Suzy Cairney

Expertise

Suzy is a projects and commercial lawyer with particular experience in project development and operational contracts in the ports, water, civil and commercial construction and resources sectors. She has experience both in Australia and overseas, and has advised government clients, principals, developers, contractors and operators on a wide range of major infrastructure projects.

Suzy has previously worked in-house as a European Counsel for an international port operator in Belgium, as Corporate Counsel for a Queensland water GOC and as in-house counsel on the feasibility stage of a major new coal project for an international miner. Known for her practical common sense approach and commerciality, Suzy understands the drivers behind getting the deal done.

Experience

Suzy's experience includes:

Water

drafting a design build operate contract for the Water and Carbon Group to present to the Darwin City Council as part of its tender submission for a leachate treatment facility. This project was complicated by its location in the vicinity of an old defence force training site and requiring interface with the existing operational landfill site
advising a joint venture landowner on Options for Easement, and related Easements on a major water pipeline project in Queensland, as well as a related pipeline relocation deed
advising on international operator on a long-term operation and maintenance agreement in relation to four water treatment facilities in Queensland
advising a Queensland water GOC in relation to the Moranbah to Alpha pipeline tenders, and the procurement of pumps, for its Connors River Dam project in Queensland
advising the scheme operator on a complex operations and maintenance agreement for the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project in Queensland.

Ports

advising a private company on the development and operation of a proposed new marine terminal in Brisbane, including drafting shiplift agreements and various other commercial contracts
advising a port authority on access and competition issues relating to its export coal facilities, and drafting and negotiating related commercial contracts
advising an international port operator on front-end construction issues, including the construction of container terminal facilities in Asia, Europe and South America
advising a port authority on the novation of several leases and licences from one of its key mining tenants to another entity owned by that restructuring.

Construction/Infrastructure

advising a national property fund manager holding over $9 billion assets on a major redevelopment of some of its Brisbane CBD properties, including negotiating a finance deed with Brisbane City Council
advising a major property developer on the redevelopment of one of its Brisbane CBD shopping centres
advising a major property developer on the works deed/finance documents and construction documents for the refurbishment of the pool area and terrace in a Brisbane CBD hotel
drafting, advising on and negotiating a mechanical and electrical construction alliance agreement for the main contractor on the Legacy Way project
advising Urbis Pty Ltd on its template terms and conditions for subconsulting on the Queens Wharf Brisbane project. This involved back-to-backing obligations from the main consultancy agreement with Destination Brisbane Consortium
advising the China Capital Investment Group on the $50 million redevelopment of the Daydream Island Resort, including drafting and negotiating contracts with its project manager and architect.

Publications

17 February 2015 - Blog

Draft AS11000: The proposed new construct only standard form

#Construction & Infrastructure

Standards Australia has recently released its proposed replacement for the AS2124-1992 and AS4000-1997 construct only forms of contract, the AS11000: General Conditions of Contract, for public comment...

09 May 2018 - Blog

Holding Redlich’s expert guide to the 2018 federal budget

#Corporate & Commercial Law

Our experts analyse the key budget announcements and outline the essential takeaways for business in areas including transport, superannuation & financial services, construction & infrastructure, property, technology, media & communications, workplace relations, immigration, planning & environment, and taxation.

01 May 2018 - Blog

Loan establishment fee deemed to be a penalty by the Victorian Court of Appeal

#Corporate & Commercial Law

The Victorian Court of Appeal provides clarity in Melbourne Linh Son Buddhist Society Inc v Gippsreal Ltd [2017] VSCA 161 on what constitutes an unenforceable penalty.

Partner - Brisbane

Areas of Expertise