Diane is a multidisciplinary lawyer who specialises in the areas of planning, local government law, environmental law and sustainability, and property development.
As a special counsel in Cooper Grace Ward’s property, planning and environment team, Diane provides a wide range of legal advice and support to developers, local governments and statutory authorities.
Diane has more than 15 years’ experience gained through legal roles both in private practice and in a major in-house legal department.
She has regularly appeared in the Planning and Environment Court, undertaking numerous litigious matters on behalf of development corporations, local governments and special interest groups. She has also drafted and reviewed planning instruments, local laws and many types of agreements and deeds for local authorities in south east and rural Queensland.
In addition, Diane has extensive experience in managing the development approvals process for major infrastructure and development projects.
Prior to joining Cooper Grace Ward, Diane held a senior legal role for 10 years within Urban Utilities, the statutory authority responsible for the delivery of retail water supply and wastewater services across five local government areas in South East Queensland.
During this time, Diane provided complex and strategic legal advice to the organisation’s board, CEO and executive leadership team. She was well regarded for her ability to provide legal guidance that facilitated strategic decision making and brings this approach to her day-to-day work with clients of Cooper Grace Ward.
In-house experience – Legal counsel and senior legal counsel at Urban Utilities (2012-2021)
A bushfire management plan may be viewed as optional for many landholders, but neglecting your fire management obligations may put you and your business at significant risk. Discover the crucial reasons why the implementation and adherence to a bushfire management plan are important to safeguard you and your business.
The global demand for hydrogen is expected to nearly double between 2021 and 2030. According to the International Energy Agency’s 2022 World Energy Outlook, Australia is expected to become the second largest net-exporter of low emissions hydrogen by 2030 and the largest by 2050.
This article serves as a progress update on the Bill, with a refresher on its purposes and a summary of feedback from the consultation process.
Cooper Grace Ward acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Fast, accurate and flexible entities including companies, self-managed superannuation funds and trusts.