Clayton Utz, Environment & Planning | Chambers Asia-Pacific Profile

About

Provided by Clayton Utz

The Clayton Utz Environment and Planning team work on some of the most complex infrastructure, energy & resources and property development projects for our clients across multiple jurisdictions and are advising on key emerging national environmental and climate legislation reforms.

The team are involved in Australia's biggest infrastructure projects, including the AUD14.5 billion Inland Rail Program, the nations largest ever rail project, which spans across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The team are also advising on the Level Crossing Removal Program and the AUD50 billion Suburban Rail Loop project, on the precinct integration issues between stations and precincts as well as the North East Link in Victoria.

In the Energy and Resources sector, the team leads significant projects, such as advising Idemitsu Renewable Developments Australia on its flagship renewable energy transition project in the Hunter Valley. This project, located in Australia's oldest mine site, includes large scale solar and a pumped hydro project. We are also advising EnergyCo on the critically important Hunter Transmission project to link renewable energy zones in NSW to high voltage transmission lines to Newcastle and Sydney and TransGrid on the AUD2.5 billion Project EnergyConnect involving the construction of an interconnector between the power grids of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Environment & Planning - Australia

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Clayton Utz maintains a strong focus on public sector infrastructure and development which encompasses rail, road, broadband and urban renewal projects. The environment and planning team also assists leading corporates seeking approvals for mining enterprises or residential, commercial and leisure property developments. Additionally, Clayton Utz represents public and private sector entities in high profile litigation and before inquiries and tribunals addressing environmental issues, as well as advising on regulatory compliance matters. The firm offers expertise in renewable energy, climate change and water matters, and stands out for exploiting new technology to facilitate a rapid reaction to environmental incidents.

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Work Highlights

Clayton Utz advised Queensland Hydro on the environmental approvals, legislative compliance requirements and procurement aspects for two pumped hydro energy storage projects at Borumba and Pioneer-Burdekin.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

The lawyers at Clayton Utz are experienced, responsive, commercial and strategic.

Environment & Planning respondent
Asia-Pacific

Clayton Utz is distinguished by its large team, which has the availability and capacity to be very responsive, even within short timeframes.

Environment & Planning respondent
Asia-Pacific

The lawyers at Clayton Utz are experienced, responsive, commercial and strategic.

Environment & Planning respondent
Asia-Pacific

Clayton Utz is distinguished by its large team, which has the availability and capacity to be very responsive, even within short timeframes.

Environment & Planning respondent
Asia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Karen Trainor

Band 1

Karen Trainor is based in Brisbane and is particularly highly regarded for her representation of mining and resources sector clients in planning approval and contentious environmental mandates.

Karen is highly regarded, experienced and very knowledgeable.

Karen Trainor provides exceptional client service and a depth of knowledge.

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Brendan Bateman

Band 2

Brendan Bateman is a frequent adviser to energy and infrastructure clients on planning approval and environmental matters. He is particularly well-reputed for transport-related mandates.

I have had an excellent experience working with Brendan.

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Claire Smith

Head of Environment & Planning

Band 2

Claire Smith is a versatile Sydney-based partner with expertise spanning the environment, planning and climate change spectrum who advises on a variety of issues, including contaminated land matters and planning disputes.

The quality of Claire's advice is superb and she is very strategic.

Claire is a highly experienced and well-respected lawyer. She is always personable and takes the time to understand the client's needs.

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Sallyanne Everett

Band 2

Sallyanne Everett is a well-regarded Melbourne-based practitioner who is particularly noted for her provision of environment and planning advice to Victorian government clients engaged in major road and rail transportation projects.

Sallyanne Everett is a lateral thinker and has deep knowledge of the Major Transport Project Facilitation Act.

Sallyanne is highly regarded, extremely knowledgeable and experienced.

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Damien Gardiner

Band 3

Damien Gardiner is a respected Melbourne-based practitioner whose environment and planning expertise is substantially focused on environmental impact assessment, contaminated land and land acquisition matters.

Damien has extensive experience in environmental, planning, native title and land acquisition matters. He is able to provide advice in a practical and easily understandable manner.

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Nick Thomas

Band 3

Nick Thomas counts both government entities and private sector players among his clientele, whom he regularly assists with planning, environmental and climate change issues impacting on their infrastructure and utilities projects. He is based in Sydney.

Nick Thomas is highly regarded and recommended. He is extremely knowledgeable, experienced, proactive and always responsive.

Nick has an expert understanding of local and state government planning law, including its restrictions, parameters and allowances.

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