Environment and Planning Litigation

Applications for development approval of major projects often involve litigation through specialist courts and our reputation in this area of practice is second to none. Our litigators have extensive experience in matters involving appeals, prosecutions for environmental offences, and the enforcement of planning laws.

Effective management of legal issues and development approval processes are key elements of our service. This is particularly important given the complex planning environment and regulatory regimes in Queensland and New South Wales, where effective advice can save years in the approval process.

We also guide clients through environmental investigations by state and territory environmental regulators, under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Once development applications have been approved our advice is geared to ensure that our clients are fully informed about their ongoing environment and planning obligations, and the actions required to ensure those obligations are met. In the event of an alleged breach, we develop appropriate response strategies to minimise the risks and defend our clients in the event of ensuing litigation or prosecution.