Gilbert + Tobin is pleased to have advised the Balla Balla Infrastructure Group (majority owned by New Zealand’s Todd Corporation) on the execution of a State Agreement with the Government of Western Australian that will lay the foundations for a new $5 billion iron ore project in the Pilbara region of the State.
The State Agreement allows for the construction of an independent 162km railway from a proposed transhipment export facility on the Pilbara coast between Karratha and Port Hedland potentially linking to multiple iron ore deposits in the central Pilbara. It is the first State Agreement to be entered into for the construction of a heavy haulage railway since the Roy Hill State Agreement was signed in 2010.
The Gilbert + Tobin team advised on all aspects of the negotiation of the State Agreement and has an ongoing role advising the Balla Balla Infrastructure Group on the negotiation of its related port agreement and future offtake arrangements.
Energy + Resources partner Justin Little led the Gilbert + Tobin team advising on the State Agreement, which he believes is a positive affirmation of the potential development opportunities that still exist in Western Australia.
“The Agreement will ultimately mean a significant boost for regional development and employment, and highlights the significant role that the resources industry continues to play in the State’s economy, Mr Little said.
“We are delighted to have a played a role in ensuring the completion of this significant milestone in the development of a new independent rail and port project.
“The execution of the State Agreement also highlights the team’s pre-eminent position in advising clients on market leading and transformational deals in the energy and resources sector.”
Litigation Partner Tim O’Leary and Senior Associate Lauren Shave are advising on issues in relation to land access for the proposed railway.
Gilbert + Tobin’s Energy + Resources team advises on all aspects of energy and resources projects, including finance, acquisitions and disposals, project development and delivery strategies, construction, procurement, regulation and operations. The team’s mix of corporate, regulatory and project experience enables us to advise on a project’s entire lifecycle in all areas of this sector, including energy, mining, oil and gas as well as renewable energy. The Energy + Resources team is led by Michael Blakiston, an internationally renowned leader in resources law, consecutively listed as a leading individual for Energy and Resources in Legal 500 Asia Pacific and Chambers and Partners Asia Pacific.
Media contacts
Julia Fanali
Business Development Manager
Gilbert + Tobin
Tel: +61 8 9413 8518
Email: jfanali@gtlaw.com.au