August 4, 2025
Welcome to the August edition of Projects & Construction Monthly.
This edition addresses:
- Recent Construction News;
- Recent Legislation Changes to the National Construction Code;
- LPC Lawyers’ recently completed ‘Artificial Intelligence in Law’ series;
- LPC Lawyers’ recent article ‘Addressing the Unknown – Latent Conditions’;
- LPC Lawyers’ recent article ‘The New Queensland Property Law Act 2023 and some Impacts on construction’; and
- Opportunities to join the LPC Lawyers’ team.
Recent Construction News
Key Developments for Brisbane’s 2032 Games Infrastructure
As of the 3 July 2025, the Australian and Queensland Governments are working together to reallocate the federal governments $3.435 billion contribution to the $7.1 billion Games Venue Infrastructure Program. This revision to the Minor Venues Program includes several new projects, such as a National Aquatic Centre, a Toowoomba Equestrian Centre, a dedicated para-sport facility, and an expanded Queensland Tennis Centre.
Initial site investigations are scheduled to begin soon at the two major venues: the new 63,000-seat Victoria Park stadium site and the National Aquatic Centre site. Meanwhile, the Brisbane 2032 Games are officially moving forward, with Expressions of Interest for the Principal Design Consultant for four key projects closing on 24 July 2025. These projects include the Logan Indoor Sports Centre, Moreton Bay Indoor Sports Centre, Barlow Park Stadium in Cairns, and the Sunshine Coast Stadium.
Find out more here.
Youngs Crossing Upgrade in Joyner, City of Moreton Bay
The Youngs Crossing Road upgrade project is officially underway, with work crews and equipment now arriving on site. The project’s commencement was marked by a sod-turning ceremony on Friday, 11 July, attended by principal contractor Seymour Whyte and design constructor HDR. This follows the City of Moreton Bay’s announcement in May of an $86 million contract with Seymour Whyte for a significant portion of the works.
This upgrade is set to enhance safety, vehicle carrying capacity, and resilience against flooding events. The upcoming works at Protheroe Road will include significant safety upgrades, such as new signalised intersections. The initiative aims to enhance community access, implement enhanced wildlife protections, and construct a new 200-meter river crossing bridge, which will be built offline to minimise disruption. The project also focuses on environmental sustainability by preserving key trees and improving creek flow.
Further information on construction staging and anticipated durations will be shared in the coming months.
Find out more here.
Designs Unveiled for Newcastle’s Clean Energy Precinct
The Port of Newcastle has released designs for a new clean energy precinct on a 220-hectare site on Kooragang Island, with construction expected to begin in 2027. Backed by a $100 million investment from the Australian Government, this project will transform a disused site into a hub for the production, storage, distribution, and export of green hydrogen and ammonia.
The precinct is designed to integrate with other key clean energy projects in the region, including the Hunter’s Hydrogen Hub and offshore wind developments. The released designs, which follow Front-End Engineering and Design and Environmental Impact Statement studies, detail planned infrastructure such as production facilities, storage, and pipelines.
Find out more here.
Recent Legislation Changes to the National Construction Code
A new Amendment 2 to the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 took effect on July 29, 2025. This update is crucial for the construction industry as it aligns the NCC with the amended Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010.
The amendment now requires projects to comply with the 2021 edition of Australian Standard (AS) 1428.1, Design for Access and Mobility. Builders, designers, and certifiers must now ensure their projects, particularly public buildings, meet these updated technical standards for accessible features. It is essential that builders and certifiers are familiar with these technical updates to ensure their projects, particularly public buildings, achieve compliance.
Find out more here.
LPC Lawyers’ recently completed ‘Artificial Intelligence in Law’ series
Artificial Intelligence in Law – Part 1: An Introduction
This article explores the origins and current application of Artificial Intelligence within Australia’s legal profession, outlining its transformative potential, current adoption trends, and the initial guidance provided by legal authorities.
Read the full article here.
Artificial Intelligence in Law – Part 2: A Double-Edged Sword?
This article explores the benefits of using AI in the legal industry, such as increased efficiency and cost savings, while also highlighting the critical risks to accuracy and reliability.
Read the full article here.
Artificial Intelligence in Law – Part 3: Ethical, Regulatory & Practical Considerations
This article, the final instalment in a series on AI, explores the ethical and practical considerations for legal practitioners, including concerns around bias and fairness, privacy, and accountability, and outlines the resources available for legal practitioners.
Read the full article here.
LPC Lawyers’ recent article ‘Addressing the Unknown- Latent Conditions’
This article discusses Latent Conditions in construction contracts, explaining what they are, the entitlements they can generate for contractors, and how parties can mitigate the associated risks through effective contract drafting.
Read the full article here.
LPC Lawyers’ recent artice ‘The New Queensland Property Law Act 2023 and some Impacts on construction’
This article discusses the new Property Law Act 2023 (Qld), which modernises property law and introduces significant changes to deeds, guarantees, and leasing arrangements that will directly impact the construction and projects sector.
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.