Govt adds fuel to V8 race debate
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NSW wants a V8 Supercar street race at Homebush Bay. (Getty Images: Robert Cianflone)
The Minister for State Development, Ian Macdonald, has denied legislation to enable V8 Supercar street races in the Olympic precinct amounts to a green light to damage the environment.
A bill to create an authority to fast-track the races goes before Parliament's Upper House this week.
The Total Environment Centre has accused the Government of overriding threatened species law and the Homebush Bay Authority's planning principles.
But Mr Macdonald says legislation for major events is not unusual.
"In effect it's a one-stop shop to get the process through," he said.
"They will take into account environmental laws in issuing instruction to the proponents.
"They can't do what they they like they are subject through this legislation to very stringent requirements in the organisation and conduct of this race."
But the Total Enviornment Centre's Leigh Martin does not agree.
"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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