Ross Fox

A seasoned regulatory lawyer with extensive experience in government, he provides strategic advice to private and public sector clients across the waste, resource recovery, property development and agricultural industries.

Environment and planning law

In a fast-changing regulatory landscape, navigating approval processes can be a minefield. With years of experience as a senior advisor for the most influential state environmental authorities, including the NSW EPA, Ross’ insight into how government operates sets his clients up for success.

Ross acts for some of the leading associations in the waste and resource recovery industry, including organics, building and demolition recycling, council collections, waste-to-energy and e-waste. He is an advisor to the Australian Organics Recycling Association (AORA), the Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association (WCRA) and their members.

Licensing and approvals

With a sharp understanding of the licensing hurdles involved in the waste infrastructure and facilities sector, Ross guides his clients through the nuances of the approval process across a range of waste energy, recovery from building and demolition waste, council collections and organics projects. He is regularly consulted by clients embarking on expansion and joint venture projects in the resource recovery industry, advising on everything from commercial and land acquisitions to the construction of new facilities.

Ross has a particular interest in new and innovative resource recovery technologies, recently assisting a client to obtain approval for a major industrial plant capable of extracting precious metals from e-waste. He also routinely advises on residential and commercial property development law matters.

Tendering and contracts

Drawing on years of experience overseeing the tendering process, Ross advises on major government bids across NSW and Sydney metropolitan area. This includes for clients looking to manage the risk of rapid expansion to meet growing demand for recycling services.

Government and regulatory disputes

An experienced litigator, Ross’ 360 degree insight into multiple stakeholder perspectives is invaluable when it comes to resolving planning disputes. Acting in negotiations with state and federal agencies in relation to potential climate change impacts, from flooding to land degradation, he crafts solutions which encourage innovation whilst mitigating against environmental risk.

Ross regularly acts in proceedings in the Land and Environment Court in relation to approvals, land use and prosecution actions, including environmental incidents. He has been at the forefront of significant industry disputes over shifts towards net zero carbon emissions, including the conversion of coal fired power stations to biomass fuel.