Olympic Park race debate revs up
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The Total Environment Centre has accused the New South Wales Government of legalising environmental damage by allowing V8 Supercar street races in Sydney's Olympic precinct.
A bill to allow Homebush to become the venue for V8 Supercar racing is set to be debated in the NSW Legislative Council this week.
The centre's Leigh Martin says it overrides threatened species law and the Homebush Bay Authority's planning principles.
"The Government is providing V8 Supercars Australia with a blank cheque to cause environmental, social and economic disruption to Olympic Park," he said.
Mr Martin says there are also concerns about the risk of fuel or oil spills in the event of an accident, which could harm the habitat of the threatened green and golden bell frog.
He says a large number of trees may be destroyed in the creation of the course, and native birds and other species could be disrupted by noises and vibration.
The Government expects the street races to bring $100 million into the state's ailing economy.
Crossbenchers in the Legislative Council hold the balance of power but the legislation is expected to pass.
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