The Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation has initiated legal proceedings against the Queensland government, targeting the construction site of the proposed A$3.8 billion stadium at Victoria Park for its cultural significance and ecological importance.
**Aboriginal Group Challenges Brisbane Olympic Stadium Development on Cultural Grounds**
**Aboriginal Group Challenges Brisbane Olympic Stadium Development on Cultural Grounds**
An Indigenous organization aims to halt construction of a new stadium planned for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, citing cultural and environmental concerns.
In a bold move to protect their heritage, the Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) has taken legal action against the construction of a 63,000-seat stadium intended for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, set to be built in Victoria Park—a site revered for its cultural significance. Announced by the Queensland government back in March, the A$3.8 billion stadium would receive federal funding and is slated to serve as a venue for the games’ opening and closing ceremonies.
YMAC, along with the Save Victoria Park group, is urging the federal environment minister to classify Victoria Park as a culturally significant site, thus safeguarding it from potential development. YMAC spokesperson Gaja Kerry Charlton remarked on the area’s importance, stating, “We are very concerned there are ancient trees, artefacts and very important ecosystems existing there. There may be ancestral remains.”
The federal government has acknowledged receipt of the request to designate the site under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act, and their department has begun reviewing the application, engaging with involved parties, including the Queensland government.
The controversy surrounding the stadium has intensified as infrastructure plans for the 2032 Olympics have sparked political debates in Queensland. Initial redevelopment plans for the aging Gabba stadium faced backlash from locals concerned about displacement and financial strain amidst a cost-of-living crisis. Following a change in leadership, Queensland's new premier, David Crisafulli, opted for the Victoria Park development, roll-outs of new laws designed to fast-track the venue's construction while bypassing usual planning processes, despite public protests advocating for the preservation of the inner-city green space.
Both state and federal governments have indicated a willingness to engage with Indigenous groups regarding the construction plans. Prominent voices, including Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, assert that construction will proceed, implying that opposition may not hinder the development. “Ultimately, this is going to happen," he stated, acknowledging the anticipated attempts to delay the project.
YMAC, along with the Save Victoria Park group, is urging the federal environment minister to classify Victoria Park as a culturally significant site, thus safeguarding it from potential development. YMAC spokesperson Gaja Kerry Charlton remarked on the area’s importance, stating, “We are very concerned there are ancient trees, artefacts and very important ecosystems existing there. There may be ancestral remains.”
The federal government has acknowledged receipt of the request to designate the site under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act, and their department has begun reviewing the application, engaging with involved parties, including the Queensland government.
The controversy surrounding the stadium has intensified as infrastructure plans for the 2032 Olympics have sparked political debates in Queensland. Initial redevelopment plans for the aging Gabba stadium faced backlash from locals concerned about displacement and financial strain amidst a cost-of-living crisis. Following a change in leadership, Queensland's new premier, David Crisafulli, opted for the Victoria Park development, roll-outs of new laws designed to fast-track the venue's construction while bypassing usual planning processes, despite public protests advocating for the preservation of the inner-city green space.
Both state and federal governments have indicated a willingness to engage with Indigenous groups regarding the construction plans. Prominent voices, including Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, assert that construction will proceed, implying that opposition may not hinder the development. “Ultimately, this is going to happen," he stated, acknowledging the anticipated attempts to delay the project.
