Nigel Hales
Partner

Bachelor of Laws (QUT 1990)

Nigel’s practice is predominantly property based. He has substantial experience in property transactions and commercial law, including sales, leases and business acquisitions. Nigel also does a significant amount of property development work, including residential subdivisions and community title scheme establishment and structuring. Clients are well served by his attention to detail and considerate manner.

Nigel has developed a significant practice in native title. He has been involved in:

• The team acting for the applicants in the successful Hopevale, Western Yalanji and Mualgal Island native title claims
• Advising on and negotiating several indigenous land use agreements and cultural heritage agreements
• Acting for the Cape York Land Council in two successful judicial review actions relating to the protection of cultural heritage and native title rights
• Having acted for most land councils in Queensland

He also has several years experience in local government and planning and environment law, including the conduct of appeals in the Planning and Environment Court relating to development approvals, and acting in proceedings for declarations and injunctions relating to breaches of town planning schemes. Nigel advises various statutory authorities and local government on native title and associated issues, and he also represents the Cairns City Council in health prosecutions, and has done so for many years.

In addition to property matters, Nigel has considerable experience in fishing matters involving buying, selling and leasing fishing licences, vessels and quota units, as well as drafting and advising concerning sharefishing agreements, joint ventures and charters. He also acts in defending fisheries and marine park prosecutions.

Nigel is Vice President of the Cairns Branch of the Urban Development Institute of Australia and Chair of the organising committee for Sportsfest Cairns Esplanade.

Contact: service@millerharris.com.au