Paul Brazier

Expertise

Paul is a specialist in planning and environmental law, including litigious matters, with a particular focus on the law of compulsory acquisition. Acting for both private developers, government agencies and Councils, Paul brings to his clients his strong understanding of planning and environmental legislation. In the area of compulsory acquisition, Paul applies his deep knowledge of the complex case law as well as his strong instincts of the commercial aspects of both acquiring land, and being the subject of an acquisition. In addition to his skills in planning and environmental law, Paul is an expert in the Roads Act 1993. Based on his six years at a senior level in a major NSW government agency, Paul brings to Government clients his unique knowledge of how Government works. Before his time in Government, however, Paul focussed on developer-side merit appeals and brings a strong commercial focus to his advice to private developer clients.

Experience

In this regard, Paul has a strong track record working on significant matters including:

• successful Class 1 merit appeal resulting in the grant of consent for a 12-storey tower relying on heritage conservation incentive provisions
• a number of significant and high profile Class 3 compulsory acquisition proceedings in the Land and Environment Court relating to complex acquisitions of land for road projects 
• advice on contamination liabilities for historical asbestos-contaminated sites
• drafting agreements for the acquisition of land including allocation of contamination indemnities
• advice on the Roads Act 1993, the common law of highways, and practical legal strategies for rectifying legal issues arising in relation to roads.