As the global market shifts towards increased investment in renewable energy projects, Australia is in a prime position to leverage its abundance of sun, wind, and land, to generate significant volumes of cheap renewable energy for domestic use, and for export. At least the federal government thinks so, having committed over $40 billion of investments in this year’s federal budget …

The federal government is ramping up its investment in critical infrastructure, with increased spending commitments for defence, renewable, and transport infrastructure projects. Annual defence expenditure has exceeded $50 billion for the first time, following the delivery of the Federal Budget (May 2023), and a number of recommendations put forward in the Defence Strategic Review (released on 24 April 2023). With …

Welcome to the August edition of Projects & Construction Monthly. This edition addresses: Recent construction news; The case of Veesaunt Property Syndicate 1 Pty Ltd v Alliance Building and Construction Pty Ltd [2023] QSC 129; LPC Lawyers’ recently completed ‘Time & Cost’ series; LPC Lawyers’ upcoming article series; and Opportunities to join the LPC Lawyers’ team. Recent Construction News   …

The very nature of construction work means unforeseen or unanticipated events which necessitate a change in the scope or nature of the works required to be completed under a contract can be commonplace. These changes are often a significant catalyst for disputes in construction projects – understanding your obligations and entitlements in respect of Variations may assist in minimising the …

Time & Cost: Part 2 – Extensions of Time “Expect Delays” is what all Principals and Contractors should be considering when negotiating construction contracts in 2023, as delays to projects due to unavailability of labour and materials become the norm. Understanding your contractual obligations and entitlements to claiming time and costs for delays on a construction project, is more apparent …

One of the most prominent areas for dispute in the construction industry relates to the entitlement (or lack thereof) to additional time or costs as a result of delay caused in the completion of a project, and associated with a varied scope in work. In its most simple form, a construction Contract provides for the agreement to build the specified …

Welcome to the July edition of Projects & Construction Monthly. This edition addresses: Recent updates on Major Projects; Case Summary – Perera v Bold Properties (QLD) Pty Ltd [2023] QDC 99; LPC Lawyers’ ‘The Power of Disclosure’ series; LPC Lawyers’ ‘Navigating Quantum Calculation’ series; LPC Promotions; and Opportunities to join the LPC Lawyers’ team. Recent Updates on Major Projects Mt …

This week we explore a more widely used cost-based method for calculating quantum in construction claims, as well as a productivity-based method. These methods are, respectively: Discrete Damages/ Cost Variance Analysis Method; and Earned Value Analysis. Which of these methods is adopted will be dependent on various project specific factors and contractual mechanisms which govern what can be claimed, and …

In major project and construction claims, the calculation of quantum is a critical aspect, acting as a vital indicator of the damages suffered. While quantum experts are typically enlisted to delve into the intricacies of these calculations, it is equally important for solicitors to have a fundamental understanding of how quantum is calculated to equip themselves with the knowledge required …

The final instalment of this series explores important considerations surrounding when disclosure occurs, how it is performed, and the consequences of failing to comply with disclosure obligations properly. Given the importance of disclosure during litigation, and the potential consequences of a failure to act in accordance with the relevant requirements, all parties should ensure they have a comprehensive understanding of …