Residents slam Lang Park takeover

Residents slam Lang Park takeover

By Bill Mason

BRISBANE — Milton and Paddington residents outraged at the state government decision to fast-track redevelopment of the Lang Park rugby league stadium met on November 19 and called on the state governor to refuse to sign into law the bill implementing the takeover.

Sports minister Bob Gibbs rushed legislation taking the $15 million redevelopment of the stadium out of the hands of the Brisbane City Council to stop the project being "bogged down".

The government claims the move was necessary to allow the new-look 50,000-seat ground to be ready for a State of Origin match next June 20.

Mayor Jim Soorley said development conditions aimed at protecting the lifestyle of residents near Lang Park could no longer be guaranteed. Soorley said the state government move to override its own environment protection legislation was "like shooting an ant with a bazooka".

Residents have condemned the decision, which removes the right of formal objection to the Planning and Environment Court.

According to Courier-Mail reporter Peter Morley, writing on November 20, the decision is a "disgrace".

"It has taken the Goss Labor Government only four years in office to pick up one of the worst habits of the National Party in power — law-making that over-rides people's rights."

From GLW issue 124