May 1, 2026
Welcome to the May edition of Projects & Construction Monthly.
This edition addresses:
- Recent Construction News;
- The delay of Queensland’s adoption of the National Construction Code 2025;
- LPC Lawyers’ recently published article ‘War on Contracts and Fuel’; and
- Opportunities to join the LPC Lawyers’ team.
Recent Construction News
Design for the New Beenleigh Station Revealed
The Queensland Government has released an updated design for the new Beenleigh station precinct, which forms part of the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project.
The new Beenleigh station will be relocated approximately 650 metres north, closer to the centre of town, creating a more accessible and integrated precinct for commuters and local businesses.
The design also includes improved walking and cycling connections, a new bus interchange, a larger park ‘n’ ride facility and local road upgrades.
Completed Safety Upgrades on Warrego and Carnarvon Highways
Three major road projects—aimed at improving safety, reliability and access—have been completed on the Warrego and Carnarvon highways.
The upgrades included widening seven kilometres of the Warrego Highway west of Wallumbilla, improving the South Road intersection and delivering a new shared walking and cycling path along the Carnarvon Highway in Roma between May Street and Airport Drive.
The projects were jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Road Safety Program.
Curzon Street Bridge Upgrade
Major works have begun on the Curzon Street Bridge upgrade at Rocklea to improve flood resilience and maintain access to the Brisbane Markets during severe weather events.
The project will raise the bridge by around 1.2 metres and the road along Curzon Street will be fully reconstructed. Additional works will deliver a reinforced bridge deck, a retaining wall, upgraded pedestrian access, improved entry controls and new electrical and communications infrastructure.
The project is being delivered jointly by the Australian and Queensland governments—forming part of the Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program—in partnership with Brisbane Markets Ltd.
Queensland Delays the Commencement of the National Construction Code 2025
The Queensland Government has announced a 12-month delay of the commencement of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2025 to support a smooth transition from the current code. Queensland has confirmed that the NCC 2025 will commence on 1 May 2027.
As a result of this decision, the NCC 2022 will remain in force in Queensland for another year. This extended transition period provides industry participants with ample time to understand, prepare for and adopt the changes ahead of mandatory commencement.
On 1 February 2026, the Australian Building Codes Board released the preview draft of the NCC 2025, which is available for adoption nationally from 1 May 2026.
The amendments in the NCC 2025 are focused on multi-storey and commercial buildings and are intended to improve safety, performance and usability across the built environment. The changes include:
- Improved water management amendments;
- Amendments to strengthen fire safety in carparks;
- Measures that reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings;
- Updates to condensation management provisions;
- An amendment that permits optional installation of all-gender sanitary facilities; and
- Clarification that a plastic pipe is not to be used above-ground in combined sprinkler and hydrant systems.
Shortly after Queensland’s announcement, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory announced that they will too be deferring the commencement of the NCC 2025 to 1 May 2027. Victoria is pushing ahead with their adoption date as 1 May 2026. The adoption date of other jurisdictions is currently unknown.
LPC Lawyers’ recently published article ‘War on Contracts and Fuel’
The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has caused Australian fuel prices to increase to a record high. This is having major implications for projects and construction across Australia. In accordance with the rise in fuel prices, the cost of transporting materials to site, the day-to-day operation of heavy machinery and materials themselves have increased also.
This article explores the repercussions of the current conflict in the Middle East and the consequential increase in fuel prices on the construction industry. It also delves into how parties navigate escalated project costs, in both contracts that contain a ‘rise and fall’ clause and fixed-price contracts.
LPC Lawyers’ Continued Expansion
LPC Lawyers is looking to hire with opportunities for growth in our expanding practice.
Litigation Lawyers (1-3 years PAE)
Working closely with an ex-top tier partner, this role is ideal for a candidate who is highly motivated and has experience in drafting correspondence, simple pleadings, briefs for Counsel, and some client advisory work.
For more information about our current opportunities visit our website here or to apply, please email your resume and cover letter to Jenna at Jenna@lpclawyers.com.