Planning and Environment
Navigating complex planning and environment challenges
Navigating planning and environmental laws is critical for the success of any property, infrastructure, or corporate project and in development assessment, merits appeals and enforcement for regulatory authorities. From securing approvals to managing risks, the Planning and Environment team at McCullough Robertson partners with clients to deliver tailored solutions that ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and drive projects forward. With decades of experience advising on some of Australia’s largest and most intricate projects, we bring deep expertise and practical insight to every challenge.
We work alongside developers, state and local governments, property owners, infrastructure operators, funds, and resources and renewables companies to address evolving regulatory requirements while meeting commercial priorities.
We understand the relationships which exist across not only planning and environment but also related laws which form part of a separate or integrated process, requiring careful consideration for any development or infrastructure project. This includes regulatory regimes which interface with planning and environment, including water, transport, flora and fauna management, heritage, coastal erosion, fire safety, building and engineering work.
Advice that covers every stage of your project
From the initial feasibility assessment to project delivery and beyond, we provide seamless support across the entire lifecycle of your project. Working closely with your team and external consultants such as engineers and environmental scientists, we deliver accurate, pragmatic, and commercially focused advice to keep your projects on track.
Our services include:
- Planning approvals and strategy: Securing land use rights, including development approvals, compliance and enforcement advisory, resumptions and compensation, infrastructure planning and funding, infrastructure agreements, tourism-related and mixed-use master planned communities.
- Environmental management: Providing solutions for incident response, regulatory compliance and prosecution, contaminated land, vegetation clearing, water and flood constraints, waste and wastewater, Indigenous cultural heritage, and national environmental significance.
- Dispute resolution and defence: Representing clients in planning and environmental litigation, including merits appeals, declaratory and enforcement proceedings, advising and representing Government and private clients in compulsory acquisition processes and entry powers under resumption and environmental laws.
- Due Diligence and risk mitigation: Supporting acquisitions and sales with robust planning and environmental assessments for residential, industrial, retail, commercial, transport, and mining and renewable projects.
Driving outcomes through collaboration, insight, and expertise
At McCullough Robertson, we understand the challenges and priorities specific to the development, resources and mining sectors. Our proactive and collaborative approach ensures we work alongside you to deliver on time, within budget, and with compliance assured.
We are trusted advisors to clients across Queensland and New South Wales, assisting with high-profile planning and environmental matters for governments and private-sector clients alike. Our deep understanding of policy and legislative changes and applicable regulatory frameworks allows us to identify potential issues early, mitigate risks, and position your projects for success.
Partner with us.
When it comes to planning and environmental matters, McCullough Robertson is your trusted partner for expert guidance and strategic support. Always here to help you to navigate challenges, seize opportunities and achieve your goals. Contact our team today to learn how we can help you.
Our legal expertise
Client results
Your planning and environment team
Let us keep you across the latest developments