October 1, 2021
Welcome to the October edition of Projects & Construction Monthly.
The edition addresses:
- the anniversary of LPC Lawyers;
- the ongoing impacts COVID-19 has on the construction industry;
- the much-needed boost to Central Queensland’s economy; and
- LPC Lawyers’ ‘Going green’
CELEBRATING 1 YEAR OF LPC LAWYERS
Lamont Project and Construction Lawyers is proud to be celebrating its 1-year anniversary this month.
Over the last year, the firm has been involved in some of the largest and complex construction and infrastructure projects and disputes throughout Australia. We continue to be the ‘go-to’ law firm for developers, principals, leading contractors, construction managers, and other companies across the major projects and construction industry.
This anniversary is a celebration of our commitment to providing the highest quality legal advice and service to our clients.
COVID-19 AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
As the NSW construction industry reopens, another closes.
On 27 September 2021 the NSW Government announced the removal of its 50 per cent capacity limit at construction sites and workers may resume working at 100 per cent capacity. However, there are still certain conditions and requirements, including, but not limited to:
- Construction workers residing in a Local Government Area (LGA) of concern must meet the COVID-19 vaccination conditions; and
- Construction sites must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place and have no more than 1 person per 4m2 at the site.
Meanwhile, the increasing rates of COVID-19 in Victoria has forced the Victorian Government to shutdown the construction industry from 11.59pm, Monday 20 September 2021 for two weeks in metropolitan Melbourne and other LGAs. The shutdown gives rise to numerous issues in the construction industry and is another reminder for contractors to review their contracts and seek appropriate time and cost relief, force majeure arrangements, suspension and demobilisation costs and existing payment obligations under the contract.
ROCKHAMPTON RESIDENTS AND CONTRACTORS REAPING BENEFITS
The $158 million Rockhampton Northern Access Upgrade has now been completed, with the Bruce Highway now widened to four lanes between Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road and Ramsay Creek. This massive facelift enables locals to get in and out of the city’s northern suburbs faster and has paved the way for the upcoming Rockhampton Ring Road.
The Rockhampton Ring Road is the biggest infrastructure project to ever be delivered in Central Queensland and is set to give a big boost to many local businesses and will create extensive opportunities for local contractors. The Ring Road will link the Bruce Highway through Rockhampton extending from the Capricorn Highway (Nelson Street), to Rockhampton-Yeppoon Road/Bruce Highway intersection and will include a new crossing of the Fitzroy River at Pink Lily.
The Minister for Transport and Main Roads has confirmed that over the next four years the Palaszczuk Government is delivering $27.5 billion to roads and transport which is set to create 24,000 jobs and drive economic recovery from COVID-19.
With construction on the Ring Road kicking off at the start of next year, materials, workers, traffic management, drilling and piling services, fencing, cleaning and security serves, accommodation, fuel, and vehicle maintenance will all be required.
These two massive projects will be the key to boosting the Central Queensland economy and transforming the road network.
GOING GREEN
LPC Lawyers presents, the four-part ‘Going green’ series which address the energy transition from traditional to renewable energy, and the importance of managing the risks associated with new technologies and infrastructure to make the transition successfully.
‘Going green’ – Part 1 – The Energy Transition
The first part of the series addresses the energy transition, the Government’s plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and specific industry challenges in ‘Going green’. Read more here.
‘Going green’ – Part 2 – Energy Regulations and Enforcement
Part 2 focuses on the legal framework that governs the energy sector and recent developments to the National Electricity Market and National Gas Laws which will impact industry participants. Read more here.
‘Going green’ – Part 3 – The Hydro-Boom
Part 3 explains what hydrogen is and how it will unlock Australia’s future for renewable energy production. The Hydro-boom considers new technologies, energy infrastructure and current barriers being faced to activate green hydrogen in Australia. Read more here.
‘Going green’ – Part 4 – Disputes in the Energy Sector
The final part of the series addresses the different activities involved in energy production and how to appropriately manage risks early on through considered dispute resolution. The article also addresses arbitration as the most widely used dispute resolution process in the energy sector and key considerations when drafting an arbitration clause. Read more here.