Environment & Planning
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Australia
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+61 2 9258 6000About
Provided by Ashurst
Ashurst has one of the largest and oldest dedicated environmental law practices in Australia. We are consistently viewed by clients as trusted advisors and market leaders.
- Infrastructure and development projects: Our planning law practice is particularly well known and highly regarded as being a key adviser on some of the largest infrastructure and development projects currently being progressed in Australia.
- Environmental litigation: In the past few years our team has been involved in virtually all of the largest environmental litigation in Australia and with success that has built upon its already stellar track record. For example, over the past 20 years we have represented mining companies in more than 50% of all cases in the Federal Court commenced by environmental NGOs and others seeking to overturn federal government approvals of mining projects and we have maintained our 100% success rate throughout.
- Mining projects: Advising on issues to do with the operation and development of major new mining projects across Australia. Our team has also consolidated its leading reputation in mine rehabilitation which is a subject of ever-increasing regulatory and community focus. Regulatory compliance of the mining and gas sectors in Australia continues to be a significant issue and our team has assisted various clients in relation to investigations and enforcement action taken by regulators.
Chambers Review
Ashurst's formidable expertise is applied on behalf of both public and private sector clients in obtaining planning and environmental approvals for infrastructure projects, as well as regulatory approvals for mining and renewable energy projects. The team frequently advises clients on litigation, particularly defending contamination prosecutions and challenges to mining project approvals. The law firm is also active in major inquiries and regulatory investigations at both the national and state levels, and able to draw on the global Ashurst network for jurisdiction-specific expertise as required. Ashurst regularly advises government entities as well as major international corporates in the energy, resources and mining sectors.
Work Highlights
- Ashurst advised Balmaine Gold, the owner and operator of the Ballarat Gold Mine in Victoria in relation to the contested planning approval for a new Tailings Storage Facility at the mine.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They can respond quickly for urgent matters, but most importantly give practical advice on how to achieve the best outcome overall, rather than focussing only on the legal issues."
"Extensive experience, extremely high attention to detail and high-quality reliable advice. Ashurst is critical to our company, and their advice is second to none."
"They can respond quickly for urgent matters, but most importantly give practical advice on how to achieve the best outcome overall, rather than focussing only on the legal issues."
"Extensive experience, extremely high attention to detail and high-quality reliable advice. Ashurst is critical to our company, and their advice is second to none."
Notable Practitioners
John Briggs is based in Brisbane and is particularly respected for his work in the resources sector, where he advises clients in relation to contentious environment matters and regulatory compliance issues. He also offers carbon, climate and water law-related expertise.
Mark Brennan is a highly respected environmental lawyer with an impressive track record of advising mining and resource sector clients on environmental and regulatory approvals.
"Mark Brennan has excellent experience. I would highly recommend him."
Tony Hill is a highly respected Sydney-based practitioner, noted for his work advising clients on environment and planning issues relating to infrastructure projects. He acts regularly for New South Wales government agencies as well as leading private sector players.
Rebecca Dixon is based in Sydney and maintains a comprehensive practice, regularly advising clients in relation to environmental compliance, approvals and disputes.
"It is always a pleasure to work with Rebecca."
Jane Hall advises across environmental and planning matters in the energy, water and manufacturing sectors. She has particular experience handling contaminated land and compulsory acquisition matters.