Sarah is a specialist planning and development lawyer.  Sarah has 12 years’ experience in advising on commercial, residential and industrial projects for both developers and local authorities.

Sarah acts for private and commercial clients, including property developers, individuals, submitters and local authorities in all areas of planning and environment law.

Expertise

Sarah’s areas of expertise include:

• Development under the Planning Act 2016
• Advising on proposals prior to lodgement
• Planning and Environment Court litigation
• Environmental law
• Infrastructure charges
• Regulatory compliance, including prosecutions in the Magistrates Court
• Due diligence on prospective land purchases
• Existing use rights
• Strategic advice on all aspects of planning and development

Why Stokes?

Having worked for large corporate law firms for many years, Sarah had a vision for working for a smaller regional practice, providing a more personal and local service for clients.  Sarah is drawn to the values of Stokes, which are clearly enshrined in the operation and culture of the firm.

Major Cases

Planning and Environment Court

Wyandra JV Pty Ltd v Brisbane City Council & Ors [2022] QPEC 17

Stockwell Flagstone Pty Ltd v Logan City Council – Planning and Environment Court Applications No. 86/19, 4477/19 and 916/20

BPPD36 Pty Ltd v Logan City Council – Planning and Environment Court Application No. 4176/18

Procon Developments Pty Ltd v Logan City Council – Planning and Environment Court Appeal No. 388 of 2019

FKP Lifestyle Pty Ltd v Brisbane City Council [2015] QPEC 57

Agnes Bridge Pty Ltd v Central Highlands Regional Council [2015] QPEC 61

Keith L Noble & Sons Pty Ltd v Moreton Bay Regional Council & Another – Planning and Environment Court Application No. 1228/14

Naidoo & another v Unit 10 Pty Ltd & others – Planning and Environment Court Application No. 3240/14

Fraser Coast Regional Council v Baclon Pty Ltd – Planning and Environment Court Application No. 4927/13

Hungry Jack’s Australia Pty Ltd v Sunshine Coast Regional Council – Planning and Environment Court Appeal No. 1128/13

Sahay v Logan City Council [2011] QPEC 69

Land Court

BP Australia Pty Ltd v Valuer-General [2018] QLC 34

Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal

Jewish Care (Victoria) Pty Ltd v Glen Eira CC [2016] VCAT 771 (17 May 2016)

Lauriston Girls’ School v Stonnington CC [2018] VCAT 289 (26 February 2018)

Investment Group Pty Ltd v Whitehorse CC [2018] VCAT 700 (11 May 2018)

High Court of New Zealand

Mainstream Forwarders Ltd v Canterbury Regional Council HC CHCH CRI 2009- 409-000105 1 October 2009

District Court of New Zealand

West Coast Regional Council v Cooks Stud Farms Limited DC Christchurch CRI-2009-018-1007 [2010] NZDC 410 (18 March 2010)