Environment & Planning

Environment and planning law sets many of the parameters and legal boundaries for any development. Without a proper understanding of how it works and what restrictions apply, a development can come unstuck.

The interaction between environment and planning laws, such as the Local Government Act  1993 and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act  1979, can be nuanced, complicated and multi-layered. There are often substantial grey areas, where it’s hard to understand exactly what’s allowed and what’s not.

To overcome this ambiguity and get certainty around environment and planning law, you need broad knowledge, a practical understanding of the issues involved and the ability to understand the arguments and challenges from all sides.

That’s why our environment and planning team prides itself on the breadth of its experience. We’ve worked for local council authorities, developers, architects, town planners and others. From advising on an environmental impact assessment through to challenging decisions in the Land and Environment Court, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you reach the best outcome.

We can:

• Let you know exactly how the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act  1979 affects you, whether you’re a government authority, developer or other player in the industry.

• Advise you on your rights and obligations when it comes to environmental impact assessments so that you understand what you need to do to succeed.

• Represent you in the Land and Environment Court so that you have the best chance of reaching the right outcome.

• Defend you against any environmental prosecution.

• Help you resolve an environmental or planning dispute through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as mediation or conciliation.

• Advise you on wastewater treatment and water rights so that you know exactly where you stand.

• Advise and represent you when you are on the receiving end of an Environmental Protection Order.

• Advise you on your rights and obligations when it comes to contaminated land.

• Advise you on your obligations when it comes to tendering, meeting procedures and probity.

• Work with you to navigate heritage issues so that you reach the best possible outcome.

• Help you bring an urgent injunction (or defend an application for an urgent injunction) under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act  1997 or other related legislation.

• Represent you when your property is being compulsorily acquired or act for on your behalf against a challenge to the determination of compensation.

Publication