Projects, Infrastructure & Construction: 2024 Year in Review

As 2024 comes to a close, our Projects, Infrastructure & Construction team reflects on the achievements, significant projects, and highlights of the year.

“2024 has been a year of significant progress in Australian infrastructure and construction. From groundbreaking hydrogen hubs to transformative road and rail projects, the focus on innovation, sustainability, and more collaborative risk sharing continues to reshape the industry, driven by strong government investment in energy and infrastructure transformation.”

Martin Lovell – Practice Team leader

Industry insights 

In 2024, Australia’s projects, infrastructure, and construction sector showcased resilience and adaptability in a shifting economic and regulatory landscape. From transformative transport infrastructure to renewable energy and hydrogen power, the industry has navigated rising costs, supply chain challenges, and the staged completion of major projects while embracing innovation and sustainability.

Renewable energy and hydrogen projects have been a focal point, reflecting the nation’s drive towards a clean energy and carbon zero future. These large-scale initiatives, supported by collaboration between public and private stakeholders, are generating regional jobs, boosting energy security, and positioning Australia as a leader in green technologies.
Transport infrastructure continues to be a cornerstone of national development, with advancements in urban and regional connectivity. Complex projects involving road, rail, and digital technologies are shaping smarter, more sustainable cities with our team supporting clients on major road, tunnelling, rail, and zero emission bus projects throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.

The legal landscape remains dynamic, marked by increasing disputes over construction defects, design issues, and payment claims. At the same time, subcontractors are increasingly demanding more collaborative risk sharing principles and pushing back on onerous terms, leveraging new rights under the expanded Unfair Contract Terms regime. Effective risk management and dispute resolution have been critical, requiring a balance of technical expertise and legal acumen to achieve successful outcomes in this complex environment.
Energy storage and grid infrastructure are rapidly evolving, driven by investments in battery technology and network support services to stabilise the grid. These projects are essential to managing Australia’s energy transition and ensuring a sustainable, reliable power supply for the future.

While certain sectors may experience slower growth with the completion of some flagship transport projects, continued government spending on infrastructure and renewable energy provides a stable pipeline of opportunities.

Team growth

We have expanded the depth of our Sydney team this year, welcoming new front-end projects Partners Brent Henderson and Teodor Lomaca, as well as Senior Associate Nicholas Hay (Melbourne) and Associate Angie Kim (Sydney). Senior back-end disputes partners Cris Cureton and David Starkoff will also be joining us in early 2025.

In Adelaide, our market-leading infrastructure team promoted Juniper Watson to Partner in January and welcomed Anthony Economou as Special Counsel.

Their expertise further strengthens our capabilities, enabling us to continue delivering exceptional service to our clients nationwide.

Significant matters

Throughout the year, we continued to support our clients on major projects, across various industries and issues, including:

Department of Infrastructure and Transport

Advising the South Australian Government on significant procurement transactions for the $15.4 billion Torrens to Darlington (T2D) motorway project. This is South Australia’s biggest-ever road infrastructure project, which will complete the final stage of the 78km North-South Corridor.  The project is being delivered under an alliance model with an alliance consortium comprising John Holland, Bouygues Construction, Arcadis Australia, Jacobs, and Ventia.

Office of Hydrogen Power South Australia

Working closely with the Office of Hydrogen Power South Australia (OHPSA) on the Hydrogen Jobs Plan Project, which includes the development of the world’s largest hydrogen power station under an accelerated procurement and delivery timeline. The Project involves the construction of 250 MWe of electrolysers, 200 MW of hydrogen-powered generation, and storage capacity for 3,600 tonnes of hydrogen—equivalent to two months of power generation. Ancillary infrastructure, including grid connections and upgrades, is also a key focus. Recent publicly announced milestones include agreements for hydrogen offtake with GFG, local accommodation solutions for workers, and the selection of GE as the preferred turbine supplier. The Project is expected to deliver significant economic and environmental benefits, including reduced electricity costs, thousands of local jobs, and the advancement of a $20 billion renewable energy pipeline.

SA Department of Treasury and Finance

Providing strategic legal advice to the South Australian Government on its $13 billion hydrogen hub at Port Bonython, aiming to host up to 3GW of electrolysers by 2030. The project involves shared infrastructure and grant funding arrangements with the Commonwealth.

Biodiversity Sub TC – Vaughan Constructions

Advising Vaughan Constructions in Supreme Court and VCAT proceedings regarding subsidence at a warehouse in Epping, Victoria. The complex case involved 12 parties, extensive technical expert evidence, and a High Court application on the interpretation of s 157(4)(b) of the Act.

Epic Energy

Assisting Epic Energy on its $130 million investment in a 220MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at Mannum, South Australia, adjacent to its solar farms. The project uses lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) technology from e-STORAGE and will support renewable energy transition by storing excess energy for peak grid supply. Our role included due diligence, advising on BOOM contracts, connection, and market trading terms, and negotiating the Share Sale Agreement to completion, ensuring appropriate risk allocation in this complex transaction.

Hitachi Rail

Continuing to advise Hitachi Rail regarding delivery of the European Train Control System (ETCS), a transformative technology that will enhance capacity, efficiency, and reliability, as part of Queensland’s Cross River Rail network. In addition, we have provided legal advice to assist in Hitachi Rails submissions and negotiations as part of competitive tenders for future ETCS and high-speed rail projects both in Australia and overseas.

Warren Hill Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre

Acting on behalf of Hinchinbrook Shire Council in pursuit of claims in the Supreme Court of Queensland against the designer of Council’s landfill and resource recovery centre, following a catastrophic cap failure less than 1 month after construction was completed.

Park Avenue Inlet Works

Successfully pursued disputed claims on behalf of D&C Contractor through a fast track adjudication process against Central Highlands Regional Council.  The primary issue concerned the Council’s payment obligations under the D&C Contract following the Council’s termination of the D&C Contract for its convenience.

Dyson – Melbourne ZEB 

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team to advise Dyson on the electrification of its Bundoora bus depot for Zero Emissions Buses as part of meeting its obligations under the Melbourne ZEB Franchise Contract with Transport for Victoria.  The depot development project involves coordination between the builder and the electrification partner and setting up long-term operation and maintenance contracts with the electrification partner. Our role included drafting the EPC Contract, services agreements, and interface documentation and assisting in negotiations with multiple partners to achieve electrification of the Bundoora depot as part of a transition away from diesel buses to electric buses.

Symal

Advising the Symal group across multiple projects including wind, battery storage, electrification of facilities for electric vehicles, road, public spaces, and industrial projects nationally.  This has included both reviewing and negotiating contracts for Symal, and drafting contracts to use on these projects under a wide range of commercial models (lump sum, schedule of rates, GMP, and cost plus).

Bis Industries

Assisting Bis Industries to manage the transport and handling of a bulk commodity at the Kwinana Bulk Jetty for a key mining customer following damage to multi-user infrastructure at the port.  Assisted Bis to manage risks, including environmental risks, associated with implementing an alternative handling solution before a bulk shipment berthed and subsequently assisted with the transition of handling arrangements from port to mine.

CDI Group

Advising CDI Group on various significant construction contracts, including multiple work packages on WA’s METRONET project and major arrangements with Fortescue.

Recognition

The Legal 500 Asia Pacific

In the 2024 edition of The Legal 500 Asia Pacific, Piper Alderman was recognised across 14 areas of law including Infrastructure, Projects and Construction. A number of our team members were highlighted as recommended or key lawyers for this category, including Martin Lovell, Megan Calder, and Geoff Emmett.

The Best Lawyers in Australia

In the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia, the firm has been recognised 79 times, across 42 legal areas including the following in our national Projects, Infrastructure & Construction team:

• Megan Calder– Construction / Infrastructure Law
• Geoff Emmett – Construction / Infrastructure Law
• Martin Lovell–Construction / Infrastructure Law, Project Finance and Development Practice, Commercial Law, Structured Finance Law, Asset Finance Law, Corporate Law, Debt Capital Markets Law, Energy Law, Natural Resources Law
• Karyn Reardon– Construction / Infrastructure Law
• Juniper Watson– Construction / Infrastructure Law
• Katie Winterbourne – Mining Law, Natural Resources Law, Planning and Environmental Law, Water Law

Doyle’s Guide

In the 2024 rankings for Doyle’s Guide, the firm and members of our Projects, Infrastructure & Construction team have been recognised as follows:

• Teodor Lomaca – Construction Law Rising Star
• Martin Lovell– Leading Energy & Resources Lawyer, South Australia
• Andrew Robertson – Leading Construction & Infrastructure Litigation Lawyer, South Australia
• Juniper Watson – Leading Front-End Construction & Infrastructure Lawyer
• Katie Winterbourne – Leading Planning and Environmental Lawyer, Western Australia

Chambers and Partners, Asia-Pacific

In the 2025 Asia-Pacific rankings for Chambers and Partners, Martin Lovell is again recognised as an individual in Energy & Natural Resources: Utilities and praised for his advisory work in relation to major infrastructure and renewables projects describing him as “a talented and responsive legal adviser and expert in his field”.

Client Feedback

We were also delighted to receive feedback from clients and contacts during the research process for the legal directories, including the following testimonials from The Legal 500 Asia Pacific: Australia, 2024 edition:

“Piper Alderman stands out as a truly unique law firm in Australia, offering a distinctive blend of innovative thinking, sector-focused expertise, and a collaborative culture that sets it apart from the rest.”

“Number of experienced practitioners, all very responsive. Excellent knowledge, but also provide practical solutions. Excellent value for money.”

“The individuals I work with are exceptional in several ways and possess a unique combination of qualities and values that make them stand out. We appreciate their transparency and client-centric approach, extensive legal knowledge, fairness, problem-solving abilities, and unwavering commitment to serving their clients’ best interests.”

“The practice has a broad depth of knowledge and expertise and all are very approachable. A very commercial approach to working through challenges.”