Stephanie specialises in planning, property and environmental matters across all Victorian forums, including the Supreme Court, VCAT, Planning Panels Victoria, the Building Appeals Board, the Victorian Liquor Commission and Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission.
Stephanie has advised and appeared for clients in both the private and government sectors, taking in all aspects of property development, land use and review of government action. This includes planning merits reviews, Planning Scheme Amendments in urban and greenfield contexts, infrastructure and development contributions, Environmental Effects Statements, cultural and European heritage, liquor and gaming regulation and approvals, property disputes, land compensation and valuation disputes, restrictive covenants and enforcement matters. Stephanie has also advised and appeared in administrative law proceedings concerning judicial review of actions by municipal councils and government agencies.
Stephanie’s experience and capability have been acknowledged by her peers and clients, earning her listing in Doyle’s Guide as a Recommended Junior Counsel in Planning and Environment in both 2025 and 2026.
Prior to coming to the Bar, Stephanie was a Director at Planning and Property Partners, following a successful career in Minter Ellison’s Environment and Planning group, and in-house at Melbourne Airport. She holds an LLB with first class honours from Monash University, in addition to her Commerce degree (specialising in economics).
Stephanie has also spent multiple years volunteering in sports administration and is currently a Board member of Hockey Victoria.
Some recent cases in which Stephanie has appeared are as follows:
- Moore v Merri-bek CC [2025] VCAT 22, led by Nick Tweedie SC;
- Luxor Corporation v Brimbank CC [2025] VCAT 180, led by Juliet Forsyth SC;
- Salnando Superannuation Pty Ltd v Brimbank CC [2025] VCAT 366, unled;
- Glen Ora Estate Pty Ltd v Greater Western Water Corporation [2026] VCAT 103, unled;
- East Gippsland C172egip [2025] PPV 40, unled;
- Port Phillip C219port [2026] PPV 40, led by Susan Brennan SC;
- Melbourne C444melb [2026] PPV 46, unled;
- Environmental Effects Statement — Viva Energy Gas Terminal Project, led by Christopher Townshend KC and Barnaby Chessell SC (and with Roshan Chaile);
- Suburban Rail Loop East — Draft Structure Plans and Planning Scheme Amendments, led by Susan Brennan SC, Paul Chiappi SC and Andrew Walker (and with Jordan Wright); and
- VPA Projects Referral 16 – East of Aberline Precinct Structure Plan, unled;
- VPA Projects Referral 17 – Greater Avalon Employment Precinct, led by Christopher Townshend KC; and
- EGM premises approval — Cook Country Hotels Pty Ltd at the Huntly Hotel, led by Nick Tweedie SC.
Stephanie read with Emma Peppler. Her senior mentors are Adrian Finanzio SC (now Finanzio J) and Susan Brennan SC.
*Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards legislation
