November 1, 2024
Welcome to the November edition of Projects & Construction Monthly.
This edition addresses:
- Recent Construction News;
- Work Health and Safety (Amenities for Construction Work) Amendment Regulation 2024;
- LPC Lawyers’ recently completed ‘Booming Infrastructure’ series; and
- Opportunities to join the LPC Lawyers’ team.
Recent Construction News
Gympie Bypass
Major construction of the $1.162 billion Gympie Bypass was completed around midnight on 15 October 2024. As the final section of a larger program of works to upgrade the Bruce Highway between Cooroy and Curra, this project involved constructing a new 26 kilometre, four-lane divided highway between the Woondum interchange and Curra.
Prior to construction, this stretch of the Bruce Highway was responsible for a number of crashes and serious injuries. Now, the four-lane addition will improve motorist safety, access and flood immunity. In the next few weeks, however, there will still be intermittent works for minor activities.
For more information, see here.
Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade
The contract to deliver Stage 1 of the Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade project has been awarded to the John Holland Queensland Seymour Whyte Joint Venture. This means that the Joint Venture, with its designers SMEC Australia and WSP Australia, will continue finalising designs and commence construction.
Specifically, Stage 1 will see the duplication of the rail line between Beerburrum and Beerwah, straightening the rail line between Beerburrum and Glass House Mountains, an upgraded park ‘n’ ride facility at Beerburrum, new or upgraded road overpasses, and upgraded train signalling systems.
Construction is expected to finish in 2027.
Queen’s Wharf
It has roughly been two months since the staged opening of Queen’s Wharf on 29 August, and already, thousands of locals and tourists have visited the $3.6 billion Brisbane transformation. Once fully operational, The Star Brisbane and Queen’s Wharf are expected to attract approximately 1.4 million additional visitors to Queensland each year.
In the meantime, temporary night works and lane closures on Margaret Street will continue until the end of November. Night works within the Queen’s Wharf Residential Tower site are scheduled five nights a week, until 31 December 2024.
For Queen’s Wharf construction updates, see here.
Port of Brisbane Channel Enhancement Project
The $3.5 billion Channel Enhancement project is a proposal to widen, deepen and realign sections of the existing shipping channel to enhance safety and efficiency at the Port of Brisbane (‘the Port’). This project is important given that the Port is Australia’s third largest container port and Queensland’s largest multi-cargo port.
Preparation of the draft terms of reference for the Environmental Impact Statement (‘EIS’) is currently underway. The next phases will involve undertaking the EIS, assessment and approvals, Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd final investment decision, before commencing program of works in 2028.
For key project milestones and further updates, see here.
Work Health and Safety (Amenities for Construction Work) Amendment Regulation 2024
Informed by public and targeted consultation, including employer and industry groups, government agencies, registered unions, academics, and other bodies, the Work Health and Safety (Amenities for Construction Work) Amendment Regulation 2024 (‘Amenities Regulation’) will amend the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 to better the facilities and amenities on certain construction projects, particularly to improve conditions for women working in construction.
Because construction is a crucial industry in Queensland, ensuring that principal contractors will implement safe, secure and fit-for-purpose toilets and amenities will assist in encouraging and increasing women’s participation in the construction workforce.
For example, this will include hygienic sanitary bins, accessible and designated female toilets, and properly equipped hand washing areas.
Under section 2 of Subordinate Legislation 2024 No. 203, the Amenities Regulation will commence on 1 January 2025.
LPC Lawyers’ ‘Booming Infrastructure’ Series
Investments in Australian infrastructure continues to expand, being a cornerstone of both federal and state budgets. With the diverse range of infrastructure projects under development across Australia, LPC Lawyers’ latest series explores key risks and matters to consider when working in certain sectors.
Part 1 – Prior to delivering a rail project, parties should fully inform themselves of the specific risks and consider how they can best facilitate project outcomes and risk allocations. Part 1 explores the key risks and matters to consider when parties are working on rail infrastructure. Read the full article here.
Part 2 – Roads and highways form the backbone of Australian transport infrastructure networks, which will continue to represent a key area for growth into the future. Part 2 explores the key risks and matters to consider when parties are working on highway infrastructure. Read the full article here.
Part 3 – The unique nature of renewable assets means that parties much take into account specific risks and concerns during contract formation, to avoid potential disputes as matters progress. Part 3 explores the key risks and matters to consider when parties are working on renewable infrastructure. Read the full article here.
Part 4 – Utility infrastructure will continue to represent a key aspect of ongoing investment across the Australian construction industry. Part 4 explores the key risks and matters to consider when parties are working on utility infrastructure. 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 Manaia at [email protected].