Melanie Findlay

Melanie Findlay is a Partner at Rees R & Sydney Jones, where she leads the Rural, Energy & Environment division. She commenced her legal career at the firm in 2006 and was appointed Partner in 2010. In 2020, Melanie became the first female Managing Partner of the firm, a role she held for five years, during which she provided strategic leadership and drove significant growth. Melanie is highly regarded by clients in Central Queensland for her direct and pragmatic approach, particularly in representing landowners with resilience and dedication. Her practice encompasses a broad range of matters including gas pipelines, coal seam gas, mining, renewable energy agreements, land access and exploration, easements and infrastructure corridors, vegetation offsets, and business restructures. She enjoys working at the forefront of emerging markets, including carbon agreements and environmental law. Beyond her legal work, Melanie actively supports the local community through fundraising initiatives aimed at assisting drought-affected rural families. She serves as President of the Central Queensland Law Association and is a Director of the Fitzroy Basin Association. Melanie is also committed to law reform, acting as Chair of the Queensland Law Society Energy and Resources Policy Committee and contributing as a member of the Queensland Law Society Water and Agribusiness Policy Committee. Outside of her professional commitments, Melanie values spending quality time with her two young children and pursuing her passion for sport.