Brisbane Site of Indigenous Significance Likely to Host 2032 Olympics Stadium
The Queensland government is anticipated to declare that a significant site of preserved Indigenous heritage in central Brisbane, a location of historical massacres and part of an Indigenous songline, will be the site for the central stadium of the 2032 Olympic Games.
Government Expected to Reverse Stadium Pledge
Premier David Crisafulli had consistently pledged throughout the previous year’s election period that a new stadium would not be constructed for the Olympic athletics events. He specifically excluded Victoria Park as a potential location.
However, the government is now expected to endorse a recommendation, reportedly from its Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority, to retract this commitment.
Public and Indigenous Groups Voice Opposition
Prior to any official announcement, opposition to the plans has already materialized in the form of protests. The Save Victoria Park group has reportedly engaged legal counsel to explore a potential legal challenge against the stadium development. Their arguments center on the project’s potential destruction of valuable green space and the imperative to halt construction due to the site’s deep cultural importance to First Nations communities.
Victoria Park: From Golf Course to Contested Olympic Site
Victoria Park was transformed into a golf course in 1931. However, in 2020, Brisbane City Council formulated plans to reinstate the 64-hectare area as a public park.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner stated in 2020, “Victoria Park possesses a substantial Indigenous history and a key feature will be Lake Barrambin – which also holds significant Indigenous heritage.”
Historian Highlights Site’s Profound Indigenous Heritage
Brisbane historian Ray Kerkhove, who has conducted multiple heritage assessments of Victoria Park, also known as Barrambin, for various levels of government, expressed strong disapproval.
He stated his reaction to a potential stadium announcement by Premier Crisafulli would be “horror and despair.”
Kerkhove emphasized that Victoria Park, a heritage-listed site, is arguably the most significant Indigenous heritage location in Brisbane’s city center.
He explained the park served as a central gathering place for up to 1,500 Indigenous people throughout the 19th century before forced displacement to missions. Aboriginal people returned to reside there when permitted to leave missions in the 20th century.
“That represents a continuous connection spanning nearly 200 years. I have personally discovered stone tools and oyster shells on the site,” Kerkhove noted.
He added that it functioned as a meeting point long before that period and is integral to a significant Indigenous songline. Kerkhove believes a new stadium would irrevocably damage this heritage.
“There is a long-standing history of Aboriginal people regarding this place as sacred,” he stated.
“Indeed, it is situated on a songline. Most traditional base camps are located on songlines.”
Government Decision Imminent
Both the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority’s recommendations and the government’s official response are expected to be released later today.
A prior recommendation from a previous inquiry advocating a similar stadium location was rejected by the former Labor government primarily due to cost concerns.
Olympic Legacy and Infrastructure Budget Concerns
Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Olympic Games in July 2021 under former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. It was the first city selected utilizing the Olympics’ “new norm” approach, designed to minimize infrastructure expenditure by maximizing the use of existing venues.
Premier Palaszczuk’s successor, Steven Miles, cancelled the Gabba stadium rebuild project in March of the preceding year, unveiling his own venue strategy.
The current government is now anticipated to unveil a third significant revision of the Games’ $7.1 billion infrastructure budget.
On Monday, Premier Crisafulli, who assumed office in November, asserted that the government possessed a strategy to “revitalize” the Olympic preparations following “four years of indecision” under the previous administration.
“It’s a plan to ensure we host exceptional Games when the world’s attention is focused on us,” he commented.
The government is also reportedly contemplating eliminating funding for the Brisbane Live Arena, which was initially designated to host swimming events.
Indigenous Elder: “Victoria Park is Home”
Yuggera woman Aunty Deb Sandy stated she grew up with individuals who resided in Victoria Park during their childhoods.
She explained the continued connection of Indigenous people to Victoria Park with simple words: “It’s home.”
“I don’t believe anyone would welcome a stadium constructed upon their home,” Sandy remarked. “This land is our home. We must protect it, and building on top of it would be disrespectful.”
“It’s as if our history is inconsequential.”
Historical Massacres at Victoria Park
Historian Kerkhove indicated there are at least two documented massacres at Victoria Park dating back to the 1840s. In both instances, the entire town camp was destroyed by fire.
“Those were nighttime skirmishes. We don’t have precise casualty figures, but fatalities certainly occurred,” he stated.
Olympics and First Nations Reconciliation Questioned
Organizers have asserted that the Olympic Games will benefit First Nations people, promoting Brisbane 2032 as the first Olympics with a dedicated reconciliation action plan.