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The planned Olympic stadium at Victoria Park has cleared a major hurdle, with the federal government ticking off its environmental approval.
In a decision published on Wednesday but dated Tuesday, the Environment Department deemed the stadium project – along with the adjacent National Aquatic Centre – “not controlled action”.
That, in effect, gives the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority the green light to proceed when it takes possession of the land on June 1.
“After careful examination, the department determined that the proposed Brisbane Stadium, National Aquatic Centre, and precinct-related works do not require further federal environmental assessment as they are unlikely to have a significant impact on nationally protected environmental matters,” an Australian government spokesman said.
“This means the proposed works do not require any further assessment or approval under national environmental law to proceed.”
According to Commonwealth Environment Department advice, a “not controlled action” decision means the development was “unlikely to have a significant impact on protected matters, no matter how [the applicant] propose[s] to undertake it”.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie is the Queensland minister with oversight of Olympic venue delivery.
“This is a big, positive step towards bringing the Brisbane Stadium and National Aquatic Centre to life, delivering incredible venues and surrounding public space for 2032 and beyond that Queenslanders will be proud of,” he said.
Save Victoria Park has campaigned against both venue developments since GIICA handed down its 100-day review last year.
Spokeswoman Sue Bremner said the community group was “deeply disappointed” in the decision and would seek further advice.
But Save Victoria Park still had some hope for its campaign to succeed, namely, challenges from First Nations people.
The Australian government spokesman noted there were still a number of applications being considered under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act in relation to the venues, both of which would be key to the delivery of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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