Kirston Gerathy

Kirston is a specialist planning and environment and government lawyer with a particular emphasis on the strategic, regulatory and environmental aspects of development and infrastructure projects.

Kirston is recognised for her successful approach to the conduct of environmental litigation, and has appeared in a number of significant and seminal cases in both the Land & Environment Court and the Court of Appeal.

Kirston provides strategic advice on complex projects and is highly skilled at working with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure project outcomes are achieved. Kirston is recognised by her clients and peers as a leader in her field.

Kirston has been named “Lawyer of the Year” for Land Use and Zoning Law in Best Lawyers™ Australia 2020 edition. She is also recognised in Best Lawyers™ Australia for Climate Change Law, Land Use and Zoning Law and Planning and Environmental Law. Kirston is also recognised in Doyle’s Guide as a Leading Town Planning & Development Lawyer.

Experience

Kirston’s recent experience includes advising:

  • Boyded Industries Pty Limited on the rezoning and masterplan approval and negotiated the multimillion dollar planning agreement for the AutoAlley redevelopment in Parramatta. ‘Gateway South’ will provide a new $600 million commercial, residential and open space precinct;
  • Energy Sector client in respect of compliance with conditions of development consent, including emissions and noise control, environmental management and fuel supply conditions from mine sources. Represented the power station operator in responses to notices and regulatory action by the EPA in respect of licences and operational terms issued under the Act;
  • Tweed Shire Council as a consent authority in the proposed development of a new village community. Due to the remoteness of the site, no services or utilities were available, and it was critical to ensure the development was self-sustaining, protected public health and complied with ESD principles. The matter raised issues of impacts on threatened species and protection of aboriginal cultural heritage;
  • Holroyd City Council (now Cumberland Council) in relation to the clean up action commenced against Vic James and Sons Engineering at 22-23 Crescent, Holroyd. Court orders were obtained requiring implementation of the clean up and remediation of the site. The orders have been complied with and the site certified by a site Auditor; and
  • Local Government NSW (Sydney Coastal Councils Group and Coastal Councils) in relation to the State Government reform initiatives for Coastal protection, development and management.

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