Areas of Expertise

Environment & Planning, Property, Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Julius is a Partner in our National Property and Development team and is recognised as a leader in the areas of planning & development and environmental law, having led practices in these areas for over 20 years.

Julius' practice includes work for clients at all stages of the planning and environmental approval processes. He has acted for clients across industry sectors including property development, waste and recycling, retailing, tourism, mining and resources and industry in respect of planning and subdivision approvals, environmental permits, Works Approvals & Licences, land acquisition and compensation, heritage, contaminated sites and all forms of regulatory compliance.

He has conducted numerous State Administrative Tribunal proceedings and appeals to the Supreme Court in all of these areas.

Another principal area of focus is Local Government. Julius' experience in acting for both Local Governments and the private sector provides a unique perspective and the ability to achieve proper and often mutually beneficial outcomes. He has advised and represented Local Governments across the whole of Western Australia in relation to a range of matters, including major projects involving complex land transactions and private-sector partnerships, public works, governance and administration, tendering and procurement, codes of conduct, and the interpretation and application of the multitude of statutes affecting or administered by Local Government.

What others say

"Preeminent Lawyer – Western Australia, Planning and Environment Law"
Doyle's Guide 2021-2022, 2024
"Leading Lawyer – Western Australia, Planning and Environment Law"
Doyle's Guide 2010 – 2020, 2023
"Lawyer of the Year – Western Australia, Planning and Environment Law"
Best Lawyers Peer Review 2021 – 2022

Experience

Cleanaway

Advising Cleanaway in relation to planning and environmental approvals for the majority of its operations in Western Australia, including the co-ordination of a range of approvals required for the expansion of Cleanaway's significant landfill and waste processing operations in Dardanup, in the State's south-west.

Landowners and acquiring authorities

Advising both landowners and acquiring authorities in relation to the taking of land for a variety of major public works including the Perth-Bunbury Highway, Northlink WA, MetroNet and, most recently, the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, including the negotiation and settlement of numerous claims for compensation.

Redevelopment of various strategic landholdings

Advising the City of Fremantle, City of South Perth, City of Canning and the Town of Victoria Park (amongst others) on the redevelopment of various strategic landholdings in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act, including ensuring compliance with statutory provisions relating to major land transactions.

Shire of Peppermint Grove

Representing the Shire of Peppermint Grove in Supreme Court judicial review proceedings challenging the heritage listing of a significant residential property on the Swan River foreshore. The proceedings involved numerous issues regarding the procedures for heritage listing and the actions taken by the Shire in making the listing.

Not-for-profit aged care providers

Advising a number of not-for-profit aged care providers on exemptions from rating by Local Governments, including representation in litigation before both the State Administrative Tribunal and the Supreme Court as to whether various financing models utilised for aged-care services precluded those services from being regarded as “charitable” in nature.

B&J Catalano

Representing B&J Catalano, one of Western Australia's largest suppliers of basic raw materials and transport services, in relation to planning and environmental approvals for quarrying and extraction operations at a number of properties.

Mineral Resources

Advising resources companies, including established major operators such as Mineral Resources in relation to obtaining planning and development approvals for its flagship workers' accommodation precinct in Onslow, to emerging players such as Vimy Resources in relation to obtaining recognition by the Minister for Environment of the achievement of substantial commencement for the purposes of the environmental approval of its Mulga Rock Uranium Project.