Current practice
Peter is one of Australia's leading environment and planning lawyers, providing advice to government and corporate clients in a wide range of industries. Peter has broad experience advising on compulsory acquisition, environment, planning and climate issues involving major construction, infrastructure and resources projects. He has advised on some of Australia's largest infrastructure and resource projects and conducted high-profile matters covering ‘all aspects of environmental litigation including planning law advice, contaminated land and pollution matters, project approvals and environmental impact assessments.’ PLC Which Lawyer 2008/09
Peter advises on environment and planning issues affecting corporate mergers and acquisition and property transactions. He also advises at the Board and senior management level about complex and high-risk issues such as environmental due diligence and compliance strategy.
Experience
Peter has advised clients in a number of different areas:
Environmental
Peter has advised on various environmental incidents, EPA investigations and prosecution proceedings. For both corporate and government bodies including defending third party environmental civil enforcement proceedings.
Contaminated land
Peter has advised on a wide range of complex land contamination issues. This has included providing strategic advice on legal obligations and liability, remediation options and assistance in liaising with experts and the EPA. Peter has also conducted complex litigation in the Supreme Court in relation to land and groundwater contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons (such as PCE/ TCE) and other toxic substances.
Planning and impact assessment
Peter has advised government and private sector clients about complex planning law issues under Part 4, Part 5 and Part 3A of the Environmental Protection & Assessment Act. Peter also conducts planning appeals in the Land and Environment Court. . Peter also advises and conducts litigation in relation to Commonwealth environmental legislation.
Re-zoning and heritage
Peter has advised on planning issues associated with the proposed re-zoning of sites, including in relation to the legislative controls applying to master plan sites. Peter also has experience advising on heritage issues associated with the proposed sale of Commonwealth land.
Valuation and compulsory acquisition
Peter has conducted litigation in relation to compulsory acquisition and valuation of land.
Climate change
Peter has advised in relation to carbon reporting, CPRS liability and costs, climate risk and preparation for climate litigation. Peter has also advise on carbon sequestration and forestry agreements.
Compliance
Peter has provided advice, seminars and regular training sessions on EH&S compliance issues.
Professional background
Peter has completed Bachelor of Arts (University of Sydney) 1981, Diploma of Education (University of Sydney) 1985 and Bachelor of Laws (Hons) (University of Sydney) 1990 degrees. He is also admitted to practice in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and the High Court of Australia.
Peter is a member of the Australian Water Association, National Environmental Law Association, Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand, Defence Research Institute (Environmental law – Regulatory Committee) and the International Bar Association.
