Christopher Gough

Christopher Gough brings over 37 years of experience practising local government and environmental law. He has developed comprehensive expertise in a broad range of legal areas, with a primary focus on local government law. Since 2013, Christopher has been recognised as an accredited specialist in planning and environmental law. Throughout his career, Christopher has dedicated much of his practice to advising and representing Councils. His expertise covers all aspects of planning and development law, pollution regulation, legislation concerning roads and animals, and guiding Councils on their rights and responsibilities under the Local Government Act. Christopher is a recognised advocate in the Land & Environment Court, regularly representing Councils and other clients across a variety of matters. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sydney. His long-standing relationship with Parramatta City Council spans more than three decades, during which he has frequently appeared as an advocate defending both Class 1 and Class 2 appeals. He has also represented numerous applicants before the Court. Additionally, Christopher has acted for Councils and respondents in urgent injunction applications and Class 4 and 5 proceedings. Beyond civil matters, Christopher has prosecuted offences for Council clients under various statutes including the Roads Act, Companion Animals Act, Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, and the Protection of the Environment (Operations) Act. Christopher values the important role of resident objectors in Council processes and actively engages with them, often organising meetings to update interested parties on court proceedings and their progress. Outside the legal profession, Christopher is passionate about boating and enjoys spending quality time with his family and friends. He is married with three children and four grandchildren, and he takes pleasure in gardening, reading, and watching movies.