Join us for this ATS and Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS) Joint Seminar

Seminar abstract:

Australian infrastructure procurement is undergoing a fundamental shift toward collaborative delivery models, such as Alliance contracts, ECI frameworks, Progressive Design-Build, and ITC arrangements. These models demand a fundamentally different approach to Geotechnical Baseline Reports (GBRs) than is required under traditional Design-Bid-Build contracts.

This seminar brings together legal and geotechnical expertise to examine how GBRs function in contemporary Australian practice. From the legal perspective, the presentation explores GBR structures as they are incorporated into various construction contracts across Australia, examining risk allocation mechanisms, drafting precision, and dispute resolution frameworks. From a geotechnical engineering perspective, the speakers touch on distinguishing GBRs from traditional investigation reports by covering ground model development, physical and behavioural baselines, and the critical importance of multidisciplinary authorship.

Drawing on domestic and international lessons, from adversarial “you bid it, you build it” approaches to modern risk-sharing frameworks, the speakers look into what differentiates collaborative from traditional GBR practice. Topics include authorship models, treatment of uncertainty through provisional baselines, and practical application to Melbourne’s geological challenges.

Australian practitioners risk repeating costly mistakes made elsewhere. This seminar equips geotechnical/tunnelling engineers, project/commercial managers, and client staff with the knowledge to implement effective GBR practices suited to Australia’s evolving contractual landscape.

Date and Program:

28 April, Tuesday, 2026.

• 17:30 Attendees’ arrival and networking
• 18:00 Intro and Presentation
• 18:50 Q&As followed by promotions on subsequent events
• 19:00 Networking
• 19:20 Close

Location

The University of Melbourne, Brown Theatre (106), Level 1, Electrical & Electronic Engineering Building (Building 193), Parkville

https://go.unimelb.edu.au/bew8

Presenter’s bios:

James Morgan-Payler

James Morgan‑Payler is a Partner and Head of Asia Pacific at international law firm Pinsent Masons. He is a leading adviser on the structuring, preparation and negotiation of construction and project contracts across major Australian and international infrastructure and energy developments.

James has extensive experience advising on collaborative and complex delivery models, including Design & Construct (D&C), Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), Alliance contracting, EPC, O&M and Public‑Private Partnerships (PPPs). His practice spans a wide range of major projects, including wind, solar, hydro and gas power generation assets, desalination plants, social infrastructure, and large-scale road and rail developments.

In this presentation, James will focus on the legal foundations, risk allocation and contractual treatment of Geotechnical Baseline Reports within contemporary Australian collaborative contracting models, providing a legal perspective to complement the technical and geotechnical insights presented alongside him.

Dr Jay Lee

Dr Jay Lee is an experienced geotechnical engineer and project leader with extensive involvement in the delivery of major infrastructure projects across Australia, Asia, and North America. He has worked on complex building and infrastructure works, including marine facilities, roads, railways, and underground structures.

Dr Lee brings strong technical expertise in geotechnical/tunnelling engineering, combined with practical experience supporting constructability, ground‑risk management, and collaborative project delivery. He has also contributed to research and development initiatives focused on advancing geotechnical practice and innovative construction methodologies. He is particularly experienced in working at the interface between clients, designers and contractors to resolve technically complex ground‑related challenges and to improve constructability outcomes throughout the project lifecycle.

In this presentation, Dr Lee will provide the technical and engineering perspective on Geotechnical Baseline Reports, complementing the legal insights presented alongside his co-presenter.