April 4, 2025
Welcome to the April edition of Projects & Construction Monthly.
This edition addresses:
- Recent Construction News;
- What does the Federal Budget mean for Queensland?
- LPC Lawyers’ recently completed ‘It Will Cost You!’ series;
- LPC Lawyers’ recent ‘What a week! Federal Budget and New Infrastructure Announced for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games’ article;
- LPC Lawyers’ most recent Case Analysis: ‘Signs After an Unfavourable Adjudication’; and
- Opportunities to join the LPC Lawyers’ team.
Recent Construction News
Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project
Progress has been made towards the $5.75 billion Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail Project as major contractors have been shortlisted and the successful companies to deliver the works will be announced late 2025.This project targets the alleviation of bottlenecks by doubling the number of tracks between Kuraby and Beenleigh, building road-over-rail overpasses and removing two level crossings. This allows for all stop trains to move freely without being held to the side for the express trains to pass through.
Gold Coast beach restoration
Following significant erosion from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in early March 2025, the Gold Coast City Council began beach restoration around March 11th. Works include using machinery to reshape sand and clearing debris, along with employing sand stockpiles and bypassing. While some northern access points remain closed due to greater damage, the Council has progressively reopened beaches, starting with some southern areas, to restore them for public use.
Queensland Black Spots Program 2025–26 Funding Announced
In late March 2025, the Australian Government increased the allocation from $85 million to $150 million under the 2025-26 Black Spots Program. This funding will be used to deliver safety upgrades at 162 identified dangerous crash sites across the state. The types of upgrades funded include roundabouts, traffic calming measures, upgraded lighting, and safety barriers. The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads will work to implement these projects, which aim to significantly reduce serious injuries and deaths on Queensland roads.
What does the Federal Budget mean for Queensland?
As outlined previously in LPC Lawyers’ Federal Budget article, the announcement of the Australian Federal budget has demonstrated the government’s focus on stimulating economic growth and enhancing national connectivity. This commitment is substantiated with a significant allocation of $17.1 billion for Road and Rail Infrastructure. The key allocations affecting Queensland are as follows:
$540 million for the Australian Rail Track Corporation
The government has dedicated $540 million to improving the current interstate rail network in supporting the freight operations across the country and to ports. This includes increasing flood resistance, replacement of rails, track rehabilitation and general upgrades.
$13 billion for Targeted Road Safety Programs
This funding will enable national critical safety upgrades, including the installation of safety barriers, enhanced lane markings, wider road shoulders, expanded run-off areas, additional overtaking lanes and rest areas, and upgrades to intersections and signage. The Government’s initiative to “Build Back Better” focuses on the allocating money to the resealing and rehabilitating road surfaces for resilience against weather events. A notable allocation to Queensland is the $7.2 billion for Bruce Highway upgrades. This is the single largest investment into this critical road network and aims at achieving a minimum 3-star safety rating.
$100 million for Active Transport Fund
The government aims to encourage the safe use of active transport by constructing new bicycle and walking paths as a means of providing more liveable communities with lower cost transport options and zero emission travel.
Find more information about the 2025-2026 Budget here.
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LPC Lawyers’ Recently Completed ‘It Will Cost You! – Costs Orders’ Series
LPC Lawyers has recently completed its three-part series around costs orders. The series comprehensively explains the different types of cost orders, outlines factors influencing deviations from the standard “loser pays” rule, and details the process of costs assessment and potential challenges. Understanding these elements is essential for any party involved in legal proceedings to grasp the financial implications of litigation.
It Will Cost You! – Part 3: Costs Assessment
Part 3 discusses that while the general rule in civil litigation is that the losing party pays a portion of the winner’s legal costs, courts have discretion to deviate from this. Key factors influencing a departure from this rule include a party’s conduct during the proceedings, such as making false allegations, prolonging the case unnecessarily, or rejecting reasonable settlement offers.
LPC Lawyers’ recent ‘What a week! Federal Budget and New Infrastructure Announced for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games’ Article
Did you catch our recent insights on the 2032 Delivery Plan? Our latest article explored what the Federal Budget has in store for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Some insights we explored as the significant funding allocations for new venues, essential infrastructure upgrades, transport enhancements, and increased housing are expected to drive substantial activity in the industry. Beyond construction, these investments are projected to provide a significant and sustained boost to Australian tourism for the next 20 years, with lasting benefits for Queenslanders. Read more here.
LPC Lawyers’ most recent ‘Signs After an Unfavourable Adjudication – York Property Holdings Pty Ltd v Tomkins Commercial & Industrial Builders Pty Ltd’ Article
It has been well established that there is no right of appeal to an Adjudicator’s decision under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017. However, York Property Holdings Pty Ltd v Tomkins Commercial & Industrial Builders Pty Ltd [2025] QSC 44, demonstrates that if an adjudicators decision has been affected by jurisdictional error, it may be liable to be set aside in court. This gives the unsuccessful party an avenue to pursue an unfavourable adjudication even when appeal is not available. Read more 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 Manaia at [email protected].