A deputy premier is proposing new powers to forcibly acquire private land for private sector projects. The proposal has emerged in the context of a 1.8 kilometre cable car development planned to connect Airlie Beach to a mountain in a national park.
The proposed legislation would grant the government compulsory acquisition powers for privately-owned land to facilitate private commercial ventures. Critics have raised concerns about the scope of these powers, characterizing them as potential "government land grabs."
The cable car project serves as the immediate catalyst for the proposed law change, though the broader implications of granting such acquisition powers for private developments have drawn scrutiny from those questioning whether the government should have authority to seize private property on behalf of commercial interests.
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