October 7, 2026
Welcome to the October edition of Projects & Construction Monthly.
This edition addresses:
- Recent Construction News;
- The New Queensland Housing Code; and
- Opportunities to join the LPC Lawyers’ team.
Recent Construction News
Works Begin at RNA Showgrounds
Construction has commenced on the $287.5 million transformation of the RNA Showgrounds, in preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Demolition works are underway on Machinery Hill, which will see a new grandstand, a multi-storey horse pavilion and accessibility improvements.
The works will also bring the Brisbane Athlete Village, which will overlook the showgrounds and accommodate thousands of athletes and officials.
The transformation in expected to be completed in 2028, but the Ekka will continue to be held at the RNA showgrounds while constriction continues.
Bridge Works Progress on Rockhampton Ring Road Project
Construction of the Rockhampton Ring Road project has reached several major milestones, with work advancing on key structures including the Fitzroy River Bridge, Capricorn Highway Connector Bridge and a new precast manufacturing facility.
Piling has started on the Pink Lily riverbank for Rockhampton’s third crossing of the Fitzroy River, marking the beginning of foundation works for the 435-metre bridge linking Pink Lily and Parkhurst.
Further south, the last girder has been installed on the Capricorn Highway Connector Bridge.
The Werribee Street precast yard in North Rockhampton has also reached a key milestone, with construction of the facility shed and installation of gantry cranes now complete ahead of commissioning in October.
Delivery of New Coomera Hospital
Major foundation works are underway for the new 600-bed Coomera Hospital, including concrete pours to support the expanded footprint of the hospital, retaining works, remodeling existing structures and earthworks.
Civil works, construction of retaining walls, construction of permanent stormwater management tanks and works on the multi-storey car park are expected to start this month.
The new hospital will be delivered in stages, starting with the car park and progressing through to the delivery of all 600 beds by 2032.
The New Queensland Housing Code
The Queensland Government has released a new Queensland Housing Code (QHC), which became available for local governments to adopt from 1 September 2026.
The QHC deals with design and siting for detached houses and secondary dwellings and establishes modern standards for building height, setbacks, privacy, car parking, site cover and private open space.
The QHC replaces the design and siting provisions in the Queensland Development Code, specifically Mandatory Part 1.1 for lots under 450 square metres and Mandatory Part 1.2 for lots of 450 square metres and over. Those provisions have not been substantially updated in over 15 years.
Local governments will be able to adopt the QHC during a three-year transition period. The adoption will be supported by the Queensland Government’s guidance materials, implementation assistance and a streamlined planning scheme amendment pathway. During the three-year transition period, the QHC will only apply in a local government area if the local planning scheme is amended to specify how the QHC applies.
Under the old design and siting provisions, around three-quarters of local governments across Queensland would have different housing requirements, due to gaps and ambiguities in the provisions. The new QHC aims to create a statewide standard. However, for a builder operating across multiple local government areas, the practical benefits of the new QHC may arrive erratically.
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.