About Sarah
Sarah is a planning and environment lawyer, with particular expertise in infrastructure, environment, and strategic planning. Sarah’s expertise is complemented by her background in environmental science and urban and regional planning which provides a deeper understanding to her client’s issues.
Sarah’s experience includes advising government and private clients in relation to infrastructure agreements and conditions, planning and environment litigation, environmental enforcement, water entitlements, flooding and stormwater, and project approvals.
Sarah has extensive experience negotiating and drafting infrastructure agreements for some of Queensland’s largest developments as well as for smaller developments. Sarah acts for local and state governments in the drafting and review of planning schemes, policies and technical manuals. With a proactive outlook on matters, Sarah works with her clients to deliver the best commercial and practical outcomes.
Sarah is currently the Vice President of the Queensland Environmental Law Association and has been actively involved in QELA committees since 2006. Sarah is also a board member of Institute of Public Works Engineers Australia (Queensland).
Specialisations
Experience
Government
Advising the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Isaac Regional Council and Whitsunday Regional Council in respect of the negotiation and implementation of the infrastructure agreement with Adani for its new mine and railway line.
Queensland Urban Utilities
Appeal and conversion application about infrastructure conditions for the Yeerongpilly Green development.
Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
Advising on proposed planning scheme changes and infrastructure agreements for a novel infrastructure planning and funding initiative.
Bowen River Utilities
Advising on water rights for the proposed Urannah Dam and associated infrastructure.
Waste Industry
Acting for a number of waste management, recycling and compost product manufacturers in respect of enforcement action by the Environmental Regulator.
Department of Energy and Water Supply
Legal review of the Queensland Urban Drainage Manual, including redrafting lawful point of discharge provisions.