January 5, 2026
Welcome to the January edition of Projects & Construction Monthly.
This edition addresses:
- Recent Construction News;
- Queensland BPIC Policy;
- LPC Lawyers’ recently published article ‘LPC Lawyers’ Year in Review’; and
- Opportunities to join the LPC Lawyers’ team.
Recent Construction News
Centenary Bridge Upgrade Project
Construction of the new bridge across the Brisbane River at Jindalee is now complete, marking a major milestone for the Centenary Bridge Upgrade project.
Traffic is now being moved off the existing Centenary Bridge to allow it to be rehabilitated and repurposed to become a three-lane southbound bridge.
Rehabilitation of the existing bridge will continue along with ongoing works on vegetation, environmental management and local access improvements.
With more than 85,000 vehicles currently using the bridge every day and traffic modelling showing that the daily demand may reach around 152,000 vehicles by 2036, this upgrade is deemed essential to meet the demands of a growing population and increasing traffic volumes.
Sunshine Coast Athlete’s Village
Site works have begun to unlock more than 1800 new homes and an athlete’s village in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast.
The project is being delivered by the Sunshine Coast Council and Walker Corporation and is backed by backed by $82.9 million in state government funding.
The works will include road, power and service upgrades that will fast-track the development of new high-rise apartments by at least six years.
Part of the residential precinct will be used to accommodate athletes and team officials during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
New Resorts and Tourism Infrastructure on The Southport Spit
The Southport Spit on the Gold Coast is set to undergo a $500 million redevelopment including new resorts and tourism infrastructure.
A new public plaza will link Seaworld Drive to the Gold Coast Oceanway, which will be accompanied by upgraded amenities and a public car park.
Construction is expected to begin shortly after development approvals are given, with public facilities forecasted to be delivered ahead of the resort’s completion.
Queensland BPIC Policy Permanently Abolished
On 1 January 2026, Queensland’s Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPIC) policy will be permanently abolished. This marks one of the most significant law reforms for Queensland’s construction sector occurring in recent years.
Background
BPIC were introduced back in 2018 for government-funded projects over $100 million. The policy comprised of strict labour and industrial relations requirements, additional consultation processes and complicated tender obligations. Multiple government reviews since 2018 have revealed that BPIC increased project delivery costs; reduced the number of contractors willing or able to submit a tender; created an administrative burden and slowed procurement; and disadvantaged regional, Indigenous and mid-tier contractors.
What does this mean for the construction industry?
With the BPIC abolished, a wider variety of contractors will be able to participate in government-funded projects. This may improve tender competitiveness.
In recent years, project delays have occurred due to elevated construction costs and interest rates. The removal of the BPIC has the potential to reduce compliance-driven cost inflation and help lenders assess project viability.
Overseas developers may find procurement more accessible after this reform. With the BPIC gone, industrial-relations compliance will be simpler, tender processes will be more transparent, entry barriers for foreign builders and Joint Venture partners will be lowered and Queensland’s rules will be more aligned with New South Wales and Victoria.
BPIC was often seen as a barrier for non-top-tier contractors. The removal of BPIC will expand the pool of eligible contractors.
Additionally, with BPIC removed, banks and lenders will face fewer compliance uncertainties, contractors can be appointed more predictably, build schedules will be more stable and risk allowances in loan assessments may decrease. These financial benefits support smoother project planning.
LPC Lawyers’ recently published article ‘LPC Lawyers’ Year in Review’
Newsletter Cover Picture
LPC Lawyers’ newest article addresses the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017 (Qld) Christmas closure and its potential impacts on stakeholders in the construction sector. The article subsequently looks back on some of the articles we have published this year. In 2025, our articles covered a wide range of project and construction law content – all the way from breaking down big legal concepts to case analysis.
Read the full article here.
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.