Carly Robertson

Carly has a broad administrative and commercial law practice, specialising in environmental, planning, property and land acquisition matters for private clients and government agencies.

Carly provides thorough and practical advice and advocacy for public and private sector clients and has worked on a diverse number of projects, including major infrastructure projects; greenfields and infill commercial, industrial and residential developments; as well as significant quarry and landfill developments. Carly has particular expertise in major projects, development and infrastructure contributions, environmental impact assessment, potential liabilities under the Water Act 1989 and heritage, having appeared in a number of significant cases and panel processes.

Since joining the Bar in 2015, Carly regularly advises on and appears (both led and unled) in matters in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, Planning Panels Victoria, the Supreme Court of Victoria, the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria and the Heritage Council.

Carly has been regularly recognised as a recommended and leading junior counsel in planning and environmental law in Doyles Guide since joining the Bar.

Prior to coming to the Bar, Carly was:

• Associate to Justice Cavanough and Justice Osborn, then Head of the Valuation, Compensation and Planning List at the Supreme Court of Victoria
• A solicitor at Ashurst

Carly is a current member of the Victorian Planning and Environment Law Association, the Women Barristers Association and the Bar’s International Advocacy Training Committee, through which Carly acts as an advocacy coach in Melbourne and Papua New Guinea.

Carly read with Marita Foley SC, and her senior mentor was Susan Brennan SC.

Boards / Memberships:

• Board Member: Melbourne Chamber Orchestra (2024 – current)
• Director: Star of the Sea College, Gardenvale (2019 - current);
• Member: Victorian Planning & Environmental Law Association (VPELA) and Annual Conference planning committee (current); and
• Member: Supreme Court of Victoria Compensation and Planning Users' Group (current).

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation. The information referred to above has been supplied by the barrister concerned. Neither Victorian Bar Inc nor the barrister's clerk have independently verified the accuracy or completeness of the information and neither accepts any responsibility in that regard.