An Indigenous community, the Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC), has initiated legal proceedings aimed at halting the construction of a massive 63,000-seat stadium intended for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. The site, located in Victoria Park, has been designated for the stadium as part of a broader A$3.8 billion ($2.5 billion) infrastructure plan announced earlier this year by the Queensland government, with federal financial backing.
Aboriginal Group Seeks Legal Intervention Against Olympic Stadium in Brisbane
Aboriginal Group Seeks Legal Intervention Against Olympic Stadium in Brisbane
An Indigenous group challenges the Queensland government's plan for a stadium on sacred land at Victoria Park, highlighting concerns over cultural heritage and ecosystem protection.
The claim filed by the YMAC, alongside the Save Victoria Park group, requests a federal environmental review to recognize Victoria Park's cultural significance, which could potentially safeguard it from development. "Victoria Park holds immense historical importance for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities," said YMAC spokesperson Gaja Kerry Charlton. Concerns have been raised about the presence of ancient trees, significant archaeological artifacts, and possibly ancestral remains within the park.
A representative for the federal government confirmed the receipt of this request, indicating that it is currently under review in accordance with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. If the stadium project proceeds, it will be the venue for the Olympics' opening and closing ceremonies, subsequently becoming the home ground for both AFL and cricket events in Queensland.
The infrastructure preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games have ignited heated debate within Queensland politics. Originally led by Labor's Annastacia Palaszczuk, plans included the redevelopment of the aging Gabba stadium; however, these were met with local discontent and fears of displacements, prompting a shift in strategy. Once Palaszczuk resigned in 2023, her successor opted to upgrade existing venues instead of pursuing new constructions amid rising costs.
Following a change in leadership, Premier David Crisafulli adopted the strategy for a new stadium at Victoria Park while also enacting laws to expedite construction, bypassing traditional planning regulations. Despite announcements of support for the stadium's development by Brisbane's Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, the plans remain contentious, with community protests citing concerns over environmental degradation and cultural heritage preservation. Indigenous consultation has been emphasized by state and federal authorities as discussions move forward regarding the project at Victoria Park.
A representative for the federal government confirmed the receipt of this request, indicating that it is currently under review in accordance with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. If the stadium project proceeds, it will be the venue for the Olympics' opening and closing ceremonies, subsequently becoming the home ground for both AFL and cricket events in Queensland.
The infrastructure preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games have ignited heated debate within Queensland politics. Originally led by Labor's Annastacia Palaszczuk, plans included the redevelopment of the aging Gabba stadium; however, these were met with local discontent and fears of displacements, prompting a shift in strategy. Once Palaszczuk resigned in 2023, her successor opted to upgrade existing venues instead of pursuing new constructions amid rising costs.
Following a change in leadership, Premier David Crisafulli adopted the strategy for a new stadium at Victoria Park while also enacting laws to expedite construction, bypassing traditional planning regulations. Despite announcements of support for the stadium's development by Brisbane's Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, the plans remain contentious, with community protests citing concerns over environmental degradation and cultural heritage preservation. Indigenous consultation has been emphasized by state and federal authorities as discussions move forward regarding the project at Victoria Park.
