Gain guidance on recent case law and legislative reform that will assist your environmental and planning practice. Obtain essential insights into the complexities of managing compulsory land acquisition claims.  Be prepared for reformed environmental legislation and the national and state levels and the implications of the changes that have already come into effect, and their effects on planning practice. Ensure that you stay on top of the impact of recent climate change decisions.

Presenters

Craig Tidemann, Partner, Thomson Geer
Craig is experienced in all areas of planning, development, environment, contaminated land, heritage, water, pollution, waste, compulsory acquisition, and workplace health and safety law. He is also experienced in the preparation and conduct of litigation in the NSW Land & Environment Court and other specialist Courts and Tribunals across Australia. Craig has valuable 'in-house' experience gained through senior positions at top ASX 100 listed companies, including being the secretary to Health Safety and Environment committees of boards and senior management teams. He combines his commercial experience with practical know-how to guide clients through the myriad of planning and environment laws, drawing on his network of professionals to advance client endeavours.


Joanna Ling, Special Counsel, Thomson Geer
Joanna advises and acts for major Australian companies and individuals in all areas of planning, development, environment, contaminated land, heritage, water, pollution, waste, and compulsory acquisition. She has extensive experience acting for both consent authorities and proponents across a range of development types throughout all stages of property use and development. Joanna became an Accredited Specialist in Planning & Environment Law in 2020. She was recognised as 'One to watch' in Best Lawyers for 2024 and 2025 and as a Rising Star in Doyle's Guide for 2024.


Alison Thorp, Senior Associate, Hall & Wilcox
Alison is an experienced planning and environment lawyer, whose expertise spans across Australia as well as internationally, having worked in London earlier in her career. Alison has experience acting for a range of public and private sector clients, including property developers, statutory undertakers and major infrastructure providers, in matters involving residential and non-residential developments, major infrastructure projects, compulsory acquisition, and enforcement issues. Alison has also acted for developer clients advising them on matters ranging from approvals process, environmental impact assessments, heritage, contamination and strategic planning issues. In addition, Alison has broad experience in litigation, judicial review proceedings and public inquiries in both Australia and the UK.


Mark Bartley, Special Counsel, Russell Kennedy
Mark is an LIV Accredited Specialist in Environment, Planning and Government with over 30 years legal experience. He advises on all planning, environment and major project approvals, water law and governance. He frequently appears in VCAT, Planning Panels and Advisory Committees representing local government and statutory authorities as well as land owners and developers. Mark’s background includes 15 years in town planning and project management before commencing legal practice. He brings a practical solution focused approach to property development, and all local, state and Commonwealth approval processes. He has acted in the water industry for 30 years advising on major projects, water policy, catchment protection, legislation and regulation and water trading. Mark also advises on probity and governance issues and has acted as a State Government probity auditor. He has run legal and governance training programs for local government councillors and directors of water authorities. Mark has been named “Lawyer of the Year” for Land Use and Zoning Law in Best Lawyers™ Australia 2019 edition. He is recognised in Best Lawyers™ Australia 2024 for Climate Change Law, Government Practice, Land Use and Zoning Law, Planning and Environmental Law and Water Law. He has also been named in Doyle’s Guide as one of Australia’s leading planning lawyers.


Tom White, Partner, Lander & Rogers
Tom White specialises in all aspects of environment and planning law, with significant experience advising all levels (Commonwealth, State and local) of government as well as private landowners, developers and institutional investors on complex development projects and infrastructure. Tom provides strategic planning, environmental, heritage and approval advice on property development, energy and infrastructure projects. He is particularly well known for his expertise acting for acquiring authorities and landowners on compulsory acquisitions required for infrastructure projects. Tom is also an experienced litigator, acting in a range of disputes in the Land and Environment Court of NSW and other state and federal jurisdictions.