28 August 2013 — Corrs Chambers Westgarth has appointed special counsel Brian McMurdo to the firm’s Perth office.
Mr McMurdo is a leading figure in environment and planning law and has managed some of Western Australia’s most significant environment and planning project outcomes on behalf of government and major industry stakeholders.
With more than 30 years’ experience, Mr McMurdo also has a deep understanding of native title, Aboriginal heritage and land acquisition arrangements.
He is a former practitioner in the WA State Solicitors Office and has been involved in delivering major infrastructure projects for both the public and private sector.
Mr McMurdo advised the WA Government over land acquisition issues for Stage 2 of its Ord River Irrigation Scheme; was a key strategic advisor on land acquisition issues concerning construction of the Perth to Mandurah Railway; and successfully conducted a high profile Federal Court challenge against the Federal Minister’s decision to environmentally assess a major project.
Corrs chief executive officer and partner John Denton said environment and planning, land acquisition and native title law were very important ongoing issues for clients in WA.
Mr McMurdo said the demand for environment and protection law was growing due to the increasing complexity and reach of regulatory and compliance requirements, in line with an increased focus at a government and community level on corporate environmental responsibility and sustainable resource management.
“There is a growing list of E&P conditions which must be met and managed by businesses with projects and developments across Australia,” he said.
“For example, companies may have to undertake separate Environmental Impact Assessments to meet both state and Ccmmonwealth government obligations. Businesses also face many requirements such as environmental offsets, management plans, groundwater and waste licences, rehabilitation plans, rezoning restrictions and more.”