Marnie Payne

Marnie became a valued member of Preston Law’s Local Government team in 2022 and was officially admitted as a Solicitor in 2025.

With over 20 years of experience in the legal industry prior to earning her Bachelor of Laws, Marnie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.

She is highly skilled in assisting local government clients with commercial transactions and property matters, showcasing a deep understanding of the governance and compliance requirements outlined in the Local Government Act and Regulations.

Marnie’s experience includes:

• Drafting, reviewing, and advising on freehold, trustee, and retail shop leases and licences, facilitating negotiation, execution, and registration.
• Assisting local governments with boundary encroachment sales including preparing contracts and easements, negotiating contracts, and managing the conveyance, settlement, and lodgement processes.
• Assisting local governments with sales of property to recover overdue rates under the Local Government Act 2009.
• Assisting local governments with general sales and purchases of land.
• Assisting local governments with policy and procedure drafting.
• Assisting new and restructured company and association boards with establishing good governance practices, advising on the implications of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (Qld), and constitutions, ensuring compliance with best practices for transparency, ethics, and stakeholder engagement, and supporting the preparation of documentation, including notices to members, minutes, and resolutions.
• Supporting lead partners in high-stakes commercial matters, including major development projects and significant sales and acquisitions throughout Far North Queensland and providing critical assistance in comprehensive due diligence.
• Acting for mortgagees in preparing mortgage documentation, loan contracts, security documents and attendance to settlement matters.
• Assisting clients with commercial land and building contracts, residential contracts, business sales and purchases, retail and commercial leasing, trade mark applications, company incorporation, ASIC lodgements, and charity registration.