The locations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics will not have to follow regular planning regulations as authorities hurry to complete construction of the event facilities before the deadline.
However, the Queensland government’s efforts to facilitate the completion of infrastructure have faced criticism, with an advocacy organization calling it “a slap in the face.”
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 will be introduced to state parliament on Thursday, giving the Games infrastructure authority power to override 15 planning laws, including the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts.
The laws covering all venues and the 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.
However, advocacy group Save Victoria Park said it would still be exploring legal action against the construction of the Brisbane 2032 centrepiece.
Victoria Park is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built.
"We are outraged but not deterred by the Crisafulli government's plans," Save Victoria Park spokeswoman Rosemary O'Hagan said.
It's an affront to both the community and democracy.
Victoria Park Preservation Group continues to uphold the dedication of safeguarding these valuable parklands, serving as the vital lungs of our city, for future generations.
The organization has amassed approximately $70,000 through GoFundMe to support a legal effort examining how the park’s heritage designation and natural surroundings might be affected.
The team has contended that building venues for the Olympics would obliterate important green spaces at a location significant to Indigenous Australian communities.
A key construction organization has supported the bill, suggesting that the legislation is crucial for completing venues as scheduled.
The Australian Constructors Association’s CEO, Jon Davies, stated to vtrik that we cannot adopt a typical, gradual method.
The clock is ticking, and the delivery relies on synchronized efforts beginning immediately.
The state government mentioned that they gave serious consideration before making this choice.
"Queenslanders overwhelmingly say 'just get it done,' and that’s exactly what we need to do," stated Olympic Minister Tim Mander.
We still have seven years ahead of us. There's time, yet we can't afford to waste any of it.
The legislation also cuts down the organising committee board of the Games from 24 members to 15, with notable figures such as renowned golfer Greg Norman apparently facing removal.
The Queensland Conservation Council similarly targeted the legislation, stating that the bill established "a really concerning precedent."
"The overarching rule should generally be not to override environmental safeguards," stated Dave Copeman from the council.
During events such as the Olympics, we should not take shortcuts.
He expressed worries about the threatened koala population in southeast Queensland, noting that the location chosen for the Redland Whitewater Centre scheduled for 2032 is within an identified habitat area.
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