December 1, 2025
Welcome to the December edition of Projects & Construction Monthly.
This edition addresses:
- Recent Construction News;
- Building Regulation Renovation Tranche 3 Amendments;
- LPC Lawyers’ recently completed article ‘From Percentages to Particulars: Drawing the Line on BIFA Payment Claims’;
- LPC Lawyers’ Christmas closure dates; and
- Opportunities to join the LPC Lawyers’ team.
Recent Construction News
Wulguru Wastewater Infrastructure Resilience Program
Townsville City Council has committed over $7 million to the Wulguru Wastewater Infrastructure Resilience Program to address chronic sewage issues in Wulguru, affecting more than 250 properties during wet weather events.
The program comprises two main upgrades: a 225 mm gravity sewer along Wright Street, and an extension beneath Stuart Drive linking to the existing 300mm trunk gravity sewer at the intersection of Stuart Drive and Edison Street.
As of November 2025, construction ready plans for Wright Street Sewer Upgrade have been completed and the contract for design of Stuart Drive Sewer Upgrade awarded. For more information, see here.
Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3
Stage 3 of the Gold Coast Light Rail project involves a 6.7-kilometre extension of the light rail network from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads. Last month, for the first time, a tram successfully ran along the new northern tracks between Broadbeach South Station and Miami North Station, signaling the start of controlled night testing.
Night testing is scheduled to continue through mid-December, with up to two trams operating between 8pm and 4am to validate signaling, power systems and station readiness. In the meantime, finishing works along the new track section are ongoing as the build heads toward final completion of the Broadbeach-Miami stretch by the end of this month. See here for further updates.
Mayne Yard
Mayne Yard is the primary stabling and maintenance precinct for Queensland Rail’s daily network operations. Upgrade and expansion works are underway to ensure the rail network will function effectively and efficiently to support network growth and operations.
In December 2025 and January 2026, works will continue at the stabling facility, including rock breaking for stormwater drainage, earthworks, track modifications, removal of redundant structures, and installation of foundations and new overhead wire masts. For more information, see here.
Building Regulation Renovation Tranche 3 Amendments
The Building Regulation Renovation is a package of reforms that will boost productivity, reduce regulatory burden and help safeguard investment to make it easier to build in Queensland. The reforms, which are intended to complement the Queensland Productivity Commission’s regulatory review of the building and construction industry, are progressively rolling out in 4 tranches.
On 24 November 2025, the Legislative Assembly passed the Queensland Building and Construction Commission and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025 (‘the Act’), in which the Tranche 3 amendments are contained. Notably, the Act:
- supports the QBCC to be a customer-focused and user-friendly regulator by digitizing and modernizing processes such as providing alternatives to paper-based methods;
- helps the QBCC to use digital platforms more effectively, cutting paperwork and making it easier to manage licenses; and
- streamlines the pathway for making safety notifications.
Changes under the Act are proposed to commence in early 2026, subject to Governor-in-Council approval. Additionally, the Queensland Government is considering further proposed legislative changes under Tranche 4 to target the efficiency of processes. See here for more information.
LPC Lawyers’ Recently Completed Article ‘From Percentages to Particulars: Drawing the Line on BIFA Payment Claims’
LPC Lawyers’ newest article provides a summary of Bridgeman Agencies Pty Ltd v S.E. QLD Plumbing & Drainage Pty Ltd [2025] QSC 167. The case considered the scope and application of s 68(1)(a) Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld) regarding the identification of construction work or related goods and services in a payment claim. Read more here.
Christmas Closure Dates
LPC Lawyers wishes you and your family a wonderful holiday season. Our office will be closed from Wednesday, 24 December 2025 and will reopen from Monday, 5 January 2026.
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.