Case Study: Cross River Rail

The problem

Cross River Rail is $5B major infrastructure project delivering a 10.2 kilometre rail line through inner city Brisbane including 5.9 kilometres of twin tunnels under the Brisbane River and CBD. The project used an innovative "digital twin", a virtual 3D and 4D (time) model of the infrastructure covering the entire Brisbane CBD and surrounding suburbs. A first of its kind in Australia, the project also created a common data source for building information modelling (BIM), geospatial (GIS) and video gaming technology allowing the user to “fly through” the data. The data was sourced from an array of upstream data providers such as the major project contractors, consultants, government agencies and utilities. The model is not only a vital tool for the State to manage the Cross River Rail project, it also is able to be expanded and reused for other purposes by downstream government and commercial organisations. Clayton Utz was advised to engage on technology aspects of the project, including the data management issues.

Our solution

We advised on the licensing of the project's digital twin data (the 3D model of the project) to downstream users. The digital twin data is highly valuable to other government agencies and commercial organisations, and reusing the data helps to unlock additional value from it. We also advised on the upstream licenses needed from data providers as well as related security, IP, privacy and liability issues. And, we advised on procuring the technology for the modelling system and cloud services for hosting and exchanging the data.

Disclaimer
Clayton Utz communications are intended to provide commentary and general information. They should not be relied upon as legal advice. Formal legal advice should be sought in particular transactions or on matters of interest arising from this communication. Persons listed may not be admitted in all States and Territories.