June 6, 2025
Welcome to the June edition of Projects & Construction Monthly.
This edition addresses:
- Recent Construction News;
- Amendments to the National Construction Code;
- LPC Lawyers’ recently completed ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution’series;
- LPC Lawyers’ in progress ‘Beyond the Hammer and Nails’ series; and
- Opportunities to join the LPC Lawyers’ team.
Recent Construction News
North Wall Beach Revitalisation
Construction has started to revitalise the North Wall Beach area beside the Port of Mackay.
The $2 million project includes a sealed carpark with more car spaces, better accessibility and new shaded areas and seating.
The project is being led by the North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation and constructed by JMAC Construction.
The final design came to be through community input, including input from the Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation, Mackay and District Turtle Watch and NQBP’s Port of Mackay Community Reference Group.
Construction is expected to be completed by late 2025.
Queensland Resources Common User Facility in Townsville
Construction is underway for the Queensland Resources Common User Facility in Townsville.
The facility will be operational in late 2026, giving mining companies a place to test their mineral processing techniques and progress samples to the market.
The budget has reportedly increased significantly, from $10 million to $75 million, which came down to the scope of the project expanding significantly from the initial proposal.
This has been highly anticipated since the project’s announcement in 2023 by the Queensland Government.
North Harbour Priority Development Area
The Queensland Government as announced the North Harbour Priority Development Area (PDA) in Burpengary East, City of Moreton Bay.
The project will see more than 3,700 homes being built over the next 15 years.
Land will be immediately released to allow for around 200 homes to be built. Detailed planning for the remainder of the land will follow.
The PDA builds on an existing development, where around 3,000 people currently reside, and is recognised as a key project in the City of Moreton Bay Regional Economic Development Strategy 2020-2041.
Amendments to the National Construction Code
From 1 May 2025, the National Construction Code (‘NCC’) is to be read in light of amendments contained in NCC Amendment 1. The amendments include additions and variations for Western Australia, a variation for Tasmania regarding Volume 2 Part H8 and some minor corrections.
The updates will have a limited impact on ongoing projects in Queensland, but national contractors and developers should be aware of them.
The NCC is updated every 3 years, based on required regulatory practices, industry research, public feedback and policy directions from governments. However, amendments can be made at times within the 3-year cycle.
The current version is NCC 2022, which was adopted by the States and territories on 1 May 2023.
The Australian Building Codes Board (‘ABCB’) is responsible for updating and maintaining the NCC. The ABCB is a joint initiative of state and territory governments together with the building and plumbing industries. They also play a significant role in reforming regulations in the construction industry.
LPC Lawyers’ Recently Completed ‘Alternative Dispute Resolution’ Series
LPC Lawyers has recently completed its four-part article series about alternative dispute resolution (ADR). This series explored some of the key benefits of ADR and the differences between ADR processes.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Part 3 – Expert Determination and Arbitration
Part 3 discusses the commonly adopted processes of expert determination and arbitration. The article explains what they are and provides some practical considerations.
Read the full article here.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Part 4 – Tiered Dispute Resolution Processes
Part 4, the final part, looks at how certain tiered dispute resolution processes can be adopted in common contracting agreements, enabling parties to benefit from various ADR processes.
Read the full article here.
LPC Lawyers’ In Progress ‘Beyond the Hammer and Nails’ Series
Disputes and disagreements are inevitable in the construction sector. If you work in construction, it is of utmost importance that you understand your rights, how to protect your business and what happens when things can’t be resolved. This three-part article series provides an overview of how to navigate the termination of construction contracts.
Beyond the Hammer and Nails: Termination of Construction Contracts
The first part of this series explores the grounds for termination of a contract, the implications for parties involved and the significance of a well-structured contract in managing risks and expectations.
Read the full article here.
Understanding Construction Contract Endings: Repudiation (Bailing) and Serious Breach
The second part discusses the two key common law reasons for bringing a contract to an end: termination for repudiation and termination for serious breach.
Read the full article here.
Stay tuned for the final instalment of this article series which will be available on 2 June 2025.
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 Manaia@lpclawyers.com.