Brisbane 2032 Olympics: 15 planning acts overriden to fast-track venues

Jarrod Bleijie has brushed off outrage over controversial new laws to override 15 planning acts for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie

Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie has brushed off outrage over controversial new laws to override 15 planning acts for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, insisting it is a repeat of what happened in the years leading to the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Mr Bleijie said the government had no choice but to push through tough planning reforms to get major venues such as Brisbane’s Victoria Park delivered on time, and pointed to the former Newman government’s use of special powers for the Parklands Games Village as justification.

“If we don’t have these laws in place, then we will be an embarrassment to the world and Queenslanders will not get the infrastructure that we need, not only for the Games, but beyond,” Mr Bleijie said.

He argued similar exemptions were made when planning development was streamlined and micromanaged by a state government body to keep the Commonwealth Games on track.

The Newman government had established the Commonwealth Games Infrastructure Authority to steer the 29ha project, while state developer Economic Development Queensland assessed the development alongside the City of Gold Coast and Queensland Government Architect.

Mr Bleijie said Queenslanders were tired of endless delays and deserved to see projects delivered.

But legal and environmental groups have warned the new amendments set a precedence, calling them undemocratic and a dangerous consolidation of power.

Critics told parliamentary hearings this week that the legislation strips communities of their right to challenge projects in court.

A concept for the main Brisbane Stadium in Victoria Park

The amendments would remove the need for Olympic infrastructure and athletes’ villages to comply with existing development laws, and prevent civil proceedings against any Games-related project if it risks delaying delivery — including transport infrastructure.

Civil proceedings would be blocked for any Games-related development or activity where court action could prevent its “timely delivery”.

This included transport infrastructure connected to the Olympics.

Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman called the laws a worrying precedent that extended well beyond the Games.

He said the amendments were designed to limit judicial intervention in government decision-making.

Property Council of Australia state director Jessica Caire backed the reforms, saying every tool should be used to boost investor confidence.

“There have been increasing incidents where specific areas of legislation have been used by those opposing a project to slow down or restrict its delivery,” she said.

Koala Action Inc president Wanda Grabowski said the world would be watching Queensland’s environmental credentials, and urged proper planning scrutiny.

“Olympic venues and the resources sector should not get a free pass,” Ms Grabowski said.

Originally published as Brisbane 2032 Olympics: 15 planning acts overriden to fast-track venues