Merrylees Legal Pty Ltd · PO Box 445, Sorrento, Victoria 3943
PM +61 417 012 976 · ABN 46 102 876 004 · info@merryleeslegal.com.au

Merrylees Legal Pty Ltd provides expert legal advice to companies needing assistance with Environmental, OHS and Environmental related Planning issues.

Peter Merrylees has practiced in these areas of the law since 1983 when he was chief solicitor to the Victorian EPA.

His knowledge and experience enables him to develop comprehensive strategies to navigate the new Victorian environmental legal landscape whilst complying with related planning and OHS responsibilities.


Peter Merrylees

Prior to commencing Merrylees Legal, Peter was EOHS practice leader at Deacons Lawyers (now Norton Rose Fulbright).

Peter’s critical strength lies in his ability to develop a comprehensive strategy designed to achieve his client’s objectives.

With the recent strengthening of Victorian EPA legislation in July 2021, now more than ever it is essential that companies and directors are properly advised before accidents happen and before the regulator becomes involved.

Vastly experienced, commercially astute, Peter is widely regarded as being at the forefront of his field.

RECENT CASES IN WHICH THIS FIRM ACTED FOR CLIENTS

SBI Landfill Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority [2022] VCAT 1215

In this proceeding our client (SBI) applied to VCAT to stay the operation of a decision by EPA to suspend SBI’s landfill operating licence pending the final determination of the merits proceeding. EPA opposed the stay application. After hearing submissions from the parties and a consideration of the affidavit evidence, on 20 October 2022, VCAT granted SBI’s application. (The merits hearing was subsequently abandoned following VCAT’s granting of a declaration of invalidity of EPA’s decision to suspend the licence. See below)

Alcoa of Australia Ltd v Minister for Planning (and Waste Services Pty Ltd) [2023] VCAT 38

In this proceeding, our client, Waste Services Pty Ltd, defended the Minister’s decision to grant a permit to enable our client to establish a Transfer Station and Materials Recycling facility. Other than directing minor variations to the permit conditions, on 19 January 2023, VCAT dismissed Alcoa’s appeal and directed the permit be issued for our client’s land.

Barnes (EPA) v SBI Landfill Pty Ltd Frankston Magistrates Court 16 March 2023

In this prosecution taken by EPA against our client SBI, the Court ordered that the case be struck out and that EPA pay SBI’s costs in the sum of $32,780.

SBI Landfill Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority [2023] VCAT 417

In this proceeding our client (SBI) sought a declaration that a decision by EPA to suspend SBI’s landfill operating licence was invalid and of no legal effect. By decision dated 20 April 2023, VCAT agreed with our client and granted the declaration of invalidity.