The NSW Land and Environment Court has today lifted an order preventing major works on Allianz Stadium, meaning that controversial demolition on the venue can begin immediately.
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A temporary injunction had been issued preventing the stadium’s walls and roof from being pulled apart, but as of Friday morning those works can properly begin.
The demolition works on Allianz have been a controversial point in New South Wales politics over the past little while. Local community groups say the project was “rushed”, failed to adequately consult with the public, ignored environmental concerns, and does not meet design excellence requirements. It also falls into a bigger, longer-term conversation about whether it is necessary for the state government to be expending so much money on sports stadiums.
Ahead of this month’s state election, Labor leader Michael Daley has been on a warpath about the stadiums – arguing that the cost of new venues is at the expense of new schools and hospitals. He promised to halt development, which is almost certainly why the government has made aggressive moves to start the demolition before the election.
On Wednesday, the challenges based on the planning process were thrown out by Justice Nicola Pain, Community group Local Democracy Matters, who have led that charge, are considering applying for an urgent injunction after the failure of their previous effort.
The NSW government could send bulldozers to start hard demolition over the weekend.
