John Paul Merlino
John Paul Merlino is a Partner in HWL Ebsworth’s Planning, Environment and Government Group.
John Paul has experience in relation to a wide range of issues associated with local government, planning, construction and environmental law.
John Paul has particular expertise in litigation, providing complex advice to clients and drafting various planning and works in kind agreements.
Experience
John Paul’s recent experience includes:
- State Government Agency: Advising in relation to the statutory framework, approvals and assessment processes required to implement a large scale, residential project including bridge and road infrastructure;
- Land and Environment Court and Local Court: Conducting criminal prosecutions for both prosecutors and defendants in relation to various environmental and planning issues;
- Proposed Commercial and Residential Rezoning: Drafting a planning agreement on behalf of developer associated with proposed commercial and residential rezoning, which provided for the dedication of land together with the construction public infrastructure such as cycleways and public plaza;
- Land and Environment Court: Conducting various civil proceedings, taking a hands-on approach to obtaining practical solutions of behalf of clients; and
- Legislation consent/approvals: Providing advice with respect to development consent/approvals processes under various pieces of legislation including the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, Local Government Act 1993, Native Vegetation Act 2003 and Water Management Act 2000.