‘Blinding hypocrisy': Laws to fast track 2032 Olympic projects come under fire
Controversial Queensland laws to fast track 2032 Olympic projects have come under fire, with the Crisafulli government told to 'go back to the drawing board'.
An environmental group says the laws to help ensure Games infrastructure is built on time set a dangerous precedent, detracting from the inclusivity that 2032 organisers hope to create.
The clock is ticking for the Games after the state government finally confirmed its venue blueprint in March – more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host city.
A bill has been introduced to state parliament giving the Games infrastructure authority power to override 15 planning laws, including the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation acts.
The laws, which will cover all venues and athletes' villages, are set to ensure construction is not delayed by potential legal challenges, with the final planning sign-off given to the state government – not local councils.
The bill will also require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation.
But in submissions heard on Tuesday, the Queensland Conservation Council took aim at the government's 'blinding hypocrisy'.
'It is incredibly inconsistent that this bill is trying to apply greater consultation to renewable energy projects and literally ripping up any process for community consultation on our existing laws for Olympic facilities,' the council's Dave Copeman told the hearing.
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