The MacDonnells Law Planning and Environment Team has substantial knowledge of the legislation affecting land use and development. Our planning and environment practice is one of the most extensive in Queensland and our planning and environment team members are well versed in advising on complex matters for both local governments and developers.
MacDonnells Law's planning and environment law practice is unique, as our team is based in the three busiest development centres in Queensland: Brisbane, Cairns and Townsville. The synergy and benefits this provides ensures our entire Planning and Environment team is always aware of the latest developments in planning and environment case law practice and procedure across Queensland.
Led by Partner Moya Steele (Townsville), the Planning and Environment Team works in close association with the Government, Native Title and Commercial Teams to draw on the resources of MacDonnells Law's full service offering.
The specific areas of the MacDonnells Law Planning and Environment Team's expertise include:
Litigation
- planning appeals and enforcement proceedings
- compensation claims
- prosecutions
Legal Compliance and Due Diligence
- file and procedure audits
- reports on compliance with legislation
- preparation of manuals, checklists, and procedures
- reviewing commercial documents and advising on due diligence
Advisory
- IPA/IDAS
- provision and funding of infrastructure
- environmental
- planning
- relationship with native title
- compensation
- environmental health
- workplace healthand safety
- heritage and conservation issues
- local laws
- industrial relations
Project Management
Project management, of large complex developments for developers and local governments alike, is part of the service offered by MacDonnells Law's Planning and Environment team. Examples of matters conducted include the project management of environmental impact assessment, through State and Federal legislation, for the Townsville Ocean Terminal Project, a development of State significance. We also processed the approvals management of the redevelopment of strategic port land in Cairns (City Port).
General Property Services
- compensation, valuation and resumption
- covenants and easements
- contractsand leases
Drafting
- planning instruments
- infrastructure agreements
- local laws
- land management/conservation agreements
- commercial agreements
Awards
MacDonnells Law was a co-recipient of the Planning Institute of Australia's National Award for Excellence in Urban Planning in 2004 as a result of our extensive involvement in the drafting of Thuringowa City Council's IPA Scheme.
MacDonnells Law was recently recognised for its expertise in environmental law when the Australasian Legal Business Magazine conducted research into the leading players in environmental law in early 2008. The research revealed praise from MacDonnells Law clients about the firm's 'well organised' environmental law practice.
