Navigating the complexities of planning and environmental regulations, policies, and the political forces shaping development requires deep expertise and strategic foresight. At AJ & Co Lawyers, our Planning and Environment team is uniquely positioned to deliver expert legal guidance, leveraging extensive experience in regulatory frameworks, litigation, and front-end project strategy.

Our team provides comprehensive legal support to clients across sectors such as renewables, mining and resources, property development, major infrastructure, and agribusiness. We offer a rare combination of legal, policy, and government advisory experience, ensuring optimal outcomes for our clients.

We specialise in both regulatory compliance and litigation, advising on the entire lifecycle of projects – from inception to successful execution. Our goal is to provide clients with a ‘one-stop shop’ for planning and environmental law, ensuring timely approvals, regulatory clarity, and effective dispute resolution while managing community and stakeholder expectations.

Regulatory and Legislative Reform

Our firm has a deep understanding of Queensland’s evolving legal landscape, with direct involvement in shaping critical legislative frameworks. We advise clients on regulatory developments, statutory compliance, and policy implementation, drawing on our firsthand experience with government advisory panels and legislative reform processes.

Areas of Expertise

• Advising on and drafting legislative reforms, including the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 and the Land Valuation Act 2010
• Providing strategic advice on planning and environmental law reforms affecting major projects
• Developing compliance-focused corporate frameworks to align with government policies
• Representing clients in policy negotiations and regulatory consultations

Planning and Development Law

We offer practical and strategic legal support for planning approvals, development applications, and environmental compliance. Our expertise covers both the public and private sectors, ensuring seamless navigation of Queensland’s planning regimes.

Areas of Expertise

• Development applications, appeals, and infrastructure charging advice
• Planning permits, development consents, and approvals
• Strategic and statutory land use planning
• Drafting local laws and policies for regulatory compliance
• Regulatory compliance and enforcement, including environmental audits
• Due diligence and risk assessments for proposed developments

Litigation, Disputes, and Compliance

Our firm has extensive experience in resolving planning, environment, and land-related disputes. We focus on strategic resolution but are fully equipped to represent clients in complex litigation when necessary.

Areas of Expertise

• Representation in the Land Court, Planning and Environment Court, National Native Title Tribunal, and Federal Court
• Cultural heritage and native title disputes, including precedent-setting cases
• Valuation, compulsory land acquisition, and compensation disputes
• Planning law enforcement, including show cause notices and compliance matters
• Environmental protection and pollution-related claims
• Defense of directors and officers in environmental liability matter

Sustainability, ESG, and Renewable Energy Compliance

As businesses increasingly focus on sustainability and ESG compliance, our team provides expert legal guidance on environmental obligations, carbon management, and renewable energy projects. We work closely with developers, landowners, and companies transitioning to net-zero emissions.

Areas of Expertise

• Legal strategies for businesses working towards carbon neutrality
• Compliance with climate change policies and carbon pricing regulations
• Land-use agreements and environmental offsets for renewables and carbon sequestration
• Regulatory support for cleantech and sustainable development projects
• Advice on the Water Act 2000 (Qld), including licensing and water allocation
• ESG reporting requirements and regulatory compliance

Native Title and Cultural Heritage

Understanding and addressing native title and cultural heritage issues is crucial for successful project delivery. Our firm is highly experienced in advising government entities, developers, and resource companies on navigating these complex legal landscapes.

Areas of Expertise

• Advising on native title implications for Crown Land and greenfield developments
• Managing determinations of native title in the Federal Court and National Native Title Tribunal
• Drafting and negotiating Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs)
• Developing Cultural Heritage Duty of Care Guidelines and legislative compliance frameworks
• Representation in cultural heritage disputes before the Land Court
• Advising on native title legislative amendments impacting major projects

Major Developments and Resources Projects

We provide strategic legal support for large-scale projects across renewables, mining, infrastructure, and agribusiness. Our team ensures projects comply with Queensland’s complex legislative framework while maximizing economic outcomes for stakeholders.

Areas of Expertise

• Legal support for large wind and solar farms, including land access agreements
• Masterplanned communities, hospitals, and large-scale industrial developments
• Environmental Offset arrangements and biodiversity conservation projects
• Mining, petroleum, and geothermal project approvals and compliance
• Land access negotiations for extractive resource industries
• Biosecurity management and risk mitigation strategies for agribusinesses

Compulsory Acquisitions and Land Valuation

We have extensive experience representing both landowners and resuming authorities in compulsory acquisition and land valuation matters, ensuring fair compensation and streamlined processes.

Areas of Expertise

• Negotiating compensation agreements for landowners affected by resumptions
• Representing clients in valuation disputes and statutory appeals
• Advising on tenure conversion and land tenure reform policies
• Managing objections to statutory land valuations
• Advising on pastoral lease implications and land use agreements