About Patrick

Patrick is the head of the Infrastructure Sector at Maddocks. As an internationally recognised expert in development and environmental law, Patrick advises government and Australian and international private sector organisations in compliance, transaction and procurement, particularly in relation to planning and environment. Patrick has worked extensively with infrastructure and redevelopment projects, disposal and management of former industrial sites, remediation and compliance issues, dispute resolution, land access, local government issues and planning law, climate change and environmental law.

He is well regarded for his focus on delivering innovative, efficient and practical solutions to clients in this rapidly evolving area of law. His experience acting for both the public and private sector brings his clients an unparalleled understanding of the multiple perspectives that are often necessary to efficiently resolve and manage infrastructure, development and environmental issues.

He is ranked in the Chambers Asia Pacific 2023 guide for Environment & Planning, and recommended by The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2023 guide for his work in Environment & Planning, Infrastructure Projects & Construction, and Native Title.

Experience

  • Project approvals

    Advised extensively on the New South Wales and Commonwealth impact assessment and approval processes for major projects, including the Epping to Chatswood rail link, the M2, and the Eastern distributor projects

  • Contaminated land projects

    Advised on many contaminated land management and remediation projects, including structuring, drafting and negotiating all necessary contracts, advice on regulatory and approvals issues and management of disputes.

  • Environmental issues in property transactions

    Advised on the regulatory, contractual and commercial issues and risks arising from environmental aspects of properties facing owners, purchasers, vendors and occupiers of many hundreds of sites around Australia.

  • Environmental offences and compliance

    Extensive experience over the past 30 years advising on investigations and prosecutions for environmental incidents, including water pollution, air pollution, licence breaches, waste issues, transportation issues and heritage. Patrick has also advised many of Australia’s largest government and private sector entities on environmental compliance issues, including pollution, waste, heritage, planning and water resources issues.

  • Land access Crown lands and compulsory acquisition

    Advised public and private sector clients on land access for projects including the compulsory acquisition of land, management of native title and Aboriginal land rights issues, management of Crown land issues and land such as national parks subject to statutory constraints.

  • "He is well-versed in the law. He has lots of experience working for different clients, so has good insight into issues that could come out, which we might not be aware of. His advice becomes commercial and strategic as a result."

    Chambers Asia Pacific

  • "Extremely competent on the legal side of things but equally competent on the technical, environmental side of the argument"

    Chambers Asia Pacific

  • "A proactive and strategic thinker who sees the bigger picture"

    Chambers Asia Pacific

  • "He provides practical and easy-to-understand advice"

    Chambers Asia Pacific

  • "Practical approach, good advice and ability to think outside of the square.""

    Chambers Asia Pacific

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