Environment & Planning
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : Australia
Band 1
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
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 rapid reaction to environmental incidents. Its key clients include Australian Rail Track Corporation, EnergyAustralia and TransGrid.
Work Highlights
- Clayton Utz acted for Transgrid on securing the environmental and planning approvals under Commonwealth, NSW and Victorian legislation, land access and property acquisition and interface agreements for Project EnergyConnect.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The depth and breadth of the team's knowledge is second to none."
"An excellent team to work with. They are very commercial in their approach - they consider all angles."
"The depth and breadth of the team's knowledge is second to none."
"An excellent team to work with. They are very commercial in their approach - they consider all angles."
Notable Practitioners
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.
"She is great. She's very experienced and well regarded, so she's reliable and good to deal with. I would not hesitate to use her again."
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.
"Brendan has been a renowned expert in environmental law for many years and always provides quality advice."
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.
"She's an excellent adviser with a genuinely strong interest in the area of expertise."
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 has a wealth of knowledge in the planning and environment space and an ability to distil it to a level that can be understood by all."
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.
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.
"He's very well trusted for his pragmatic approach."
Ranked Lawyers at
Clayton Utz
Australia
Members
Provided by Clayton Utz
Alison Packham
Head of Department
John Clayton
Lauren Smith
Lucy Shea
Mark Brady
Robert Stilling
Wendy Evans
William Bartley