Biography

Joanna acts for private individuals, corporations of all sizes and government entities in all matters regarding the use and development of land.

Her practice covers both advisory and litigious work: approvals, regulatory compliance, contested applications and Court appeals
She provides strategy, advocacy and representation in contested proceedings. Her matters span residential, mixed-use, commercial and infrastructure development across metropolitan and regional New South Wales.

Joanna acts on matters where the legal and commercial stakes are significant: proceedings requiring precise analysis, complex approvals which require an understanding of the legal framework and commercial drivers, and major project work. She is engaged where the regulatory environment is complex, where opposition requires robust advocacy, and where clients need a decisive and structured approach to achieve development outcomes.

Joanna combines technical planning law knowledge with a practical focus on outcomes. She takes carriage of matters requiring specialist expertise, including matters where a high level of precision and advocacy is required. Her work on precedent-setting judgments demonstrates both her command of the legal framework and her ability to identify and prosecute the arguments that produce great results.

Credentials

Academic qualifications:

• Juris Doctor (University of Sydney)
• Accredited Specialist – Planning and Environmental Law

Memberships:

• Environmental Planning Law Association (Committee Member)
• Environmental Law Report (Sub-Editor)
• Diverse Women in Law
  

Joanna's experience

Revelop building and developments, Plumpton Central, Sydney

Lead partner advising on the modification of development consent for a major Sydney shopping centre redevelopment. Provided strategic advice and written advocacy before the consent authority, addressing objector concerns and legal threshold issues throughout the approval process. Project value in excess of $200 million AUD.

North West Precinct Communities, Gunyah, Dubbo

Lead partner acting for the developer of the new 'Gunyah' residential precinct which will provide accommodation for 15,000 residents in Dubbo. Provided strategic advice (including planning agreement and development contribution negotiations) and advocacy before the consent authority.

Tricon Management Group, co-living development approval, Land and Environment Court of NSW

Lead partner obtaining development consent for an 82-room co-living development against council opposition. The judgment delivers an important precedent regarding redevelopment of sites containing low-cost rental accommodation, providing guidance for future developments of this nature.

Lendlease, Barangaroo South and One Circular Quay, Sydney

Supporting role on two of Sydney’s most significant urban renewal and luxury development projects, advising on planning approvals, rezoning and regulatory matters across precincts with a combined value exceeding $14 billion AUD.