Planning, Environment & Local Government

Experts in the lay of the land

We work with property developers and local government authorities on all aspects of planning, environment and local government law—which can be particularly complex as well as unpredictable.

We know the regulatory environment that applies to development, including the construction and application of environmental planning instruments (SEPPs and LEPs), development control plans, development contribution plans and local policies like the backs of our hands.

We help prepare environmental assessment documents and negotiate voluntary planning agreements. We aim high for planning outcomes—and if litigation required, we know our way around the NSW Land and Environment Court.

Our environmental law expertise covers all aspects of environmental regulation, including compliance issues associated with pollution incidents and environmental damage. Our knowledge of issues like water pollution, air quality and noise comes from experience. Operating in metropolitan and regional areas, we have considerable expertise in ecological issues and issues associated with water.

We help clients develop environmental management systems and manage environmental risk and support them in managing and developing contaminated land.

We are focused on the operational environment that applies to local government authorities. We advise on governance and procurement, and code of conduct issues. We also manage investigations, including investigations by the ICAC. We help councils carry out development assessment and regulatory functions as well as with managing and developing land.

Compulsory acquisition of land—for acquiring authorities and dispossessed owners—is another string in our bow. And we complement that with our understanding of the dynamic and complex laws applying to valuation issues.