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Xander Nguyen-Meachem

Senior Associate
Melbourne
About

Xander is an environment and planning lawyer who advises government and private-sector clients on statutory and strategic planning, environmental approvals, land acquisition and related disputes.

He works on complex renewable energy and major infrastructure projects across Australia, including wind, solar and battery developments and major road and rail projects. His experience covers State and Commonwealth approvals, Aboriginal cultural heritage, compulsory acquisition, stakeholder engagement, environmental compliance and planning litigation.

Xander also prepares and negotiates planning and stakeholder agreements and advises on environmental and planning due diligence and transaction documents for renewable energy facilities, waste management operations and businesses involving real estate or industrial premises.

Areas of FocusEnergy and Natural ResourcesRenewablesInfrastructure, Construction and TransportGovernment ContractingTransportReal EstateDevelopment, Land Use and Zoning
Professional QualificationsSolicitor of the Supreme Court of VictoriaSolicitor of the High Court of Australia
Education
  • Deakin University, Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws (Honours), 2016

EXPERIENCE

  • Pacific Green on the development of its BESS portfolio in Victoria and South Australia.
  • State government departments on Inquiry and Advisory Committee proceedings such as the Kentbruck Wind Energy Facility.*
  • A local council at Inquiry and Advisory Committee proceedings relating to a major electricity transmission project.*
  • A renewable energy developer on the preparation of neighbour and stakeholder agreements and compliance matters associated with the Lal Lal wind farm.*
  • Enerfin through the Environment Effects Statement proceedings to secure its planning and environment approvals for the Woolsthorpe Wind Farm.*
  • An international renewable energy developer through Environment Effects Statement proceedings to secure planning and environmental approvals for the proposed Woolsthorpe wind farm.*
  • State government on the Level Crossing Removal Project, Melbourne Airport Rail Project and Metro Tunnel Project in relation to the securing of and compliance with planning and environmental approvals, as well as navigating Aboriginal cultural heritage, stakeholder engagement, compulsory land acquisition processes and disputed compensation claims.*
  • A regional council in relation to planning scheme amendment processes, Panels and Inquiry and Advisory Committee proceedings for significant precinct structure planning projects.*
  • Veolia in relation to licensing and compliance matters for its Woodlawn facility.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

  • Planning and Environment Law, Ones to Watch "Best Lawyers" (2027)

Prior Experience

  • 2024 – 2026, Senior Associate, Geelong based law firm
  • 2021 – 2024, Senior Associate, London based international law firm
  • 2017 – 2021, Associate, Melbourne based national law firm

Additional Information

  • Assisted an African government in multilateral negotiations at the 17th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Yerevan, Armenia.
  • Former Moot Director, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators Australia Vis Pre-Moot
  • Former Student Editor, Deakin Law Review
  • Winner, King & Wood Mallesons Deakin Moot Competition, 2016

Memberships and Affiliations

  • Law Institute of Victoria
  • Victorian Planning and Environmental Law Association (VPELA)
  • Seniors Coordinator, Geelong Marlins Water Polo Club

Connect

Phone

+61 3 9274 5012
(Work, Melbourne)
+61 406 530 873
(Mobile)
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