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Team Members

Meg Johnson

Special Counsel
As a special counsel in Cooper Grace Ward’s property, planning and environment team, Meg Johnson brings over 25 years’ experience supporting clients in their construction, infrastructure and property development projects.

Meg has extensive experience servicing the needs of institutional and property trust clients, private companies and individuals, government, and distributor‑retailers across a diverse range of projects and properties.

With a passion for seeing projects grow from an idea to successful completion, Meg provides advice and representation on project planning, contract drafting and negotiations for small and medium scale projects through to multimillion‑dollar construction and infrastructure projects.

Meg works closely with engineering, planning, financial and property consultants to achieve clients’ commercial goals.

Regarded highly in the infrastructure sector, Meg has served on the Urban Development Institute of Australia Queensland Infrastructure Committee since 2019.

 

  • Bachelor Laws (Honours) – University of New England
  • Bachelor Economics (Development) – University of New England
  • Graduate Certificate in Legal Practice – College of Law (NSW)
  • Solicitor – Supreme Court of NSW and High Court of Australia
  • Current practising certificate – Queensland
  • Member – UDIA Queensland Infrastructure Committee (2019 to present).

Construction

  • Providing project advice to developer clients and large asset owner clients, and preparing consultancy agreements, project terms sheets, letters of intent, early works agreements, ECI and EPC contracts, tender contract documentation and ancillary agreements.
  • Preparing, reviewing and negotiating civil and building construction contracts for:
    • landmark shopping centre developments
    • complex unit development projects
    • civil works, and delivery of infrastructure (e.g. sewer and water) required under related infrastructure agreements
    • commercial office buildings
    • a large scale industrial facilities
    • education facilities
    • hospitals.
  • Advising contractors and subcontractors in relation to tender submissions, and negotiating construction contracts.
  • Advising tenants and preparing and negotiating tenancy fitout construction contract documentation.
  • Preparing pro forma construction contracts for principals and contractors, and advising on contract administration post execution, legislative obligations, and compliance with QBCC requirements.
  • Advising home owners on various forms of industry home construction contracts for renovation and new builds.

Infrastructure

  • Advising developer clients on infrastructure planning and delivery, funding and charging instruments, and ongoing administration of infrastructure agreements (including sale of developable lots) across all infrastructure authority networks.
  • Negotiating, drafting and advising on infrastructure and planning agreements and ancillary documentation, including easement terms and agreements for access (construction and ongoing infrastructure management), tankering, recycled water, wastewater treatment plant construction, NBN, and co-owner shared works.
  • Reviewing and advising on planning strategies in draft planning instruments and planning and development legislation and policy generally.
  • Preparing submissions to state and local governments regarding proposed amendments to planning schemes.
  • Preparation of overarching PDA Water Infrastructure Agreement and ancillary documentation for distributor‑retailer Maroochydore City Centre, and negotiating, drafting and advising in relation to PDA projects and master planned areas, including Ripley Valley, Greater Flagstone, Maroochydore City Centre, and Palmview Master Planned Area.
  • Representing government and private clients on acquisition of school sites and preparing and negotiating associated infrastructure agreements.

Areas of Expertise

Publications

Consequential loss provisions in construction contracts – key issues and considerations

A party to a construction contract with an entitlement to claim damages for breach of contract may also be entitled to claim consequential loss.

Standards Australia invites consultation on changes to key construction industry contract AS4000-1997

For the first time in 27 years, Standards Australia is planning various updates to the AS4000—1997 General Conditions of Contract, which is used extensively in the building and construction industry. While several amendments are proposed the changes will, if accepted, be conservative. This article covers what principals, contractors and other parties to construction contracts need to know.

Meg Johnson reappointed to UDIA Policy Committee to 2025

The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) is the peak body for all urban development related issues and aims to support the development industry in creating world class communities.