A legal battle has erupted over plans to construct a major stadium for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics on land considered sacred by Indigenous communities. The proposed 63,000-seat venue, set to be built at Victoria Park with a budget of A$3.8 billion, has drawn opposition from the Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) and local conservationists.
The groups have petitioned the federal government to recognize the park as a protected cultural site under heritage laws, citing its ecological and historical significance. “This land holds ancient trees, artefacts, and possibly ancestral remains,” said Gaja Kerry Charlton, a YMAC representative. “Its destruction would be an irreparable loss.”
Federal officials confirmed they are reviewing the request, which could halt development if approved. The stadium, intended to host Olympic ceremonies and later serve as a hub for AFL and cricket, has already faced political turbulence. Previous proposals were scrapped amid public backlash over costs and displacement fears before the current government revived the Victoria Park plan, bypassing standard planning regulations to expedite construction.
Local opposition remains strong, with residents protesting the potential loss of green space and threats to Indigenous heritage. Despite assurances of consultation with Aboriginal groups, Brisbane’s mayor has dismissed concerns, insisting the project will proceed.
The dispute highlights tensions between urban development and cultural preservation as Brisbane prepares for the global spotlight.
