Nick Sissons

None

Senior Associate

Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Planning (First Class Honours)

P: 03 9609 1641

E: NSissons@rk.com.au

Connect with me on Linkedin

Water

Planning and Environment
Easements
Heritage
Roads Law
Crown Land
Subdivisions
Owners’ Corporation

Nick is a Senior Associate in Russell Kennedy's Government, Planning & Environment Team in Melbourne. He has extensive experience in planning, development, land law, local government, water, roads, and environmental law, offering expert planning and property advice, as well as advocacy.

Nick’s primary areas of focus include planning law, land law, restrictive covenants, and road law. He is a skilled advocate, regularly representing clients in hearings and compulsory conferences before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). Additionally, Nick frequently appears on behalf of clients before councillors, at council meetings, planning panels, as well as in the Magistrates’ Court and the Supreme Court.

With a background as a qualified town planner, Nick brings a unique advantage in assessing his clients’ proposals and needs, ensuring his advice and advocacy are tailored to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Experience

Local councils on advising on status of roads and public highways.
Melbourne City Council in relation to the Melbourne Metro Tunnel Ministerial Inquiry and Advisory Committee as well as other planning appeals and advice matters.
A significant Melbourne business in relation to the compulsory acquisition of its leasehold interest in land required for the Melbourne Metro Tunnel.
Stonnington City Council in relation to the preparation and negotiation of a deed of settlement relating to purchase of land arising from unlawful encroachment.
Local councils and private clients in relation to adverse possession claims including drafting deeds of settlement for resolution of matters.
Local councils and private clients to investigate land title and ownership including status of roads and public highways, trespass and encroachment.
Local council and private clients with respect to appeals to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for or against developments.
On planning scheme amendments including attendance at panel hearings.
On the formation of planning scheme amendments to improve the protection declared water supply catchments for a Victorian water authority.
Local councils, statutory authorities and private developers in drafting and advising on development agreements including Section 173 Agreements and development contributions and Growth Area Infrastructure Charges and Windfall Gains Tax.
Private clients on Growth Area Infrastructure Charges, Windfall Gains Tax and metropolitan planning levy within Melbourne’s growth areas.
Due diligence reviews in connection with land and property acquisitions.
Private clients in restrictive covenant declarations, discharges and modifications in the Supreme Court.
Local councils in preparation of special charge schemes and associated appeals to Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Clients in relation to rights in respect to serving and responding to protection works notices as well as appeals to the Building Appeals Board.

Leadership

Member Victorian Planning & Environmental Law Association