Michael is a specialist in planning, environment and valuation litigation and advice, drafting statutory planning documents and negotiating infrastructure documents. In addition to his legal qualifications, Michael holds a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning and formerly worked as a town planner.
Michael is a fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia, a former President of the Queensland Environmental Law Association Inc and a former board member of Urban Futures Brisbane.
Key deals
nbn co
Successfully defending nbn in an Australian-first appeal before the District Court alleging assault to an individual from the release of electromagnetic emissions from a telecommunication facility under the Peace and Good Behaviour Act 1928.
Stockland
Acting for Stockland in facilitating the master planning and infrastructure planning of a 2,310 hectare site in Caloundra South (the City of Aura), which will involve the provision of A$1.2 billion worth of infrastructure and a population of 50,000 people.
Sekisui House – West Village project
Acting for Sekisui House in facilitating the master planning and infrastructure planning of its West Village project at Boundary Street in West End, Brisbane (comprising up to 1,250 apartments, 6,500 square metres of public space and 18,500 square metres of retail and entertainment space). This involved acting in a planning and environment appeal, advising on a state government call-in of the project and advising on civil disruption issues associated with the local Greens councillor.
Macquarie Real Estate Equity Funds
Acting for Macquarie Real Estate Equity Funds on planning matters associated with its A$86 million 37 storey Macrossan Residence Tower development on the corner of Adelaide and Macrossan Streets in Brisbane.
Queensland Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning
Acting for the Queensland Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning in undertaking a legal review of the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017, also known as ShapingSEQ, which took effect on 11 August 2017. This legal review included ensuring that the Plan would be properly implemented in local government areas.
Queens Wharf Brisbane project
Acting for the Queensland Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning on all planning, environment, infrastructure and native title issues associated with the A$3.6 billion Queens Wharf Brisbane project (which aims to facilitate the construction of a world-class integrated resort development) in the Brisbane CBD. This included drafting and negotiating amendments to the Brisbane Casino Agreement Act 1992.