Indigenous Group Seeks Federal Protection to Halt Brisbane Olympic Stadium Plans

The Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) has lodged an application with the federal government under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act to prevent the development of a $3.7 billion, 63,000-seat Olympic stadium at Victoria Park in Brisbane, citing the site's significant Indigenous cultural, historical, and ecological value. The park contains stories, archaeological evidence, possible ancestral remains, and ancient trees, making it a place of great importance to the First Nations people. YMAC and advocacy groups like Save Victoria Park argue that the Queensland state government has bypassed democratic consultation and heritage protections by passing laws exempting Olympic infrastructure from planning and heritage laws. The federal Environment Minister, Murray Watt, will decide whether to grant long-term protection to the site, which could override the state government's plans. While the state government emphasizes its commitment to delivering the Games infrastructure with cultural heritage engagement, Indigenous leaders and activists stress the need to preserve Victoria Park's cultural heritage for future generations. The legal process may take years, raising concerns that construction could begin before any protective measures are decided.