According to a state government media statement this month, “Under landmark planning changes, Games venues, village developments and transport infrastructure will be lawful despite other relevant acts, including the Queensland Heritage Act, the Planning Act, and the Local Government Act”.
The ABC and protest group Save Victoria Park, which opposes the planned development of a stadium in the inner-city greenspace, say the new laws will override 15 existing legal acts.
The government says the law changes relate to governance, project delivery and planning pathways for everything from major venue infrastructure to athlete villages and transport infrastructure set to be brought to life in time for the Games in 2032.
“The 2032 Delivery Plan set a course of action, now we’re getting on with the job of delivering it,” said Queensland’s Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, who is also the minister for state development, infrastructure and planning.
“These changes will streamline the approvals process and provide clear roles to forge ahead and deliver generational infrastructure for the state on time and on budget after more than 1,200 wasted days of Labor chaos.
“We have time to deliver the Games, but we have to get on with it.
“Queenslanders voted for a fresh start to get the Games back on track and that’s what we are delivering.
“Our focus on maximising the legacy benefits and delivering generational infrastructure across all of Queensland is underpinned by a strong partnership with local governments and rural and regional communities.
“With the largest infrastructure investment in Queensland’s history, it’s important our legislation ensures clear pathways to delivery with the appropriate oversight.”
Other legal changes proposed in the bill include a reduction in the number of directors on the board of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee from 24 to 15 and the establishment of a Games Leadership Group.
