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

Provided by Clayton Utz

Clayton Utz advised Idemitsu Renewable Developments Australia on an energy transition project in the Hunter Valley involving the development of a renewable energy technology precinct at the oldest mine site in New South Wales.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Clayton Utz is outstanding in this area. The team has a very thorough knowledge of environmental and planning issues. There is a real depth to the team from partner down to junior solicitors.

Environment & Planning respondent
Asia-Pacific

The combination at Clayton Utz of strong leadership, practical guidance and strategic handling of matters instills confidence that outcomes will be optimised for long-term success.

Environment & Planning respondent
Asia-Pacific

Clayton Utz is outstanding in this area. The team has a very thorough knowledge of environmental and planning issues. There is a real depth to the team from partner down to junior solicitors.

Environment & Planning respondent
Asia-Pacific

The combination at Clayton Utz of strong leadership, practical guidance and strategic handling of matters instills confidence that outcomes will be optimised for long-term success.

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's practical, pragmatic approach, coupled with her extensive awareness of external factors and the political climate, have been very valuable.

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Brendan Bateman

Band 2

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

Brendan is very well respected due to his deep knowledge of the law and his extensive experience with complex and high-profile property matters.

Brendan has most importantly demonstrated an ability to assist in enabling the desired outcome of the client.

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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.

Claire provides exceptional experience and expertise that is unique in the Sydney market.

Claire is a pleasure to work with. She is responsive and strives to provide practical legal advice even in complex scenarios.

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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 inspires confidence as we navigate through matters of significant complexity.

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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 a highly reliable legal professional.

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Damien Gardiner

Band 4

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.

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