Olympic Stadium Plans in Brisbane Face Indigenous Challenge
Brisbane, Australia – Plans for a A$3.8 billion (£1.8 billion / $2.5 billion) Olympic stadium in brisbane are facing a new hurdle as Indigenous groups seek too have the proposed Victoria Park site officially recognized as culturally notable,perhaps halting progress.The Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) and the Save Victoria Park group have formally requested the federal environment minister invoke the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act to protect the 60-hectare parkland.
The move throws fresh uncertainty into a project already marked by political upheaval and shifting priorities surrounding infrastructure for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.Victoria Park holds deep historical importance for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, according to YMAC spokesperson Gaja Kerry Charlton. Concerns center on the potential disturbance of ancient trees, artifacts, important ecosystems, and even possible ancestral remains within the park. The federal government has confirmed receipt of the request and stated it is currently under review,with engagement planned with all stakeholders – including the applicant,project proponents,and the Queensland government.
The proposed stadium was announced in March and is slated to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2032 Games. Post-Olympics, it is intended to become the permanent home for Australian Football League (AFL) and cricket in Queensland.
However, the path to this stadium has been anything but smooth. The initial plan under former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk focused on a A$3 billion redevelopment of the existing Gabba stadium, a proposal met with local opposition due to potential displacement of residents and concerns over the cost. A subsequent review suggested a new stadium at Victoria Park, but this was initially sidelined by Premier Steven Miles, who favored upgrading existing venues amidst a cost-of-living crisis. This decision drew criticism, with some labeling it a setback for Australia’s international image.
A dramatic shift occurred after Miles lost the election to the Liberal National Party,who campaigned against building new stadiums. Yet, following their own review, the new government, led by Premier David Crisafulli, reversed course and adopted the Victoria Park stadium plan. Legislation has since been introduced to expedite development by exempting Olympic venues from standard planning regulations.
This latest development comes amidst ongoing protests from locals worried about the loss of valuable inner-city green space and potential damage to cultural heritage. While both state and federal governments have pledged to consult with Indigenous groups,Brisbane’s Lord mayor Adrian Schrinner has expressed confidence the project will proceed,anticipating attempts to delay or obstruct it.
