Leanne O'Neill

Leanne O’Neill is a partner with over 24 years of experience specialising in land use, management, and regulatory compliance. Her practice spans key sectors including renewables, mining and resources, major infrastructure, and agribusiness, where she provides strategic legal advice to ASX-listed companies, government bodies, and private clients. Leanne’s extensive knowledge stems from her significant involvement in shaping Queensland’s land use legislation during her senior roles within the Queensland Government. She is adept at navigating complex regulatory environments, supporting major projects such as masterplanned communities, renewable energy developments, and agricultural diversification initiatives. Leanne brings a pragmatic, outcomes-focused approach that seeks to resolve issues proactively and minimise the need for litigation, though she is a seasoned litigator with experience appearing before the Land Court, Planning and Environment Court, and Federal jurisdictions. Throughout her career, Leanne has emphasised a holistic, lifecycle perspective on projects, ensuring their timely and cost-effective delivery while optimising value for landholders, developers, and proponents managing competing land uses. Leanne holds a Bachelor of Laws, a Bachelor of Arts with Honours, and a Graduate Diploma of Professional Legal Education and Training from the University of Queensland. She is admitted to practice in the High Court of Australia and the Supreme Court of Queensland, regularly appearing in the Federal Court, National Native Title Tribunal, Land Court, and Planning and Environment Court. She is an active member of various industry and professional bodies, including the Queensland Law Society, UDIA Queensland, Queensland Environmental Law Association, and the Energy Resources Law Association. Leanne’s contributions have been recognised through multiple awards, including listings in the Australasian Lawyer’s Elite Women and The Best Lawyers in Australia in Government Practice and Mining, Resources and Renewables.