The Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation has initiated legal proceedings to halt the construction of a new 63,000-seat stadium for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, claiming the site holds deep cultural significance and rich history.
Indigenous Group Takes Legal Action Against Brisbane Olympic Stadium
Indigenous Group Takes Legal Action Against Brisbane Olympic Stadium
Legal challenge launched by Aboriginal organization to protect culturally significant land at Victoria Park against Olympic development.
An Indigenous group, the Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC), has officially launched legal action to block the planned construction of a 63,000-seat stadium for the upcoming 2032 Brisbane Olympics, arguing that the site at Victoria Park is culturally significant. The Queensland government announced in March that the new A$3.8bn ($2.5bn; £1.8bn) stadium would be built at this 60-hectare location with federal assistance. YMAC and the Save Victoria Park group are urging the federal environment minister to classify the park as culturally significant, which could safeguard it from developmental activities.
YMAC spokesperson Gaja Kerry Charlton emphasized the park's deep historical importance for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, citing the presence of ancient trees, artefacts, vital ecosystems, and potentially ancestral remains in the area. A representative from the federal government assured that the request for designation under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act is under review, promising engagement with all stakeholders, including YMAC, the Queensland government, and the project proponents.
If the stadium is constructed, it is intended to host the Olympic and Paralympic opening and closing ceremonies and subsequently serve as a venue for AFL and cricket in Queensland. Infrastructure proposals for the 2032 Olympics have sparked significant political debate in Queensland.
Annastacia Palaszczuk, leader of the Labor party, previously suggested refurbishing the existing Gabba stadium at an estimated A$3bn, a decision that faced backlash from taxpayers and local residents fearing displacement. After her resignation in 2023, the state's leadership transitioned to Steven Miles, who initially opted to upgrade existing facilities to alleviate public concerns, yet lost the next election to the Liberal National Party—a party pledging no new stadiums.
Subsequent reviews led new Premier David Crisafulli to endorse the construction of a new venue in Victoria Park while enacting laws to expedite the planning process. Nonetheless, the initiative encounters opposition from locals worried about the loss of inner-city green space and harm to cultural heritage.
Both state and federal governments have expressed their commitment to collaborate with Indigenous groups on the Victoria Park development. Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner voiced confidence in the stadium’s eventual realization, indicating that efforts to impede the project would be expected.
