Syd has over 15 years’ experience in specialising in planning, development, land use and environment law and has acted for corporate, private and local government clients throughout his career. 

Well regarded for his commercial, pragmatic approach, Syd’s private sector clients include property developers, manufacturers, retailers, waste management and recycling companies, primary producers, hoteliers and aged care, education and tourism providers.

Syd regularly advocates for clients in development, project and environmental litigation in both the Environment, Resources & Development Court and the Supreme Court.

Syd’s experience includes:

·      Advising on a vast spectrum of development proposals, from residential subdivisions to frost fans and regulated/significant tree removals.

·      Preparing, managing and advising on contentious and complex development applications, including advice on procedural issues.

·      Advising on heritage controls.

·      Advising on site contamination risk, impacts and mitigation strategies.

·      Preparing and advising on Land Management Agreements, Infrastructure Agreements, Bonding Agreements and Heritage Agreements.

·      Appearing as an advocate before Council Assessment Panels and the State Commission Assessment Panel.

·      Appearing as an advocate in the Environment, Resources and Development Court in planning appeals, reviews of decisions made by planning authorities and civil/criminal enforcement related matters under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016.

·      Appearing as instructing solicitor in the Supreme Court of South Australia in planning appeals and Judicial Review proceedings.

·      Advising on easements and encumbrances.

Syd is also a member of the SA Property Council of Australia’s Planning Committee and the SA Urban Development and Institute of Australia Urban Renewal Committee.

Syd is recognised as a leader in his specialist fields which is reflected in his recognition in Doyles Guide as a Leading and Recommended Planning and Environment Lawyer.