Media release: Clayton Utz appoints environment and planning lawyer to partnership

Ms Hoare joins the firm from Norton Rose Fulbright, where she was a partner based in Brisbane and the team leader for the Australian Environment and Planning practice.

With 25 years of specialist experience in environmental and planning law, climate change, and major project approvals, Ms Hoare brings deep sector expertise in energy transition, renewables, mining, and government-facing work.

Clayton Utz Chief Executive Partner Emma Covacevich said the appointment would ensure the firm remained at the forefront of regulatory change in areas such as environmental approvals, the energy transition and land use regulation.

Rebecca is a leading adviser to private-sector and government clients in environment, planning and climate-related matters across Queensland, Ms Covacevich said.

Her focus on translating complex regulatory reform into practical client guidance is exactly the kind of capability our clients need as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve.

Ms Hoare's practice spans local and state government, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, institutional property development and construction. Her expertise covers environment law — including due diligence, project approvals, contaminated land, environmental offsets, incident response, enforcement and sustainability reporting — as well as planning law, where she advises on approvals, enforcement and appeals in the Planning and Environment Court.

She also has significant experience in compulsory acquisition, advising on the acquisition process and assisting in the negotiated resolution and determination of compensation for acquiring authorities under the Acquisition of Land Act (Qld), and in mining compensation under the Mineral Resources Act (Qld).

Ranked in Chambers at Band 2, recognised as Preeminent in the Doyles Guide, and a multiple Best Lawyers award winner, Ms Hoare brings significant market recognition. She began with Clayton Utz on 17 August.