Steve Aitchison

Steve is a Principal in Hunt & Hunt’s Property and Planning team and one of Victoria’s most experienced property lawyers, with more than 30 years’ experience advising across land transactions, planning, compulsory acquisition and infrastructure delivery. He is widely regarded as a go-to adviser for matters that sit at the intersection of commercial property, statutory land law and public sector decision-making.

Steve has advised local governments, statutory authorities, utilities, developers and investors on some of the State’s most complex land and development matters. His practice spans public land transactions, commercial development, planning strategy and infrastructure projects, requiring both technical precision and strategic judgement.

A defining feature of Steve’s practice is his deep understanding of how statutory frameworks operate in practice. Clients value his ability to navigate regulatory complexity while delivering commercially workable outcomes in high-value, high-sensitivity projects.

Areas of Focus

• Property development and acquisitions
• Public land transactions and compulsory acquisition
• Planning and VCAT proceedings
• Commercial, industrial and retail leasing
• Construction and project delivery
• Public–private partnerships and social infrastructure

Experience & Authority

Public Sector Property & Statutory Land Law
Steve has extensive experience advising local governments, statutory authorities and utilities on public land transactions, including road discontinuances, statutory land acquisition, land swaps and Crown land dealings.

He has acted for councils across Victoria, including Moonee Valley, Hume and Darebin, on matters involving compulsory acquisition, vesting, and land management under the Local Government Act and Land Act.

Crown Land & Planning Authority Matters
Steve regularly advises on Crown land leases, licences, development conditions and management arrangements. His experience includes navigating DELWP requirements, Ministerial approvals and complex statutory overlays affecting public land.

Planning, VCAT & Strategic Development
Steve frequently advises on planning permit appeals, VCAT proceedings, planning scheme amendments, section 173 agreements, restrictive covenants and easements.

He has worked extensively with local governments on complex strategic development sites, providing advice that balances statutory compliance, community outcomes and commercial feasibility.

Commercial Property & Development Projects
In addition to his public sector practice, Steve advises private sector clients on major commercial, retail and residential developments. His experience includes acquisitions and disposals, leasing, development funding, security and project structuring.

He regularly acts on multi-party transactions and developments involving joint ventures, staged delivery and public–private interfaces.

Infrastructure & Project Delivery
Steve has advised on infrastructure and social infrastructure projects, including public–private partnerships and projects involving utilities and government agencies. His advice supports efficient project delivery while managing land, planning and statutory risk.

Style & Approach
Steve is known for his calm authority, deep technical knowledge and practical, solution-oriented mindset. Clients value his ability to bring clarity to complex land and planning issues and to structure outcomes that deliver commercial certainty while satisfying statutory and governance requirements.