28 May 2008
Brisbane, 28 May 2008: National law firm Clayton Utz continues to cement its status as the law firm of choice for governments undertaking some of the country's largest infrastructure projects, with a lead advisory role on Brisbane's Airport Link – the largest PPP project undertaken in Australia to date.
The $4.8 billion project will include a seven kilometre toll road linking Brisbane’s northern suburbs to the airport, the next section of the Northern Busway (Windsor to Kedron) and a new fly-over road to fix the gridlocked airport roundabout.
BrisConnections, a Leighton Holdings-led consortium that includes Macquarie Capital Group, Thiess and John Holland, was recently announced as the successful bidder for the project following a tender process that began in early 2007.
A team from Clayton Utz, operating across several practice groups and offices, has advised the Queensland Government on the project from its inception through to the development of its business case, the environmental approval process, preparation of Expression of Interest and bidding documents, and in the evaluation and detailed documentation of proposals.
Construction and major projects managing partner Doug Jones is leading the Clayton Utz team, which includes specialists from the firm's Environment and Planning, Construction, Equity, Debt Finance, Government, Land Acquisition, Insurance and Intellectual Property groups.
Commenting on the firm's role, Mr Jones said: "Clayton Utz will continue to be involved in this significant project through the process of contractual and financial close and project implementation."
"This project has been an exciting challenge for our team. It has been a privilege to work with the Queensland Government team on it."
Financial Close is expected in August and construction is due to begin later this year with all three projects expected to be completed by mid 2012.
Clayton Utz' role on the project follows its advisory role on the North South Bypass Tunnel. Clayton Utz has also been appointed to act on Northern Link, the next Brisbane toll road project.
