Deal: The Balla Balla Infrastructure Group (majority owned by New Zealand’s Todd Corporation) has been advised on the execution of a state agreement with the government of Western Australia that will lay the foundations for a new iron ore project in the Pilbara region of the state.

The state agreement allows for the construction of an independent 162-kilometre 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.

Value: $5 billion

Area: Infrastructure

Key players: Energy and resources partner Justin Little led the Gilbert + Tobin team advising on the state agreement, while litigation partner Tim O’Leary and senior associate Lauren Shave advised on issues in relation to land access for the proposed railway.

Deal significance: This transaction marks 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.

Gilbert + Tobin energy and resources partner Justin Little said the agreement will ultimately mean a significant boost for regional development and employment, and highlighted the vital role that the resources industry continues to play in the WA economy.

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“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,” Mr Little said.

“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.”