An Indigenous group has initiated legal proceedings to prevent the construction of a 63,000-seat stadium intended for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, arguing the site holds significant cultural value. The Queensland government announced plans in March for the A$3.8 billion (approximately $2.5 billion or £1.8 billion) stadium, which is set to be located at Victoria Park, a sprawling 60-hectare area.
The Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) alongside the Save Victoria Park group is urging the federal environment minister to officially recognize Victoria Park as a culturally significant site. This designation could legally safeguard the land from being developed, according to YMAC spokeswoman Gaja Kerry Charlton.
Victoria Park is known to be historically important for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. "We are very concerned there are ancient trees, artefacts, and significant ecosystems located within this area. There may be ancestral remains here," Charlton emphasized.
A representative from the federal government confirmed that the request for site designation has been received under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. The department is currently assessing the application and plans to undertake standard procedures, which includes discussions with the requesters, the developers, and the Queensland government.
If constructed, the stadium would host both the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032, eventually serving as the venue for AFL and cricket events in Queensland.
Infrastructure plans for the Olympics have sparked considerable political debate in Queensland over recent years. Labor's Annastacia Palaszczuk was at the forefront of a successful Olympic bid and proposed redeveloping the aging Gabba stadium for games at an estimated cost of A$3 billion. This proposal faced backlash from locals worried about displacement and taxpayers concerned with the high expenses.
Following Palaszczuk's resignation as premier in 2023, a review suggested an even pricier option—constructing a new stadium at Victoria Park. However, Steven Miles, the new state leader, leaned towards upgrading existing facilities, a move criticized by some as detrimental to Australia's international reputation.
The Liberal National Party promised no new stadiums during the election, yet after they won, new premier David Crisafulli adopted the plan to build in Victoria Park and has since enacted laws to exempt Olympic venues from planning regulations, aiming to fast-track development.
Despite these efforts, significant opposition remains in Queensland, with concerns about the loss of inner-city green spaces and the threat to cultural heritage. The state and federal governments have indicated a willingness to engage Indigenous communities in ongoing discussions regarding development at Victoria Park. Brisbane's Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner, conveyed to the Brisbane Times that there seems to be substantial backing for the stadium's construction. “Ultimately, this is going to happen,” he stated. “No doubt there will be attempts to thwart the project and slow it down.”
