Project development in Australia

Allens handles the full spectrum of matters for clients engaged in infrastructure projects, including financing, M&A and tax structuring. It is also well-equipped to support clients in every major sector, including transport, health, resources and energy. David Donnelly (Melbourne) specialises in infrastructure projects and PPPs. Leighton O’Brien (Sydney) has a strong reputation for his work in energy and infrastructure projects, in which he handles procurement and delivery. In Melbourne, Emma Warren specialises in PPP projects, with a particular focus on the health and transport sectors. Kate Axup (Melbourne) specialises in energy projects, acquisitions and regulatory matters.

Clayton Utz’s team is experienced in major infrastructure, energy and natural resources projects, in which it provides advice in relation to financing, development, procurement and delivery. In a current highlight, the firm is advising Kawasaki Heavy Industries on its hydrogen energy supply chain project in Victoria, which is the first such project in the world. Brisbane partner Sergio Capelli is known for leading major building and infrastructure developments, with a particular focus on the transport sector. Stuart MacGregor, also based in Brisbane, specialises in energy and natural resources projects. Currently, he is advising Bravus Mining & Resources on its $16.5bn Carmichael Mine project, which represents Australia’s largest coal project. Melbourne partner Joanna Pugsley stands out for her strong track record in PPPs and social infrastructure projects. Andrew Fry, who is also based in Melbourne, regularly assists the Victorian Government with strategic transport projects, including the North East Link project.

King & Wood Mallesons' team, headquartered in Sydney, primarily assists clients with project financing, M&A, regulatory compliance, antitrust law issues and litigation in the construction sector. Its range of clients is equally diverse and includes sponsors, contractors, financiers, and government bodies. Mark Upfold leads the practice from Sydney, focusing predominantly on infrastructure procurement, in addition to the acquisition, sale and financing of mature infrastructure assets. Fellow Sydney partner Chris Mitchell has over 30 years of experience advising private and public sector clients in relation to PPPs, residential developments and regeneration programmes. Among his ongoing highlights, he is advising The Australian Rail Track Corporation in connection with Inland Rail project. Brisbane Partner Craig Rogers is noted for his experience in major renewable energy and oil and gas projects, whereas Claire Rogers (Sydney) has impressive credentials in project finance.

MinterEllison excels in all areas of project development, from finance arrangements to project documentation, contract administration and dispute resolution. The firm’s work also encompasses various sectors, including education, healthcare, energy, aviation and infrastructure. In a current matter, the firm is involved in the initial stages of Australian Antarctic Division’s $3bn Davis Aerodrome project, which will be the first all-weather runway and airport in Antarctica. Peter Wood has an outstanding track record in construction litigation and alternative dispute resolution focusing on the energy, natural resources and infrastructure sectors. Nicole Green has over two decades of experience providing comprehensive advice to property developers and infrastructure companies in relation to major developments. Stewart Nankervis has a well established reputation for work in  significant road, rail, transport, and health care infrastructure projects, advising both state and private clients and Owen Cooper also acts on complex projects such as those in the transport and hospital sectors. 

Herbert Smith Freehills’s team handles all stages of infrastructure projects, utilizing the strength of its project finance, commercial litigation, and corporate departments. In particular, the firm has impressive capabilities in PPPs, major transport and renewable energy projects, in addition to initiatives involving the transformation of cities across Australia. Toby Anderson (Sydney) is well-respected for his role in renewable energy and oil and gas project development, including in the hydro, wind, solar and geothermal sectors. Erin Wakelin (Sydney) handles various financing arrangements underpinning major infrastructure projects. On the contentious side, Geoff Hansen (Melbourne) stands out for his role in disputes regarding PPP projects, particularly in the transport sector.

Gilbert + Tobin’s team focuses primarily on the energy sector, providing clients with full-service advice encompassing acquisitions and disposals, financing, procurement, regulatory approvals and commercial contracting. In addition, the team has a strong presence in infrastructure and healthcare projects. Melbourne partner Alexander Danne has a strong reputation for his role in numerous transactions underpinning large energy and infrastructure projects. Sydney Partner Christopher Flynn specialises in advising private and public sector clients in relation to energy and natural resources developments.

Pinsent Masons LLP recruited Phillipa Beck and David Ulbrick to bolster its construction disputes practice in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The firm is particularly invested in the transport sector, where it handles various aspects of major projects in Australia, such as Inland Rail and North East Link. In addition, the team has a very active renewables practice, handling a variety of wind and solar projects and advising on complex issues such as grid connection and constraints. James Morgan-Payler (Melbourne) regularly handles the commercial arrangements facilitating transport, infrastructure and renewable energy initiatives. Greg Campbell (Melbourne) stands out for his strength in PPP project delivery, whereas Mark Waddell (Sydney) specialises in construction, engineering and infrastructure contract drafting.

Allen & Overy LLP's team, based in Sydney and Perth, regularly advises clients in relation to major greenfield and brownfield projects in Australia and the wider APAC markets, providing advice in areas such as project development, financing, securitisation, tax structuring and competition law. Sydney partner Simon Huxley advises sponsors, financiers and developers in connection with PPP projects across various sectors, focusing on procurement matters and commercial agreements. Goran Galic (Perth) is well regarded for his expertise in projects in the oil and gas, energy and mining sectors. Associate Melissa Grinter is also a core member of the team, given her experience handling the commercial and regulatory aspects of construction projects.

Based in Sydney, Baker McKenzie’s practice focuses primarily on assisting clients engaged in transport projects, commercial and residential developments and greenfield and brownfield projects. It is capable of handling front and backend work in the construction sector; however, its true strength lies in corporate transactions, including M&A and IPOs. Sean Duffy advises sponsors, financiers, contractors and government bodies on sales, acquisitions, and project financing arrangements in the infrastructure sector, both in Australia and the United States. Alex Hartmann is experienced in all areas of project delivery, including contract structuring, drafting and negotiation. Partner Franco Aversa and senior associate Leanne Olden left the firm in 2021.