Tony Smith - Managing Director

Stacks/The Law Firm, Gold Coast

Murwillumbah

Tony was admitted as a lawyer in 1975, and for more than 20 years he has specialised in environment and planning. This includes 12 years as the sole external legal adviser to the Tweed Shire Council and membership of the Gold Coast City Council’s external legal panel, for which he provided advice on specialist Local Government and planning issues. He also advises the local councils in Byron Bay, Lismore and Ballina.

Tony provides pro bono legal advice to a variety of community groups, including planning and environmental advice to the local tourism industry. He is also a member of the Murwillumbah Chamber of Commerce and the Tweed Heads Chamber of Commerce.

A keen reader and writer, Tony also loves to keep fit and is an active member of his local Rotary Club at Murwillumbah.

Tony is an important asset to the Stacks team. He is a strong strategist and a skilled communicator.  Not only is he expert at devising the best possible plan, but he listens to his clients, asks the right questions and always keeps them informed of his progress.

Tony's widespread experience in Court enables him to advise clients not only on the likely outcomes, but also on how to avoid potential litigation.

Tony has significant expertise in dealing with a variety of businesses and local government councils along the Northern NSW Coast to Queensland’s Gold Coast. His work with both developers and councils, and the disputes that arise between them, has given him immense exposure to many areas of the law. This includes disputes relating to contracts, defamation, partnerships and shareholding, property and tenancies, property damage, professional indemnity, debt recovery, product liability, employment and restraints of trade

Tony is an invaluable member of the Stacks team. He has conducted over 200 cases in the NSW Land & Environment Court and Queensland’s Planning & Environment Court, predominantly for Councils and also for major Australian and overseas property developers.

With his 20 years plus experience in environment and planning law, Tony is adept at guiding his clients through their applications, appeals and, when necessary, litigation. His well-refined negotiation and mediation skills, and his in-depth understanding of the bureaucratic process, make him well equipped to develop a very strong case.

Tony's record in getting developments through following opposition by councils is second to none. One of his most recent cases was acting for the developers of Byron on Byron, a five star luxury resort at Byron Bay, on their application to the Byron Bay Shire Council. Tony’s strategic advice led to a successful development application and the resort is now a landmark spa and holiday venue.