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ABC News
7 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Queensland passes legislation to exempt venues for Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games from major planning laws
Queensland has passed legislation to ensure all venues built for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be exempt from major planning rules, with the government confident a federal funding agreement will be reached "very soon". The move will exempt Games infrastructure from major planning laws, in a bid to ensure projects are not held up by potential legal challenges. It means final planning sign-off rests with the state government, rather than local councils. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the laws were vital for Games delivery, allowing for development at sites including Brisbane's Victoria Park. "There'll be shovels being turned across the state." Andrea Lunt from Save Victoria Park, a group against building a stadium at the site, said the laws would not stop them from protecting the green space. "We were expecting it, but we're still incredibly disappointed, but we're not deterred, we'll continue to fight this no matter what gets thrown at us," Ms Lunt said. "The park is too important to lose, it's such a precious natural asset to Brisbane. "If you're thinking about showcasing Brisbane for the Olympic Games, you'd think we'd protect and enhance such a beautiful natural asset, not cover it up for stadiums." Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman said the government had ignored hundreds of submissions from the community and key stakeholders. "We firmly believe that any development, for the Olympics or otherwise, should be rigorously assessed and held to a high standard on First Nations engagement, community benefits and nature protection. The planning laws also implement changes to the approval processes for renewable energy projects, with the government seeking to ensure regional community interests are prioritised. Large-scale wind and solar farms will have mandatory public consultation, with developers required to enter into binding community benefit agreements with local councils. Mr Bleijie said the move would ensure infrastructure goals are achieved. "This is about making sure that housing is delivered, the roads are upgraded, temporary accommodation for workers is put in place, schools, housing," Mr Bleijie said. "Whatever the council want in these agreements they can put, it is putting local communities at the forefront of the renewable energy project." However, Clean Energy Council National spokesperson Chris O'Keefe said the laws may prevent vital investment. "We agree that communities must benefit, but this legislation imposes up-front processes that will frustrate good projects and could delay real outcomes," he said. "Renewables investors are already expressing hesitation to continue their projects in Queensland given the time frame uncertainty, which risks stalling the rollout of clean energy to replace retiring coal and leading to higher household energy bills." The LNP government scrapped its Labor predecessors venues plan for the Games, which included a federally funded indoor arena in the Brisbane CBD. Instead, the private sector has been engaged to build an arena at Woolloongabba, leading the two jurisdictions to negotiate how the $3.4 billion in Commonwealth funds are used. Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells assured that an agreement was imminent. "We understand people want to see work advance as quickly as possible... these aren't just venues that are relevant to a four-week period in 2032, these are venues people want to get their value out of as quickly as possible." Queensland Olympics Minister Tim Mander said negotiations had been progressing well. "I'm very confident that an agreement will be made shortly, and the discussions are very positive and very constructive," Mr Mander said.
The Advertiser
25-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Alarm as LNP takes wind out of energy plan, renewables
A milestone budget has come under fire for lacking a renewable energy plan as industry leaders raise concerns investors might be turned away. Queensland's Liberal National government has been praised for a "nation-leading" home ownership scheme and record health funding after it handed down its first budget since 2014. But the fiscal roadmap fell well short for environmentalists, who said it lacked an energy plan to secure investor confidence. "One of the things we're seeing as a result of this lack of plan is that they're spending some money really unwisely," Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman told AAP. Budget papers cemented the LNP's pre-election promise to scrap targets set by the former Labor government to reach 50 per cent renewable energy in the power grid by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035. The state will no longer track how much renewable energy is contributing to the grid, calling it a "discontinued measure". Renewable energy - including wind, solar and hydro - accounted for more than a quarter of the state's power in 2024/25 while coal contributed nearly 65 per cent, with the remainder supplied from gas. Solar was the biggest contributor among renewable energy sources. Mr Copeman said the energy system measurement metric provided investors with confidence about the state market's future for renewable projects. He warned the LNP government's move might push investors away from Queensland because of a lack of clarity over the state's energy plan and transition time frame. "Now that treasury and energy no longer have that metric, they don't have a plan, so they're really working a bit in the dark - that's not good for Queensland." Mr Copeman also slammed the government's $1.6 billion plan to prop up ageing coal-fired power stations as a "waste of money". The government's renewable energy stance appeared to be based on LNP stakeholder input, University of Queensland economist John Quiggin said. "Essentially, you've got a lot of people who are just hostile to the whole idea for purely cultural reasons," he told AAP. A bill set to pass state parliament on Wednesday will require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation prior to project approvals. But Treasurer David Janetzki promised to deliver his government's energy roadmap by the end of 2025. He has backed the incomplete energy plan, celebrating $79 million to progress development of pumped-hydro projects at Mt Rawdon and Cressbrook along with another at Borumba for $355 million. "We promised to fund smaller, more manageable pumped hydro projects and we are delivering on that promise," Mr Janetzki said. The budget on Tuesday predicted a record $205 billion in debt by 2028/29. A splash on housing paved the way for more first homebuyers, providing 30 per cent equity in new builds and 25 per cent in existing homes of up to $1 million for 1000 Queenslanders. The "Boost to Buy" scheme will cost $165 million over the next two years and applies to singles earning up to $150,000 and couples up to $225,000. A record health investment included an $18.5 billion plan to deliver 2600 new beds and three more hospitals. A milestone budget has come under fire for lacking a renewable energy plan as industry leaders raise concerns investors might be turned away. Queensland's Liberal National government has been praised for a "nation-leading" home ownership scheme and record health funding after it handed down its first budget since 2014. But the fiscal roadmap fell well short for environmentalists, who said it lacked an energy plan to secure investor confidence. "One of the things we're seeing as a result of this lack of plan is that they're spending some money really unwisely," Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman told AAP. Budget papers cemented the LNP's pre-election promise to scrap targets set by the former Labor government to reach 50 per cent renewable energy in the power grid by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035. The state will no longer track how much renewable energy is contributing to the grid, calling it a "discontinued measure". Renewable energy - including wind, solar and hydro - accounted for more than a quarter of the state's power in 2024/25 while coal contributed nearly 65 per cent, with the remainder supplied from gas. Solar was the biggest contributor among renewable energy sources. Mr Copeman said the energy system measurement metric provided investors with confidence about the state market's future for renewable projects. He warned the LNP government's move might push investors away from Queensland because of a lack of clarity over the state's energy plan and transition time frame. "Now that treasury and energy no longer have that metric, they don't have a plan, so they're really working a bit in the dark - that's not good for Queensland." Mr Copeman also slammed the government's $1.6 billion plan to prop up ageing coal-fired power stations as a "waste of money". The government's renewable energy stance appeared to be based on LNP stakeholder input, University of Queensland economist John Quiggin said. "Essentially, you've got a lot of people who are just hostile to the whole idea for purely cultural reasons," he told AAP. A bill set to pass state parliament on Wednesday will require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation prior to project approvals. But Treasurer David Janetzki promised to deliver his government's energy roadmap by the end of 2025. He has backed the incomplete energy plan, celebrating $79 million to progress development of pumped-hydro projects at Mt Rawdon and Cressbrook along with another at Borumba for $355 million. "We promised to fund smaller, more manageable pumped hydro projects and we are delivering on that promise," Mr Janetzki said. The budget on Tuesday predicted a record $205 billion in debt by 2028/29. A splash on housing paved the way for more first homebuyers, providing 30 per cent equity in new builds and 25 per cent in existing homes of up to $1 million for 1000 Queenslanders. The "Boost to Buy" scheme will cost $165 million over the next two years and applies to singles earning up to $150,000 and couples up to $225,000. A record health investment included an $18.5 billion plan to deliver 2600 new beds and three more hospitals. A milestone budget has come under fire for lacking a renewable energy plan as industry leaders raise concerns investors might be turned away. Queensland's Liberal National government has been praised for a "nation-leading" home ownership scheme and record health funding after it handed down its first budget since 2014. But the fiscal roadmap fell well short for environmentalists, who said it lacked an energy plan to secure investor confidence. "One of the things we're seeing as a result of this lack of plan is that they're spending some money really unwisely," Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman told AAP. Budget papers cemented the LNP's pre-election promise to scrap targets set by the former Labor government to reach 50 per cent renewable energy in the power grid by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035. The state will no longer track how much renewable energy is contributing to the grid, calling it a "discontinued measure". Renewable energy - including wind, solar and hydro - accounted for more than a quarter of the state's power in 2024/25 while coal contributed nearly 65 per cent, with the remainder supplied from gas. Solar was the biggest contributor among renewable energy sources. Mr Copeman said the energy system measurement metric provided investors with confidence about the state market's future for renewable projects. He warned the LNP government's move might push investors away from Queensland because of a lack of clarity over the state's energy plan and transition time frame. "Now that treasury and energy no longer have that metric, they don't have a plan, so they're really working a bit in the dark - that's not good for Queensland." Mr Copeman also slammed the government's $1.6 billion plan to prop up ageing coal-fired power stations as a "waste of money". The government's renewable energy stance appeared to be based on LNP stakeholder input, University of Queensland economist John Quiggin said. "Essentially, you've got a lot of people who are just hostile to the whole idea for purely cultural reasons," he told AAP. A bill set to pass state parliament on Wednesday will require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation prior to project approvals. But Treasurer David Janetzki promised to deliver his government's energy roadmap by the end of 2025. He has backed the incomplete energy plan, celebrating $79 million to progress development of pumped-hydro projects at Mt Rawdon and Cressbrook along with another at Borumba for $355 million. "We promised to fund smaller, more manageable pumped hydro projects and we are delivering on that promise," Mr Janetzki said. The budget on Tuesday predicted a record $205 billion in debt by 2028/29. A splash on housing paved the way for more first homebuyers, providing 30 per cent equity in new builds and 25 per cent in existing homes of up to $1 million for 1000 Queenslanders. The "Boost to Buy" scheme will cost $165 million over the next two years and applies to singles earning up to $150,000 and couples up to $225,000. A record health investment included an $18.5 billion plan to deliver 2600 new beds and three more hospitals. A milestone budget has come under fire for lacking a renewable energy plan as industry leaders raise concerns investors might be turned away. Queensland's Liberal National government has been praised for a "nation-leading" home ownership scheme and record health funding after it handed down its first budget since 2014. But the fiscal roadmap fell well short for environmentalists, who said it lacked an energy plan to secure investor confidence. "One of the things we're seeing as a result of this lack of plan is that they're spending some money really unwisely," Queensland Conservation Council director Dave Copeman told AAP. Budget papers cemented the LNP's pre-election promise to scrap targets set by the former Labor government to reach 50 per cent renewable energy in the power grid by 2030, 70 per cent by 2032 and 80 per cent by 2035. The state will no longer track how much renewable energy is contributing to the grid, calling it a "discontinued measure". Renewable energy - including wind, solar and hydro - accounted for more than a quarter of the state's power in 2024/25 while coal contributed nearly 65 per cent, with the remainder supplied from gas. Solar was the biggest contributor among renewable energy sources. Mr Copeman said the energy system measurement metric provided investors with confidence about the state market's future for renewable projects. He warned the LNP government's move might push investors away from Queensland because of a lack of clarity over the state's energy plan and transition time frame. "Now that treasury and energy no longer have that metric, they don't have a plan, so they're really working a bit in the dark - that's not good for Queensland." Mr Copeman also slammed the government's $1.6 billion plan to prop up ageing coal-fired power stations as a "waste of money". The government's renewable energy stance appeared to be based on LNP stakeholder input, University of Queensland economist John Quiggin said. "Essentially, you've got a lot of people who are just hostile to the whole idea for purely cultural reasons," he told AAP. A bill set to pass state parliament on Wednesday will require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation prior to project approvals. But Treasurer David Janetzki promised to deliver his government's energy roadmap by the end of 2025. He has backed the incomplete energy plan, celebrating $79 million to progress development of pumped-hydro projects at Mt Rawdon and Cressbrook along with another at Borumba for $355 million. "We promised to fund smaller, more manageable pumped hydro projects and we are delivering on that promise," Mr Janetzki said. The budget on Tuesday predicted a record $205 billion in debt by 2028/29. A splash on housing paved the way for more first homebuyers, providing 30 per cent equity in new builds and 25 per cent in existing homes of up to $1 million for 1000 Queenslanders. The "Boost to Buy" scheme will cost $165 million over the next two years and applies to singles earning up to $150,000 and couples up to $225,000. A record health investment included an $18.5 billion plan to deliver 2600 new beds and three more hospitals.
The Advertiser
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'Go back to drawing board': 2032 planning laws slammed
Controversial laws set to fast track 2032 Olympic projects have come under fire, with a state government told to "go back to the drawing board". An environmental group says the laws to help ensure Games infrastructure is built on time will set a dangerous precedent, detracting from the inclusivity that 2032 organisers hope to create. The clock is ticking for the Games after the Queensland government finally confirmed its venue blueprint in March, more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host city. A bill has been introduced to state parliament giving the Games infrastructure authority power to override 15 planning laws, including the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts. The laws covering all venues and the athletes villages are set to ensure construction is not delayed by potential legal challenges, with the final planning sign-off given to the state government - not local councils. The bill will also require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation. In submissions heard on Tuesday, the Queensland Conservation Council took aim at the government's 'blinding hypocrisy'. "It is incredibly inconsistent that this bill is trying to apply greater consultation to renewable energy projects and literally ripping up any process for community and consultation on our existing laws for Olympic facilities", the council's Dave Copeman told the hearing. "The hypocrisy is kind of blinding." Brisbane organisers have targeted inclusivity as a key pillar of the 2032 Games. But Mr Copeman claimed the laws flew in the face of that goal, saying they bypassed not only planning legislation but also First Nations people's concerns. An advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the proposed 2032 main stadium's impact on inner-city Victoria Park, saying it will destroy a site of significance to First Nations communities. "It's going to create ... a terrible story to tell to the visitors who are coming - 'Welcome to to this great facility where we got rid of the rights of First Nations people, but we want to celebrate their culture here'," Mr Copeman said. "We've got enough time to build the facilities we need while honouring our existing laws. "I'd take your pencils out ... there's some real work for this committee to do." Louisa Bonner, the CEO of charity Ngaran Goori, said First Nations communities should be consulted about what's happening on country and how it affected them. "We feel like we're being dragged along to have to agree with something," she told the committee. "It's not that we either agree or disagree, it's just we don't have that depth of relationship or consultation or understanding around that, or even consideration." Victoria Park in Brisbane's inner-city is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Advocacy group, Save the Victoria Park, is raising money for the legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year. Controversial laws set to fast track 2032 Olympic projects have come under fire, with a state government told to "go back to the drawing board". An environmental group says the laws to help ensure Games infrastructure is built on time will set a dangerous precedent, detracting from the inclusivity that 2032 organisers hope to create. The clock is ticking for the Games after the Queensland government finally confirmed its venue blueprint in March, more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host city. A bill has been introduced to state parliament giving the Games infrastructure authority power to override 15 planning laws, including the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts. The laws covering all venues and the athletes villages are set to ensure construction is not delayed by potential legal challenges, with the final planning sign-off given to the state government - not local councils. The bill will also require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation. In submissions heard on Tuesday, the Queensland Conservation Council took aim at the government's 'blinding hypocrisy'. "It is incredibly inconsistent that this bill is trying to apply greater consultation to renewable energy projects and literally ripping up any process for community and consultation on our existing laws for Olympic facilities", the council's Dave Copeman told the hearing. "The hypocrisy is kind of blinding." Brisbane organisers have targeted inclusivity as a key pillar of the 2032 Games. But Mr Copeman claimed the laws flew in the face of that goal, saying they bypassed not only planning legislation but also First Nations people's concerns. An advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the proposed 2032 main stadium's impact on inner-city Victoria Park, saying it will destroy a site of significance to First Nations communities. "It's going to create ... a terrible story to tell to the visitors who are coming - 'Welcome to to this great facility where we got rid of the rights of First Nations people, but we want to celebrate their culture here'," Mr Copeman said. "We've got enough time to build the facilities we need while honouring our existing laws. "I'd take your pencils out ... there's some real work for this committee to do." Louisa Bonner, the CEO of charity Ngaran Goori, said First Nations communities should be consulted about what's happening on country and how it affected them. "We feel like we're being dragged along to have to agree with something," she told the committee. "It's not that we either agree or disagree, it's just we don't have that depth of relationship or consultation or understanding around that, or even consideration." Victoria Park in Brisbane's inner-city is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Advocacy group, Save the Victoria Park, is raising money for the legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year. Controversial laws set to fast track 2032 Olympic projects have come under fire, with a state government told to "go back to the drawing board". An environmental group says the laws to help ensure Games infrastructure is built on time will set a dangerous precedent, detracting from the inclusivity that 2032 organisers hope to create. The clock is ticking for the Games after the Queensland government finally confirmed its venue blueprint in March, more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host city. A bill has been introduced to state parliament giving the Games infrastructure authority power to override 15 planning laws, including the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts. The laws covering all venues and the athletes villages are set to ensure construction is not delayed by potential legal challenges, with the final planning sign-off given to the state government - not local councils. The bill will also require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation. In submissions heard on Tuesday, the Queensland Conservation Council took aim at the government's 'blinding hypocrisy'. "It is incredibly inconsistent that this bill is trying to apply greater consultation to renewable energy projects and literally ripping up any process for community and consultation on our existing laws for Olympic facilities", the council's Dave Copeman told the hearing. "The hypocrisy is kind of blinding." Brisbane organisers have targeted inclusivity as a key pillar of the 2032 Games. But Mr Copeman claimed the laws flew in the face of that goal, saying they bypassed not only planning legislation but also First Nations people's concerns. An advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the proposed 2032 main stadium's impact on inner-city Victoria Park, saying it will destroy a site of significance to First Nations communities. "It's going to create ... a terrible story to tell to the visitors who are coming - 'Welcome to to this great facility where we got rid of the rights of First Nations people, but we want to celebrate their culture here'," Mr Copeman said. "We've got enough time to build the facilities we need while honouring our existing laws. "I'd take your pencils out ... there's some real work for this committee to do." Louisa Bonner, the CEO of charity Ngaran Goori, said First Nations communities should be consulted about what's happening on country and how it affected them. "We feel like we're being dragged along to have to agree with something," she told the committee. "It's not that we either agree or disagree, it's just we don't have that depth of relationship or consultation or understanding around that, or even consideration." Victoria Park in Brisbane's inner-city is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Advocacy group, Save the Victoria Park, is raising money for the legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year. Controversial laws set to fast track 2032 Olympic projects have come under fire, with a state government told to "go back to the drawing board". An environmental group says the laws to help ensure Games infrastructure is built on time will set a dangerous precedent, detracting from the inclusivity that 2032 organisers hope to create. The clock is ticking for the Games after the Queensland government finally confirmed its venue blueprint in March, more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host city. A bill has been introduced to state parliament giving the Games infrastructure authority power to override 15 planning laws, including the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation Acts. The laws covering all venues and the athletes villages are set to ensure construction is not delayed by potential legal challenges, with the final planning sign-off given to the state government - not local councils. The bill will also require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation. In submissions heard on Tuesday, the Queensland Conservation Council took aim at the government's 'blinding hypocrisy'. "It is incredibly inconsistent that this bill is trying to apply greater consultation to renewable energy projects and literally ripping up any process for community and consultation on our existing laws for Olympic facilities", the council's Dave Copeman told the hearing. "The hypocrisy is kind of blinding." Brisbane organisers have targeted inclusivity as a key pillar of the 2032 Games. But Mr Copeman claimed the laws flew in the face of that goal, saying they bypassed not only planning legislation but also First Nations people's concerns. An advocacy group is raising money for a legal challenge exploring the proposed 2032 main stadium's impact on inner-city Victoria Park, saying it will destroy a site of significance to First Nations communities. "It's going to create ... a terrible story to tell to the visitors who are coming - 'Welcome to to this great facility where we got rid of the rights of First Nations people, but we want to celebrate their culture here'," Mr Copeman said. "We've got enough time to build the facilities we need while honouring our existing laws. "I'd take your pencils out ... there's some real work for this committee to do." Louisa Bonner, the CEO of charity Ngaran Goori, said First Nations communities should be consulted about what's happening on country and how it affected them. "We feel like we're being dragged along to have to agree with something," she told the committee. "It's not that we either agree or disagree, it's just we don't have that depth of relationship or consultation or understanding around that, or even consideration." Victoria Park in Brisbane's inner-city is expected to become the Brisbane Games hub, with a 63,000-seat main stadium and a nearby national aquatic centre set to be built. Advocacy group, Save the Victoria Park, is raising money for the legal challenge exploring the main stadium's impact on the heritage status and environment at the park, which is celebrating its 150th year.
Sydney Morning Herald
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Sydney Morning Herald
‘Blinding hypocrisy': Laws to fast track 2032 Olympic projects come under fire
Controversial Queensland laws to fast track 2032 Olympic projects have come under fire, with the Crisafulli government told to 'go back to the drawing board'. An environmental group says the laws to help ensure Games infrastructure is built on time set a dangerous precedent, detracting from the inclusivity that 2032 organisers hope to create. The clock is ticking for the Games after the state government finally confirmed its venue blueprint in March – more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host city. A bill has been introduced to state parliament giving the Games infrastructure authority power to override 15 planning laws, including the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation acts. The laws, which will cover all venues and athletes' villages, are set to ensure construction is not delayed by potential legal challenges, with the final planning sign-off given to the state government – not local councils. The bill will also require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation. But in submissions heard on Tuesday, the Queensland Conservation Council took aim at the government's 'blinding hypocrisy'. 'It is incredibly inconsistent that this bill is trying to apply greater consultation to renewable energy projects and literally ripping up any process for community consultation on our existing laws for Olympic facilities,' the council's Dave Copeman told the hearing.
The Age
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Age
‘Blinding hypocrisy': Laws to fast track 2032 Olympic projects come under fire
Controversial Queensland laws to fast track 2032 Olympic projects have come under fire, with the Crisafulli government told to 'go back to the drawing board'. An environmental group says the laws to help ensure Games infrastructure is built on time set a dangerous precedent, detracting from the inclusivity that 2032 organisers hope to create. The clock is ticking for the Games after the state government finally confirmed its venue blueprint in March – more than 1300 days after Brisbane was named host city. A bill has been introduced to state parliament giving the Games infrastructure authority power to override 15 planning laws, including the Environmental Protection, Queensland Heritage and Nature Conservation acts. The laws, which will cover all venues and athletes' villages, are set to ensure construction is not delayed by potential legal challenges, with the final planning sign-off given to the state government – not local councils. The bill will also require renewable energy developers to undertake community consultation. But in submissions heard on Tuesday, the Queensland Conservation Council took aim at the government's 'blinding hypocrisy'. 'It is incredibly inconsistent that this bill is trying to apply greater consultation to renewable energy projects and literally ripping up any process for community consultation on our existing laws for Olympic facilities,' the council's Dave Copeman told the hearing.
