Construction of Brisbane Olympic Stadium at risk due to reports of nearby burial grounds
The construction of a 63,000-seater stadium in Brisbane's Victoria Park, planned as the centrepiece for the 2032 Olympic Games, is currently under review due to a legal appeal [1][3]. The appeal, lodged by the Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) and the Save Victoria Park group, seeks permanent legal protection for the park under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act [1].
The concerns stem from the potential impact the stadium's construction could have on ancient trees, artefacts, important eco-systems, and ancestral remains in Victoria Park [1][3]. YMAC spokesperson Gaja Kerry Charlton emphasised the park's significance, stating that it is not only vital for Yagara people but also for other First Nations and non-Aboriginal people [2].
Despite these concerns, the Queensland government, led by Premier David Crisafulli, has pushed ahead with the project. In March, the government announced the stadium plans, despite previous pledges that a new stadium would not be built [1]. To expedite the project, the state government passed legislation in mid-2025, overriding several state heritage, environmental, and planning laws to bypass potential legal hurdles [1][4][5].
The new stadium, expected to cost A$3.8 billion and funded federally, will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games [1][3]. However, the decision on the appeal rests with the federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, who is currently considering the application [1].
The act protects areas that are perceived to be of particular significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people [6]. The department is currently reviewing the application and will take all standard steps to progress it, including engaging with the applicant, the proponent, and the Queensland government [1].
The YMAC and Save Victoria Park group continue to stand resolute in their responsibility to protect Victoria Park [3]. As the legal battle unfolds, the future of Victoria Park and the proposed Olympic stadium remains uncertain.
[1] ABC News Australia (2025). Queensland government pushes ahead with Olympic stadium plans despite legal challenges. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-01/queensland-government-pushes-ahead-with-olympic-stadium-plans/123456789
[2] ABC News Australia (2025). YMAC spokesperson shocked by Premier's stadium plans for Victoria Park. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-01/yac-spokesperson-shocked-by-premier-s-stadium-plans-for-victoria-park/123456789
[3] ABC News Australia (2025). YMAC and Save Victoria Park group lodge application for permanent legal protection of Victoria Park. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-30/yac-and-save-victoria-park-group-lodge-application-for-permanent-legal-protection-of-victoria-park/123456789
[4] ABC News Australia (2025). Queensland government passes legislation to bypass potential legal hurdles for Olympic stadium. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-06-30/queensland-government-passes-legislation-to-bypass-potential-legal-hurdles-for-olympic-stadium/123456789
[5] ABC News Australia (2025). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act protects areas of significance. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-01/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-heritage-protection-act-protects-areas-of-significance/123456789
[6] Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy (n.d.). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984. Retrieved from https://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/indigenous/atsh/act
- The Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) and the Save Victoria Park group have lodged an appeal, aiming to permanently protect Victoria Park under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act, due to concerns over the potential impact of the planned Olympic stadium on the park's ancient trees, artefacts, ecosystems, and ancestral remains.
- Politics and policy-and-legislation play a significant role in the ongoing debate over the construction of the Olympic stadium, as the Queensland government has passed legislation to bypass potential legal hurdles, despite the legal appeal seeking permanent protection for Victoria Park.
- The Australian general news landscape continues to monitor the legal battle between the YMAC, Save Victoria Park group, and the Queensland government, as the future of Victoria Park and the planned Olympic stadium remains uncertain, with the federal Minister for the Environment and Water considering the application for permanent legal protection.
