Brisbane Olympics: Australia’s indigenous group opposes construction of stadium costing Rs 215.56 crore | More sports News
A legal challenge has been launched by an Indigenous group in Australia to halt the construction of a new 63,000-seat stadium for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics on land they say is culturally and ecologically significant. The Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC), in collaboration with the Save Victoria Park group, has formally requested federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to protect Brisbane’s Victoria Park under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act. Victoria Park, a 60-hectare green space in inner Brisbane, was named in March as the proposed site for the A$3.8 billion stadium (Australian dollar), which will host the opening and closing ceremonies of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. YMAC spokeswoman Gaja Kerry Charlton emphasised the area’s deep cultural value. “We are very concerned there are ancient trees, artefacts and very important ecosystems existing there. There may be ancestral remains,” she said, as quoted by BBC. “Victoria Park is of great significance and history for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.” A spokesperson for the federal government confirmed that the heritage protection application has been received and is currently under review. The environment department is expected to follow standard procedures, including consultations with all relevant parties, including the Queensland government. Controversy around Olympic infrastructure planning in Queensland has grown over recent years. The initial bid, led by former Labor premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, included redeveloping the Gabba at a cost of A$3bn—an unpopular move among residents. Her successor, Steven Miles, dropped that plan amid a cost-of-living crisis, opting instead to upgrade existing venues. However, after a change in government, new premier David Crisafulli reversed course and backed a new stadium at Victoria Park. He also introduced legislation to exempt Olympic venues from regular planning regulations to speed up development. The proposal has drawn criticism from Indigenous communities and local residents, with concerns over the potential loss of green space and damage to sacred heritage sites.
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Despite the opposition, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said there was “strong support” for the stadium and expected efforts to block the project. “Ultimately, this is going to happen,” he said.
