Todd Neal is a partner in the planning and environment team with over 15 years' experience in his field. 

He runs a "cradle to grave" practice dealing with environmental and planning issues from concept to completion and beyond. He also has a deep understanding of the processes, protocols, codes and empowering legislation of both local and state government, as well as state-owned corporations. Todd's clients include state and local governments, state-owned corporations, private landowners, as well as developers and contractors. This variety of clients allows him to factor in multiple perspectives to manage and resolve planning and environment matters. 

Todd's expertise includes:
  • litigation in the Federal Court, Land and Environment, Supreme and District Courts on matters such as: 

    • proceedings in the Federal Court relating to Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 matters

    • merit appeals including appealing refusals of development and modification applications and appeals on conditions

    • civil enforcement proceedings

    • criminal prosecutions planning and environmental offences

    • compulsory land acquisition proceedings, including judicial review of the compulsory acquisition of land

    • valuation of land proceedings

    • section 68 and other Local Government Act matters 

    • section 88K easements 

    • trespass disputes 

  • ICAC representation of witnesses in public enquiries and compulsory examinations

  • due diligence for greenfield and brownfield sites, linear infrastructure projects, and business acquisitions covering native title and Aboriginal land rights and native title issues, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 actions, as well as pollution and development compliance issues

  • approval and compliance issues for all tiers of development and activity

  • land access strategies and processes and "problem shooting" over congested sites 

  • probity and governance issues impacting on projects and government decision making

  • project documentation, including contract drafting, interpretation and disputes relating to voluntary planning agreements, and contamination responsibilities

  • compulsory land acquisition law, and advising on the application of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991 (NSW) and Lands Acquisition Act 1989 (Cth)

In 2018, Doyle's Guide recognised Todd as a leading environment and climate change lawyer and in 2019-2022 as a recommended planning and development lawyer.

Todd was recognised in the 2020 to 2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in Australia as a leading lawyer in Government Practice, and Planning and Environmental law. He is also listed in the 2022 to 2024 editions for Land Use and Zoning law.

Todd is admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the High Court of Australia. He joined Colin Biggers & Paisley in 2016.