Danielle Sibenaler is a special counsel in the firm's Real Estate practice. She focuses on town planning, environment, and local government law. She has a depth of experience in both litigation and advising local and state government authorities, submitters and developer clients on a range of issues, including environmental issues, development application processes, approvals and appeals, superseded legislation and land use rights, enforcement, infrastructure, development entitlements and development issues generally.
Drawing on her experience as both a qualified town planner and lawyer, Danielle is experienced in all facets of the development application process. She provides clients with strategic assistance, advice, and legal review pursuant to local government planning schemes, regional plans and the current Planning Act 2016.
Danielle has extensive experience in litigation, having acted in the Planning and Environment Court and the Queensland Supreme Court with respect to appeals for submitters, developers and government authorities, in addition to various originating proceedings in the Planning and Environment Court, and acquisition and valuation matters in the Land Court.
In addition to her focus as planning and environment lawyer, Danielle is also knowledgeable in local government matters and all aspects of the Local Government Act 2009 and the City of Brisbane Act 2012.
Danielle has a detailed understanding of the relevant planning regimes, and the unique issues confronting local governments and developers, in particular the South-East region.