Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff his drawn parallels with Queensland after the sunshine state this week moved to bypass standard planning processes for landmark developments ahead of the 2032 Olympics.
The move comes just under a month after Tasmania announced similar ‘enabling legislation’ to fast-track the Macquarie Point stadium in Hobart, bypassing the existing Project of State Significance process.
The Queensland Government has introduced a bill to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority power to override 15 planning laws, including environmental protection and heritage legislation, for all 2032 Olympic venues.
Queensland Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the laws would help deliver Olympic infrastructure on time.
“With the largest infrastructure investment in Queensland’s history, it’s important there are clear pathways to delivery, with the appropriate oversight of government in the right places,” he said.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said it sets a strong precedence ahead of his government moving stadium legislation in the next two months.
“It is time to get on with delivering the Macquarie Point stadium, and that’s exactly why we are drafting enabling legislation,” Rockliff said.
“This decisive approach, mirrored by the Queensland Liberal Government for Olympic infrastructure, will create jobs, keep our economy strong and deliver inter-generational infrastructure.”
“”The right checks and balances will still be in place, but this clears a pathway to deliver the Macquarie Point stadium and secure the future of the Tasmania Devils.”
The Tasmanian stadium is considered essential for the state to secure its own AFL team, while Queensland’s fast-track legislation aims to prevent legal challenges that could delay Olympic venue construction.
Last month, Rockliff defended Tasmania’s new approach against criticism from the Greens, saying we “cannot afford not to deliver this project … and we cannot afford delays”.
