3 months ago
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A local Aboriginal corporation has lodged an application with the federal government for permanent legal protection of Victoria Park, also known as Barrambin, where the state plans to build a key Olympic stadium.
The Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) made the application under federal legislation that allows the Commonwealth to declare long-term protection of a significant Aboriginal area under threat of injury or desecration.
“It was a complete shock when the premier came out with his stadium plans,” YMAC spokeswoman and Yagarabul elder Gaja Kerry Charlton said.
Near the spot a new stadium is planned for the 2032 Olympics and beyond at Victoria Park in Brisbane.Credit: William Davis
“He said the park would be protected from stadiums; I thought the park was safe. Now the government wants to destroy it.”
Charlton said Barrambin was “living Country, possessing sacred, ancient and significant relationships within our cultural heritage systems”.
“We know this is a place of great significance and history, not only for Yagara people, but for other First Nations and non-Aboriginal people as well.
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“We are very concerned there are ancient trees, artefacts and very important ecosystems existing there.
“There may be ancestral remains. We stand resolute in our responsibility to protect it.”
A Queensland government department previously recommended all of Victoria Park be heritage-listed, despite the government’s plans to build the main stadium for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the site.
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However, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie introduced state legislation this year overriding 15 existing planning laws – including the Queensland Heritage Act – to ensure any Olympic-related development would be considered lawful, even if it ran afoul of previous legislation.
A month ago, as Bleijie announced he had secured federal funding for the stadium at Victoria Park, he insisted there were provisions in state legislation for consultation with First Nations groups.
At the same event, Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said the deal was contingent on a new precinct plan that included engagement with First Nations stakeholders.
Save Victoria Park spokesperson Sue Bremner told 4BC Mornings with Bill McDonald that her organisation was working in partnership with YMAC to launch the legal action.
She said the plan for an Olympic stadium was very different from the golf course that occupied the land for many decades before it was turned into public parkland.
“This particular golf course didn’t change the topography. The ridges where the First Nations people camped for thousands of years are still there,” she said.
“That is not going to be the case if this stadium build goes ahead.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said there was great support for the Victoria Park plan and excitement about the legacy it would leave the city.
“Ultimately, this is going to happen,” he said.
“No doubt there will be attempts to thwart the project and slow it down.
“The government’s determined to make it happen, and I know that they’re taking steps to make sure that they can meet the time frame.”
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