Ben advises property developers, local councils and individuals on planning, environment and local government law across NSW and QLD. With nearly two decades of experience, he helps clients cut through regulatory complexity and achieve practical outcomes.
Biography
Ben’s practice spans planning, environment and local government law, covering development applications, compliance, enforcement powers and environmental protection across both advisory and litigation work.
Having spent over a decade prosecuting on behalf of local councils, Ben brings a rare dual perspective to his work. He draws on that knowledge to act for defendants in planning and environmental prosecutions, as well as representing property developers and individuals in planning appeals, civil enforcement proceedings and judicial review. Ben appears as an advocate and instructing solicitor in the Land and Environment Court (NSW), Supreme Court (NSW), Local Court (NSW), Planning and Environment Court (QLD) and Magistrates Court (QLD).
A legal adviser to more than 15 local councils, Ben also delivers training seminars to council officers on governance, legislative compliance and delegations. He is a member of the Environment and Planning Law Association (NSW) and the Queensland Environmental Law Association.
Ben's experience
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Marcello Santilli v Blacktown City Council
Represented Marcello Santilli Land and Environment Court (NSW) proceedings relating to the compulsory acquisition of land by Blacktown City Council and a claim for compensation. -
NSW Environment and Heritage v Beefwood Farms
Acted for a farmer in criminal Class 5 proceedings in the Land and Environment Court (NSW) for the unlawful clearing of native vegetation. -
Local Government
Advising more than 15 local councils on governance, legislative compliance, delegations, rates and charges, public-private partnerships and contract management, including reviewing evidence for prosecutions and delivering training seminars to council officers. -
Planning
Advising on all aspects of planning law, including property developments, planning appeals, civil enforcement proceedings and criminal prosecutions. -
Property development
Advising property developers on planning, property and local government law across all stages of development. -
Environment
Acting in civil and criminal enforcement matters, and advising on Clean Up Notices and Prevention Notices issued by local councils, contaminated land responsibilities and nuisance liabilities.