Local Government

We are trusted advisers to local governments across Australia, with a strong national presence and deep understanding of the complex legal, regulatory and political frameworks councils operate within. We are a legal service provider to many councils in metropolitan, regional and remote areas and are recognised experts (Doyles).

We understand the governance, regulatory and political landscape in which councils operate and provide strategic, commercially minded advice that reflects these dynamics. Our team are administrative law specialists and regularly appear in planning tribunals, judicial & administrative review, civil enforcement, prosecutions, and compulsory acquisition matters for our government clients. We advise on all aspects of local government law including planning, environment, property, infrastructure, procurement, governance, employment, disputes and commercial matters.

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Local Government

Our experience

  • Three NSW Local government councils Acted on a successful judicial review challenge of the decision for forced amalgamations.
  • Four councils Advising on the joint operation of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, including leasing and licensing sections of the trail, establishing a governance structure compliant with the Local Government Act, and supporting community and commercial outcomes.
  • Byron Shire Council Advising on the proposed Bioenergy Facility to be co-located with the sewerage treatment plant. The project aims to deliver renewable electricity for Council infrastructure and grid supply as a public private partnership.
  • Georges River Council Advising in compulsory acquisition of land, negotiation of acquisition and steps to gazettal, successfully defended judicial review proceedings by land owner and acted in compensation proceedings.
  • A Council Advising on issues arising from a potential challenge to a stadium naming rights tender, including the tender process, defamation, harassment, a vexatious complainant, and misuse of a communications carrier to target Councillors and staff.
  • A Victorian Council Advised in relation to the existence of and extinguishment of a public trust in relation to car parking and future development of land.
  • Sutherland Shire Council Advised in relation to the establishment of Pavillion Performing Arts Centre and corporate structure.
  • Penrith City Council Advised on the Interface Agreement offered by Sydney Metro in connection with the Western Sydney AirportLine and granting Construction Licenses at sites in St Marys.