Overview
In recent times, Australia has experienced some of its driest weather conditions for more than 100 years. As water storage levels continue to fall, public and government attention has turned to the management of our growing demand for water and the deteriorating quality of our rivers and ground water.
Increasingly, Australian governments are recognising the harmful environmental effects of our past water and agricultural policies and are seeking to adopt strategies that will promote the efficient and ecologically sustainable management of Australia’s water resources.
Freehills has one of Australia’s leading water law practices. We have assisted clients on numerous projects in the water industry; ranging from industry reform and restructure projects to major infrastructure development projects, such as water treatment plants, water supply networks, sea water desalination facilities, irrigation schemes and dams.
Our demonstrated expertise in water, waste management, sewage and water treatment plants allows us to deliver effective and valuable legal and project management advice.
We provide a comprehensive range of commercially-focused legal solutions to the water industry, including:
- water infrastructure project development and delivery
- regulatory advice
- infrastructure project finance and structuring
- assessing and managing planning and environmental issues
- risk exposure and risk management
- dispute resolution
- native title and aboriginal heritage advice.
A key strength of the Freehills water practice is our multidisciplinary approach. We are able to provide clients with a complete legal service for all aspects of water projects, from the formative stages through to the development and operational phases.
The depth of experience within Freehills enables us to assemble teams of lawyers across a range of practice areas to work on major projects at national and international levels.