05-08-2025
Fate of Victoria Park stadium in doubt after Indigenous group called for the Brisbane site to be protected
The fate of a 63,000-seat Olympic stadium is hanging in the balance after an Indigenous group lodged a long-term protection order on the site.
The Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) on Tuesday asked the federal government to block the massive construction in Victoria Park in central Brisbane.
YMAC claimed the park was one of the city's 'most significant' First Nations sites.
If the application is successful, the Queensland Government would have to find a new location for the centrepiece of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Victoria Park is managed by Brisbane City Council, but new state legislation last month determined Olympic venues are exempt from heritage and planning laws.
YMAC spokeswoman and Yagarabul elder Gaja Kerry Charlton told the ABC the park, which has the Indigenous name Barrambin, is significant to local Aboriginal people.
'Barrambin is living Country. We know this place is of great significance and history. It was a complete shock when the premier came out with his stadium plans,' she said.
'We are very concerned there are ancient trees, artefacts and very important ecosystems existing there. There may be ancestral remains.'
YMAC lodged the protection order application under Section 10 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act (ATSIHP).
The act allows the Commonwealth to prevent damage to 'significant Aboriginal areas' and would overrule the new state law.
Yagara elder Uncle Steven said Victoria Park should be protected as there were 'not many places left around south-east Queensland that still contain that significance in cultural heritage'.
'If that [stadium] goes ahead, we lose part of our history. It's not only First Nations history, it's Australia's history, Brisbane's history,' he said.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water confirmed it is reviewing the YMAC's application.
Save Victoria Park spokeswoman Sue Bremner questioned why Indigenous groups were opposing the Olympic stadium when Victoria Park was previously used as a golf course, rifle range and encampment for WWII American soldiers.
'The park has grown up with Brisbane, and it's gone through various stages,' Ms Bremner told 4BC Radio.
'One thing about a golf course is that it doesn't change the topography as much. The ridges where the First Nations people camped for thousands of years are still there.
'That is not going to be the case if this stadium build goes ahead.'
A spokeswoman for the state government, led by Premier David Crisafulli, said it was committed to 'ensuring the Games deliver a generational infrastructure legacy'.
'The new laws provide a bespoke process that recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage matters - incorporating engagement, consultation with relevant parties and preparation of a cultural heritage management plan,' she said.
The Federal Government in July pledged $3.4billion in funding for the Queensland Government for the Games Venue Infrastructure program.
Combined funding resulted in a total of $7.1billion to be used on delivering 17 new or upgraded sporting venues across Queensland.
The stadium planned for Victoria Park is set to host the Games' opening and closing ceremonies. Several athletic events would also be held at the venue.
Several Queensland teams - including Brisbane Lions, Brisbane Heat and Queensland Bulls - have expressed interest in the stadium as their homeground after the Games.
