic insight, Melanie Debenham assists both private and government clients with complex environmental and planning matters. Peter Briggs is a renowned litigator who has experience across all levels of the Australian judicial system. Kathryn Pacey’s significant role in policy and legislation development attests to her leading position in the field.

Responsables de la pratique:

Peter Briggs


Autres avocats clés:

Melanie Debenham; Heidi Asten; Kathryn Pacey; Naomi Hutchings; Rebecca Davie; Tom Dougherty; Rachel Fool


Principaux clients

Victorian Government NSW


Glencore


Acciona


Lendlease Corp


Dexus


RES


Windlab


Principaux dossiers


King & Wood Mallesons

King & Wood Mallesons routinely acts for both domestic and international clients in complex transactional and contentious matters. Matthew Austin is a recognised expert on emerging environmental and planning risks. Mark Beaufoy predominantly advises blue-chip corporates and has been involved in significant brownfield development projects. Sally Audeyev's workload consists of high-profile industrial, residential, and corporate developments. Michael Causer specialises in advisory work at the nexus of real estate and infrastructure. Alongside handling a vast transactional portfolio, Michelle Astridge frequently represents clients in Australian courts in cases concerning development projects, prosecutions, and judicial reviews.

Responsables de la pratique:

Matthew Austin; Scott Singleton


Autres avocats clés:

Mark Beaufoy; Sally Audeyev; Michael Causer; Michelle Astridge; Kate Dean; Emily Heffernan; Tom Crompton; Bridget Phelan; Anna Bond


Les références

‘In relation to compulsory Government acquisitions KWM (Michael Causer) are industry leaders and the benchmark. Great track record, great team depth and experience.’

‘The experience that Michael Causer has in compulsory acquisitions is unmatched. He is head and shoulders above anyone else in the industry. Our corporate lawyers referred us to him specifically for this asset/purchase to ensure an acceptable outcome.’

‘Excellent, next level knowledge of their area of the law. Exceptional attention to detail. Ability to get across a large volume of documents in a short time. Good availability. Commercially savvy.’

Principaux clients

Rio Tinto


Brookfield


Dexus


Telstra


Aurizon


Frasers Property


BlueScope Steel


Stockland


BHP


Australian Rail Track Corporation


AGL Energy


APA Group


Gladstone Ports Corporation


Lendlease


Sunwater


Origin


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised BHP Mitsubishi Alliance on the US$4.1bn divestment of its two metallurgical mines.
  • Advising AEMO on the $3.4bn TCV VNI West transmission project.
  • Advising ENGIE on one of the largest EESs conducted in Victoria to date.

Maddocks

Maddocks’ client roster features a diverse array of state government departments, agencies, and authorities. Urban renewal and contaminated land management are core elements of this active practice, which is supported by a strong team of experienced litigators. Michael Winram has extensive experience in representing major utilities clients, energy companies, and developers. Maria Marshall is a key contact for government authorities, handling environmental disputes, approval processes, and compulsory acquisition matters. Breellen Warry has wide-ranging expertise in planning and environmental law, encompassing approval processes, waste regulation, biodiversity conservation, and heritage concerns.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Winram; Maria Marshall


Autres avocats clés:

Breellen Warry; Joshua Same; Terry Montebello; Briana Eastaugh; Patrick Ibbotson; Chris Cantor; Rosalie Byrne


Les références

‘The quality of service provided by Maddocks is outstanding. They are highly skilled in this practice area, and provide responsive, strategic, and well-organised support. They are very collaborative in their approach and make it their business to understand their client’s business and operating environment.’ 

‘I would like to call out Rosalie Byrne and Michael Winram in particular for the outstanding quality of their work. They are equally effective in managing highly complex large scale matters and small but strategically important pieces of advice, always responsive and adaptive.’ 

‘The Maddocks team has deep and broad knowledge of matters of relevance to the Local Government sector, well beyond the categories of environment and planning.’ 

Principaux clients

Airservices Australia


Whitehorse City Council


Infrastructure NSW


Moyne Shire Council


REMONDIS Australia


Yarra City Council


Willoughby City Council


Yarra City Council


Yarra City Council and Stonnington City Council


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisting Airservices Australia in response to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.
  • Appeared as an advocate for Whitehorse City Council to protect the Council’s financial interests in a proposed redevelopment.
  • Advising Infrastructure NSW on a planning agreement and infrastructure contributions for the Blackwattle Bay Precinct.

Minter Ellison

The team at Minter Ellison focuses on three core areas: planning, environment, and compliance. In addition to its work with government clients, the group regularly advises major corporates on residential and mixed-use developments, with a strong track record in high-profile planning approvals. Simon Ball is highly-skilled in handling complex planning, native title, mining, and administrative law issues. Luke Walker is well-equipped to advise clients on infrastructure, residential, and waste processing projects. Tim Hanmore offers deep expertise in the mining and resources sectors, while Joshua Dellios is a key name for renewable energy matters. John Whitehouse leverages his governmental experience in his versatile planning practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Simon Ball


Autres avocats clés:

Tim Hanmore; Luke Walker; Johsua Dellios; John Whitehouse; Jeremy Hill; Nada Raphael; Alex Skilling; Jarryd Gray


Les références

‘The practice provides practical, commercial legal advice. The practice has a deep understanding of our business and the risks facing both our business and the broader resources industry.’

‘Simon Ball, a partner based in Sydney, has invested significant time, effort and energy in developing personal relationships within our business and with understanding the risks and challenges facing the business and sector.’ 

‘The team are accessible and provides timely advice and solutions. Use of technology-based share files makes for prompt turnarounds and ease of consolidation of comments and instructions. ’

Principaux clients

Yancoal


Stanwell Corporation


Neilsens Quality Gravels


Heritage Minerals


Dexus


Iluka Resources


Neoen


Macquarie Point Development Corporation


Barunga West Council


Principaux dossiers


  • Advises Yancoal on all aspects of environment and planning legislation in respect of its various NSW coal mines.
  • Conducted 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 concerning the Kentbruck Green Power Hub.

White & Case

Energy transition is a cornerstone of White & Case's environment and planning practice. The team is particularly noted for its involvement in major offshore wind projects, both in Australia and internationally. Beyond renewable energy, the group is active across the transport and mining sectors and is recognised for its expertise in land contamination. Practice head Tim Power leads on a variety of high-profile infrastructure and renewable energy projects. Michelle Keen is well-known for her expertise in the renewable energy space. Fiona Curl’s extensive infrastructure knowledge is showcased through her work on the AUD 50 billion Suburban Rail Loop East project.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tim Power


Autres avocats clés:

Michelle Keen; Fiona Curl; Kirsty Campbell; Zachary Tyler


Les références

‘Unrivalled expertise in Victorian planning and enviro law. ’

‘Tim Power and Fiona Curl are an absolute powerhouse. Frank is, a pragmatic and clever advisor who doesn’t shy away from a challenge and who will always look for solutions on very thorny issues.’

‘The W&C Planning and Environment team has great depth from Partner to Associate level, with great experience across the sector to enable the provision of value for money services and ensure that key risks are appropriately covered.’ 

Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers assessment and approval of the US$4.2 billion greenfield Karratha Urea Project.
  • Advising Crowley Government Services concerning the development of a fuel storage facility in Northern Territory.
  • Advising the sponsors on the development of Australia’s first offshore wind project ‘Star of the South’.

Colin Biggers & Paisley

Colin Biggers & Paisley is well-equipped to advise on major development and infrastructure projects. Ian Wright brings extensive expertise in planning and development matters. Ben Caldwell continues to oversee high-profile matters for government and city council clients, while Todd Neal frequently advises on large-scale urban development projects. David Passarella remains a key contact for residential and mixed-use developments.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ian Wright


Autres avocats clés:

Ben Caldwell; Todd Neal; David Passarella; Nadia Czachor; Katherine Pickerd


Principaux clients

Brisbane City Council


Logan City Council


The Scots College


Sunshine Coast Regional Council


MacDonald’s Aus


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted and settled Class 1 Land and Environment Court proceedings for Serenitas Management.
  • Acting in the development of Palmview Master Planned Area.
  • Advised and represented Henlow in a VCAT Appeal concerning a luxury multi-level development.

Gilbert + Tobin

Gilbert + Tobin’s strong expertise in environment and planning enables the firm to advise on major projects across a range of critical industries. The team also has in-depth knowledge of litigation and investigations, acting for a variety of domestic and multinational corporate clients. Led by Ben Fuller, the group continues to handle a broad spectrum of high-profile environment, planning, and climate change matters. Ilona Millar offers specialist expertise in climate law and finance, providing innovative solutions to sustainability challenges.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ben Fuller


Autres avocats clés:

Ilona Millar


Les références

‘The team is always able to turn around advice within (often quite short) deadlines. The team always strikes the right balance with ensuring that the particular task is completed by an appropriately senior or junior lawyer (as required).’ 

‘Ben Fuller is refreshingly commercial and approachable and has his finger on the pulse with new laws and emerging political issues.’ 

‘I have been thoroughly impressed with G&T’s deep technical expertise of ESG legal thematics.’ 

Principaux clients

Norsk Hydro ASA


Cleanaway


Starwood Capital


Alinta Energy


GreenCollar Group


Peregrine Corporation


Carlyle Group


Jemena


Telstra


BlueScope Steel


Orica


Virgin Australia


Asahi Holdings


Glencore


Yancoal


GrainCorp


Neptune Energy


Engie


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising AfN on a proposed approach to labelling carbon credits with co-benefits certified through the AfN framework.
  • Advising on the development of the overarching standard that provides the rules that all projects must comply with.
  • Advising Hydro on a biodiversity certification agreement (BCA).

Hall & Wilcox

Hall & Wilcox is recommended for its work with state and local governments, as well as utility providers; this specialised expertise has also attracted clients from the circular economy and fossil fuel sectors. Meg Lee is a key contact for both government bodies and private sector clients, renowned for her exceptional environment and planning expertise. Rory O’Connor focuses on large-scale development and infrastructure projects, compulsory land acquisition, and prosecutions. Brendan Tobin frequently assists with greenfield projects, mining lease processes, and native title. Stan Kondilios and Natalie Bannister are also key members of the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Meg Lee; Rory O’Connor; Brendan Tobin; Natalie Bannister; Stan Kondilios


Autres avocats clés:

Alison Thorp; Luke Denham; Gus Haseler; Sal Lennon


Principaux clients

Minister for Planning


YourLand Developments


Sterling Global Huntingdale Estate Nominees


Reinforced Concrete Pipes Australia


McCloy Services


McKendrick Family Nominees


Yarra City Council


City of Kingston


Goldwind Australia


Squadron Energy


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for the Minister for Planning in a Standing Advisory Committee hearing.
  • Advising Reinforced Concrete Pipes Australia (RCPA) on a range of environmental compliance and environmental approval issues.
  • Acting for the City of Kingston in undertaking a comprehensive review of planning decision-making and approvals.

Piper Alderman

Piper Alderman’s specialised team regularly advises on planning disputes, native title, regulatory issues, and emerging ESG concerns. The team is increasingly involved in major renewable energy projects. Paul Vergotis‘ broad practice is strengthened by his deep expertise in town planning and environmental compliance. Ashley Watson provides comprehensive advice on environmental law compliance and breaches. Katie Winterbourne often advises clients across the resources, energy, and infrastructure sectors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paul Vergotis; Ashley Watson; Katie Winterbourne


Autres avocats clés:

Alicia Chryssochoides


Les références

‘My experience comes as an expert witness in proceedings. Piper Alderman work closely with expert witnesses and architects to address contentions to reduce areas of disagreement.’ 

‘I have worked with Paul Vergotis on several matters. Success in these matters has come down to Paul’s attention to detail, ability to negotiate and have a sound knowledge of planning legislation and local controls.’

‘Very good knowledge of regulations around contamination and environment, and sound practical advice on how to navigate the way through. ’

Principaux clients

Adelaide Brighton


Archer Materials


Bis Industries


Burke Urban


Cohen Group


Epiroc Australia


Flagship Property Holdings


Fletcher Building


Forme Projex


Hall Chadwick


Hanson Construction Materials


TRW Automotive


West Bowden Developments


Wilderness College


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising the Department for Planning and Transport on the $15.4B Torrens to Darlington motorway project.
  • Represented a client in a Land and Environment Court of NSW appeal.
  • Advising Cooper Standard Automotive on contamination issues at a site previously owned by a third party.

Addisons

Addisons is known for providing the full spectrum of project-related advice, from due diligence and planning through to approvals, acquisitions, and disposals. Penny Murray frequently advises notable corporate clients and represents landowners in compensation claims. Harshane Kahagalle is well-versed in handling high-value projects and environmental litigation. Key team members Natalie Rodwell and Lee Cone further strengthen the firm’s expertise.

Responsables de la pratique:

Penny Murray; Harshane Kahagalle


Autres avocats clés:

Natalie Rodwell; Lee Cone


Les références

‘Highly competent in all areas of practice; easy to deal with; always results-focused’

‘The key standout was their willingness to achieve a commercial deal and develop a strategy to navigate the issue at hand, rather than default to a litigated pathway.’ 

‘Their ability to place us in a strong legal position, then convey a considered message to the government has helped us to come to an agreement before the commencement of any litigation.’ 

Principaux clients

Mirvac


Stockland


Dexus


Cbus Property


Vicinity Centres


Novm


Toga


Centuria Healthcare


Bega Cheese


City of Sydney


Payce


Merivale


Pacific Bay Resort


Stargate Property Group


ISPT


Laxland


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Mirvac on achieving planning approval for a residential strata and community development.
  • Advising Grand Rozelle/Heworth concerning the compulsory acquisition and subsequent recession of the Balmain Leagues Club site.
  • Advising Vicinity Centres on its planning proposal and redevelopment for Bankstown Shopping Centre.

Johnson Winter Slattery

Johnson Winter Slattery is experienced in matters concerning environmental crime, biodiversity, native title, and regulatory compliance. The team also assists various clients with their energy transition projects, including plant redevelopments and decarbonisation measures. Samantha Daly is integral to the firm’s work regarding energy transition and ESG considerations. William Oxby has longstanding experience with land access negotiations and litigious work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Samantha Daly


Autres avocats clés:

William Oxby; Will Dwyer; Jessica Day; Heather Pym; Nethmi Amarasekera


Les références

‘Availability of partner, value for money and exceptional industry knowledge.’ 

‘I’ve only worked with Sam Daly, partner. She is very responsive, delivers legal advice which is spot on and high quality.’ 

Principaux clients

TPG Telecom


ACE Power


Santos


Oz Minerals


MSW Minerals


Origin


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising on a a joint venture between the owners of Borg and Bettergrow, in repurposing the old a coal-fired power station.
  • Advising in respect of planning and environmental approvals required for the Mount Owen Complex.
  • Acting in Class 4 proceedings in the Land and Environment Court and related proceedings in the NSW Supreme Court.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Pinsent Masons LLP's growing environment and planning practice is recognised for its expertise in renewable energy and infrastructure projects. The team regularly advises on environmental regulation, impact assessments, and biodiversity offsets. Kirstie Richards is noted for her work on large-scale energy projects. Florence Riviere joined the practice from PwC in August 2023, bringing in-depth expertise in energy transition.

Responsables de la pratique:

Kristie Richards


Autres avocats clés:

Florence Riviere


Les références

‘Kirstie Richards continuously delivers clear, pragmatic advice . She works hard to deliver for us, with the appropriate commercial lens applied to the advice.’

‘Kirstie Richards understands our business, our objectives and delivers high quality advice which is able to be communicate to multiple stakeholders.’ 

Principaux clients

AGL Energy


Vestas Development Australia


Tilt Renewables Australia


Someva


EDF


Goldwind


Nacap


DP Energy


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising AGL on a wide range of environmental and planning issues.
  • Advising Tilt Renewables on the planning and environmental approval issues for the MW Liverpool Range Wind Farm in NSW.
  • Advising Vestas on the planning and environmental issues relating to the Lotus Creek Wind Farm.