An Indigenous group has filed a legal case aiming to prevent the construction of a new 63,000-seat stadium set for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, arguing that the site holds significant cultural value. The Queensland government announced earlier this year its intention to build the A$3.8 billion ($2.5 billion) venue at Victoria Park, a 60-hectare area noted for its historical importance.
The Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation and the Save Victoria Park group are urging the federal environment minister to classify the park as a culturally significant site, a designation that would offer protections from development. YMAC spokeswoman Gaja Kerry Charlton emphasized the park's "great significance and history" for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, expressing concerns over ancient trees, valuable artifacts, and potential ancestral remains located in the area.
A spokesperson for the federal government confirmed that they have acknowledged the request for protective designation under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act, stating that the department will conduct the necessary review and engage with the involved parties, including the Queensland government.
If the stadium proceeds as planned, it will serve as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032. Post-Games, the structure is slated to become the home ground for Australian rules football (AFL) and cricket in Queensland.
The infrastructure plans for the 2032 Olympics have sparked intense political debates within Queensland. Labor's Annastacia Palaszczuk, who led the successful Olympic bid, initially proposed refurbishing the existing Gabba stadium at a cost of around A$3 billion. However, this plan faced backlash from locals concerned about potential displacement and high expenses.
Following her resignation in 2023, a review suggested constructing a new stadium at Victoria Park. Facing a cost-of-living crisis, new leader Steven Miles opted to renovate existing venues, a choice some criticized. After losing the election to the Liberal National Party, which pledged against new stadium constructions, the newly elected premier David Crisafulli later embraced the Victoria Park stadium plan and implemented laws to fast-track its development without usual planning constraints.
This proposal, however, continues to incite protests among locals worried about the loss of inner-city green space and potential cultural heritage damage. Both state and federal governments have promised to collaborate with Indigenous groups about the development in Victoria Park. Brisbane's Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner stated that the construction of the new stadium is inevitable, despite ongoing attempts to delay its progress.
