Tom has nearly two decades of experience specialising in planning, development and environment law and is widely recognised as a leader in the field. He has advised on a vast spectrum of projects for both public and private sector clients.  

His work includes assisting with contentious and complex development and licensing applications and associated legal challenges. Tom also assists with Code Amendments and planning policy engagement and submissions.

Tom has significant experience in drafting infrastructure deeds, Code Amendment agreements, bonding agreements, land management agreements and heritage agreements.

Tom provides advice on easements and encumbrances, native vegetation and regulated tree clearance, land acquisition, site contamination, environmental licensing, water licensing, liquor licensing and all associated government liaison and administrative law issues.

Tom’s depth of experience enables him to be proficient in dispute resolution between a range of parties.

Tom’s project expertise includes:

·      Land Division

·      Residential

·      Commercial

·      Industrial, warehousing and logistics

·      Waste and recycling

·      Primary production and viticulture

·      Tourism and tourist accommodation

·      Sporting venues

·      Shopping centres and retail development

·      Education

·      Hospitality and entertainment

·      Health

·      Aged care and retirement living

·      Student accommodation

·      Renewable energy facilities

·      Infrastructure

·      Ports and fisheries

A keen advocate, Tom represents clients in both the Supreme Court and the Environment, Resources & Development Court, particularly in planning and development appeals and enforcement proceedings.

Tom appears regularly at Council and Regional Assessment Panels, State Commission Assessment Panel and council meetings.

He is the current Chair of the Planning Committee of the Urban Development Institute of Australia (SA) and member (and past Chair) of the Property Council of Australia (SA) Industrial Property and Logistics Committee. Tom is a past member of the UDIA Land and Housing Supply and Infrastructure committees and the PCA Shopping Centres Committee. Tom is a past Deputy Independent Member of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).

Doyles Guide – Pre-eminent Planning & Environment Lawyers (SA) 2025

Best Lawyers – Leading Planning and Environmental Lawyers 2025