Kon Nakousis

Biography

Kon is a partner in our Energy, Resources and Infrastructure group.

Kon is a leading projects lawyer who practices in the areas of construction and dispute resolution across the energy, infrastructure, development and resources sectors.

He has over 20 years’ experience in providing strategic advice to clients on the structuring, drafting, negotiation and delivery of contracts across a broad range of projects, including: energy projects (including renewables), oil and gas facilities, process plants, mines, residential (including social and affordable housing projects) and commercial developments, rail, roads, bridges, tunnels, airports, hospitals, schools and sporting facilities.

Kon also acts for owners, head contractors and lenders on their major project disputes. His focus is on resolving disputes quickly, cost effectively and on beneficial terms by tailoring and executing solutions to refocus the parties on successful project delivery and completion.

He has been involved in two of the largest arbitrations in the southern hemisphere and more recently, has navigated major issues to facilitate a ‘project reset’ of a nation-defining energy project exceeding $4.2 billion. Over the last 10 years, his team has actively pursued the resolution of disputes, either as project counsel or in formal dispute resolution, totalling a combined value of more than $20 billion.

Kon is recognised in the various legal directories as a market leader and next generation partner.

Experience

Kon’s experience includes advising:

  • Elecnor on an approximately $4.2 billion transmission line dispute concerning Project EnergyConnect.

  • Elecnor on an approximately $400 million dispute concerning the Goyder Wind Farm.

  • Acciona on various major disputes concerning each of the Rockingham and Kwinana Waste to Energy projects.

  • Acciona and Ferrovial on claims and disputes concerning the Central Tunnelling Project on Sydney Metro.

  • Acciona and Ferrovial on claims and disputes concerning the Warrell Creek to Nambucca Heads Pacific Highway Project.

  • Foresight Group on various disputes concerning a significant water treatment facility in Springvale, New South Wales, some of which have been successfully litigated up to the High Court of Australia.

  • Lendlease on claims against Project Co and the contract works insurers regarding the Peninsula Link Freeway PPP in Victoria.

  • Lendlease on various disputes concerning defects to a solar farm in Darwin, Northern Territory.

  • Canadian Solar on various disputes concerning defects to solar farms in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

  • Lendlease on Supreme Court of New South Wales proceedings regarding structural building defects in a high-profile Sydney Harbour foreshore development.

  • JKC LNG as head contractor regarding two Singapore-seated multibillion dollar ICC arbitrations on the Icthys Project against Inpex (the principal) and a major subcontractor.

  • Tianlong Ribbon in a complex, multi-party insurance and construction dispute concerning the W Hotel in Darling Harbour, New South Wales.

  • Hines on the preparation and negotiation of project documentation for the delivery of an approximately $1 billion commercial tower in Melbourne’s CBD in Victoria.

  • Housing Australia on an approximately $300 million investment with AXA IM Alts and St George Community Housing regarding an affordable housing project delivering 350 homes for key workers in Westmead, NSW.

  • Lendlease on various project counsel-related advisory roles for the Cairns Convention Centre Expansion, New Performing Arts Venue and Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment Projects in Queensland.

Awards and Recognition

  • Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025

    Ranked for Construction law

  • The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2025

    Recognised as a Next Generation Partner for Infrastructure Projects and Construction

  • IFLR1000 2024

    Highly regarded for Project Development: Transport

  • Who’s Who Legal 2024

    Recommended as a Global and Australian Leader for Construction

  • The Best Lawyers in Australia 2026

    Recognised for Construction / Infrastructure Law and Litigation

  • Doyle’s Guide 2024

    Recommended for Construction & Infrastructure Litigation