A PROPOSED Olympic planning law has sparked political tensions, with former Capalaba MP Don Brown claiming it could place two of the region’s most significant heritage sites at risk.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie introduced the Planning Social Impact and Community Benefit and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 to Parliament on May 1, saying it would give the newly formed Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) the power to fast-track works.
Mr Brown, in a submission to the State Development, Infrastructure and Works Committee, claimed the legislation could allow Olympic infrastructure to bypass standard planning processes and heritage protections – including those safeguarding the WWII Radio Receiving Station and Willards Farm at Birkdale.
The two sites sit within the Birkdale Community Precinct, which is slated to become Australia’s northern hub for international whitewater events, high-performance adventure sport and emergency services training.
However, State Member for Oodgeroo Amanda Stoker dismissed Mr Brown’s concerns, saying both sites were already protected under the precinct’s planning framework.
“These precious historical sites are protected,” Ms Stoker said. “Given that Mr Brown previously supported this project during his time as MP, I would have thought he’d be well aware of that.”
Redland City Deputy Mayor Julie Talty described Mr Brown’s comments as “utter nonsense”, noting that Willards Farm is not even located on the same lot as the proposed whitewater facility.
“He’s trying to sow seeds of fear to remain relevant,” Cr Talty said.
Independent Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle went further, accusing Mr Brown of deliberately misrepresenting the Bill.
“These sites are not at risk,” Cr Golle said.
“Don Brown’s claims are false.
“He is knowingly misrepresenting this legislation to divide the community and regain political relevance.”
But Mr Brown stood firm, warning that the Bill could allow projects to proceed without public consultation or legal recourse, undermining long-standing heritage protections.
“This site is not only nationally significant; it is globally symbolic of peace and the conclusion of the deadliest conflict in human history,” Mr Brown said of the WWII Radio Receiving Station, believed to have received General Douglas MacArthur’s message announcing the Japanese surrender in 1945 – an event that marked the end of the Second World War.
He also expressed concern about planned roadworks coming within 40 metres of Willards Farm, which he said could expose the heritage-listed site to damage from construction.
Mr Brown pointed to the recent removal of one of the radio station’s towers – carried out with Queensland Heritage Council approval – as a cautionary example of what could happen in the absence of oversight.
Cr Golle defended the tower’s removal, saying it failed to meet safety standards and was dismantled accordingly.
Mr Brown, however, argued the new legislation would remove such oversight altogether.
“This legislation strips away hard-won protections and replaces them with unchecked executive discretion,” he said.
He urged the parliamentary committee to recommend amendments to preserve community input and maintain heritage safeguards.
“Queensland shouldn’t have to choose between Olympic development and historical preservation. A truly visionary Games would embrace both.”
