Projects & Construction Monthly – June Edition

Welcome to the June edition of Projects & Construction Monthly.

This edition addresses:

1. Recent Construction News;
2. LPC Lawyers’ recently completed ‘Home Warranty Insurance’ series;
3. LPC Lawyers’ recently completed ‘Infrastructure Focused Investment in the 2024-25 Federal Budget’ article;
4. LPC Lawyers’ current ‘Resolving Matters’ series; and
5. Opportunities to join the LPC Lawyers’ team.

Recent Construction News

Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line

The proposed 37.8km dual track rail line between Beerwah and Maroochydore will be South East Queensland’s longest spur line ever delivered. Earlier this year, Queensland Government confirmed funding for progressive delivery.

With an expected cost between $5.5 billion and $7 billion, stage 1 includes:

1. protection of the revised alignment from Beerwah to Maroochydore;
2. delivery of a dual-track rail line from Beerwah to Caloundra (19km) – more than half of the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line (‘DSCRL’); and
3. planning, design and market engagement to confirm delivery costs and timeframes to deliver the DSCRL to Birtinya.

Once complete, the DSCRL will connect Sunshine Coast communities to Moreton Bay, Brisbane and beyond. Pre-delivery activities for stage 1 are currently underway.

Mayne Yard Construction Update

Established in the 1910s, Mayne Yard is Queensland Rail’s main stabling and maintenance precinct for daily network operations. In early 2023, Mayne Yard Noth was commissioned and enabling works took place at the existing Mayne Yard Depot, which are expected to be completed in 2024.

Throughout June and July, construction works will continue, which includes earthworks, track modifications, removal of redundant structures, installation of foundations and new masts for overhead electrical wires.

For more information on Mayne Yard’s June/July works, see here.

New Bundaberg Hospital

Works for the new Bundaberg Hospital first commenced in 2022. Funded as part of the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan, the project will see improvements in resources and facilities, for example, more beds, operating theatres and clinical, teaching and research spaces.

Last month, early works started onsite, which included establishing construction site offices and worker facilities, bulk excavation/earthworks, piling and establishing in-ground services. Sections of the old hospital will still be used for non-urgent specialist appointments and day health services.

For project delivery updates on the new Bundaberg Hospital, see here.

LPC Lawyers’ ‘Home Warranty Insurance’ Series  

LPC Lawyers has recently completed a three-part series outlining the claims that homeowners may be entitled to under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme as well as QBCC’s resolution process for defective work.

Part 1 – Non-Completion Claims

Part 1 explored non-completion claims, specifically, the eligibility criteria, the two different types of non-completion claims, time limits, and the lodgment process. Read the full article here.

Part 2 – Defective Work Complaints

Part 2 discussed defective work complaints, an alternative mechanism that residential homeowners are entitled to under home warranty insurance. Read the full article here.

Part 3 – The QBCC’s Resolution Process for Defective Work

Part 3 examined the dispute resolution process after a homeowner has lodged a defective work complaint to the QBCC and the dispute has been assigned to a Resolution Services officer. Read the full article here.

LPC Lawyers’ ‘Infrastructure Focused Investment in the 2024-25 Federal Budget’ Article

LPC Lawyers has recently completed a standalone article on infrastructure and construction focussed investment in the 2024-25 Federal Budget. Read the full article here.

LPC Lawyers’ ‘Resolving Matters’ Series

Despite best intentions, all projects must consider the risk of disputes arising that cannot be overcome at project-level. LPC Lawyers’ current series discusses alternative dispute resolution processes that parties may employ within their contracting models.

Part 1 – Coming Together in Mediation

Part 1 focuses on mediation, specifically, what the process is, how a mediator is appointed, as well as its benefits and limitations. Read the full article here.

Part 2 – Letting the Expert Decide

Part 2 explores expert determination, a common approach adopted by parties to a construction contract, ordinarily used to resolve disputes which have a high degree of complexity. Read the full article here.

Stay tuned for the next instalment of the series which will be available on 10 June 2024.

LPC Lawyers’ Continued Expansion

LPC Lawyers is looking to hire with opportunities for growth in our expanding practice.

Law Clerk

LPC Lawyers’ is looking to hire a law clerk in their third or fourth year of study. The role is for three days per week and includes preparation of legal documents and correspondence, working closely with our managing partner and assisting solicitors with case management, conducting legal research, and general administrative tasks.

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].