I am results focussed. It is my job to do more than simply outline the law. I will provide a recommendation based on experience and supported by sound logic. I will always look to simplify unnecessary complexities, and to speak plainly and deliver in a format that suits you.

Career highlights

• Powerlink on major projects including CopperString 2024, compulsory land acquisitions, ministerial infrastructure designations and related matters.
• Heritage Minerals on the approval and redevelopment of the Mount Morgan Gold Mine.
• Ravenswood Gold on the operation of the Ravenswood Gold Mine, and the approval and development of the Buck Reef West expansion.
• Vecco Group on the approval and development of its proposed Debella Vanadium and High Purity Alumina Project.
• Mount Cuthbert Resources on the operation and expansion of its copper assets.
• Stanwell on the approval and development of the Wambo Wind Farm and the CQ-H2 Hydrogen project.
• The Department of Environment and Science in four proceedings under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) relating to the unlawful conduct of environmentally relevant activities.
• The Department of Transport and Main Roads on major infrastructure development.
• The State Assessment and Referral Agency on a range of interesting matters in the Planning and Environment Court.
• Anglo American on the approval, development and expansion of metallurgical coal mines.
• Peabody Energy on environmental and operational matters in Queensland, including on the approval and development of various mines.
• BHP Billiton on all aspects of the proposed open pit expansion of their underground uranium and copper mine at Olympic Dam.
• A short-listed bidder on the environmental and regulatory issues associated with the proposed acquisition of Rio Tinto's assets in Queensland.
• Whitehaven Coal on all aspects of the approval of the Winchester South metallurgical coal mine.
• Kestrel Coal Resources on the approval, development and expansion of the Kestrel metallurgical coal mine.
• Developers and resources companies on the operation of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth).
• A host of confidential private clients responding to environmental investigations and defending enforcement action.

Awards

• Ranked in Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific 2024 for Environment and Planning
• Leading Environment and Heritage Lawyer by Doyle's Guide 2024
• Exclusive winner Australia-wide of the 2018 Client Choice Energy & Natural Resources Award
• Listed as a leading lawyer by Asialaw Profiles 2018

• EPBC Act Reforms - What You Need to Know
  

  Australia's environment laws are undergoing their most significant transformation in a generation. The reforms to the EPBC Act represent a fundamental shift in how environmental protection and project approvals will operate across the country. Find out more from our insights series below.

• COVID-19 and its effect on Environmental Authority holders in Queensland
  

  Does your business hold an Environmental Authority (EA) under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld) (EP Act)? 

• The water trigger expands: Federal Court rules on the scope of EPBC Act protection of water resources
  
• MEROLA 2020 structural changes to Queensland energy and resources law
  

  The MEROLA 2020 bill proposes significant structural changes to the operation of energy and resources legislation in Queensland.

   

• Land Court refuses thermal coal mine on climate change and human rights grounds
  

  The Land Court's decision in Waratah Coal Pty Ltd v Youth Verdict & Ors [2022] QLC 21 has broad implications for mining approvals in Queensland and beyond.

• Queensland government introduces broad environmental reform bill
  

  A recently introduced environmental reform bill proposes to have significant implications on Queensland's environmental legal framework.

• Infrastructure designations a new opportunity for social housing programs
  

  The Queensland government has amended the planning legislation to allow infrastructure designations to be used for housing projects developed under the Housing Investment Fund.

• Development control plans: some interesting comments from the P&E Court
  

  A recent Planning and Environment Court decision provides some interesting comments for anybody preparing or assessing applications for development in areas the subject of a development control plan.

• Regulated biodiversity certification and trading scheme announced
  

  The proposed biodiversity certificates and trading scheme will be regulated by the Clean Energy Regulator.

• Abandoning a use right in Queensland
  

  This article considers the Planning and Environment Court decision of Neilsens Concrete Pty Ltd & Anor v Brisbane City Council [2020] QPEC 3 and whether a use right under a development approval can be abandoned.

   

• Federal Court finds threatened ecological community listing valid
  

  A recent Federal Court decision has discussed whether an EPBC Act listing was described with sufficient certainty to make the listing valid.

• Variation requests: a reminder that they cannot be lodged in isolation
  

  A timely reminder that a variation request can only be applied for if there is also a development application for a preliminary approval for some form of development.

   

• Application for judicial review of Minister's call in decision refused
  

  The Supreme Court dismissed an application for judicial review of the Minister's decision to call in Wanless' development application for a resource recovery and landfill facility near Ipswich.

• The Caboolture West interim structure plan: A quick guide
  

  In this update, we take you through a summary of the Caboolture West Interim Structure Plan (CWISP) and what it means for stakeholders in Caboolture West.

   

• Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023 (QLD) introduces broad environmental reform
  

  The Environmental Protection and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2023 (QLD) introduces broad environmental reforms which imposes practical issues that stakeholders must be aware of.

   

• Update: Stage 2 Nature Positive Plan progresses
  

  The Federal Government has progressed 'Stage 2' of its Nature Positive Plan, with proposed new laws passing in the House of Representatives on 4 July 2024.