Planning and Environment
We advise significant public and private sector clients on large-scale infrastructure and development projects across the country in the context of a dynamic, changing regulatory and legislative framework.
What we do
Our team is known for handling complex, high-profile projects. We specialise in:
- significant re-zoning proposals
- master-planned retail and commercial developments
- justice, policing, and corrections facilities
- residential and retirement villages, including large scale subdivision and high-density urban development
- water and wastewater infrastructure
- tertiary and secondary education campuses
- hospitals and healthcare facilities
- heritage demolition and adaptive re-use proposals
- large-scale energy projects (including wind farms, pumped hydro, solar farms)
We take a collaborative, client-first approach – working alongside top consultants to find smart, practical solutions that manage risk and uncover new opportunities. Our advice is always strategic, grounded, and tailored to each client and project.
We can help with:
- Strategic advice for clients – on the appropriate legal pathways for securing planning and environmental approvals for their projects.
- Utilising alternative methodologies to fast track or otherwise advance development proposals – we've acted for numerous applicants utilising the COVID-19 Recovery (Fast-track Consenting) Act 2020, Natural and Built Environment Act 2023, and Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 processes.
- Leading large, multi-disciplinary teams in securing necessary planning and environmental approvals for projects – including participating in initial-stage workshops to identify and address key risk areas, reviewing application materials, advising on submissions and local authority engagement, reviewing expert evidence briefs, and preparing for and attending hearings.
- Appearances at local authority and Environment Court hearings – and other regulatory bodies and specialist tribunals.
- Environmental and planning due diligence – for clients investigating the acquisition of land or new project opportunities.
- Legislative and/or regulatory changes – including plan reviews, new national directions or new primary legislation. We work with our clients to identify risks and opportunities and advocate for their interests, from full plan review hearings to select committees.
- Enforcement in relation to non-compliances with environmental and planning legislation – and/or approvals granted under that legislation.
- Permitting requirements for hazardous substance management and use – including under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996, the Ozone Layer Protection Act 1996.
