Government declines to protect Indigenous sacred site to be bulldozed for Brisbane Olympic stadium
The Queensland government has declined to protect an Indigenous sacred site in Victoria Park, which is set to be bulldozed for the construction of a new Olympic stadium in Brisbane. Environment Minister Murray Watt decided against an emergency declaration to halt the construction despite concerns raised by traditional owners. Protests have erupted in response, with demonstrators emphasizing the cultural significance of the site to the Turrbal and Yagara Peoples.
- ▪The federal government rejected an emergency intervention to stop the construction of the Olympic stadium in Victoria Park.
- ▪Environment Minister Murray Watt acknowledged the importance of the area to the Turrbal and Yagara Peoples but did not halt the project.
- ▪Protests have taken place, with activists claiming the site is the last sacred gathering place for Indigenous people in the Brisbane area.
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Dancers at the Save Victoria Park rally in Brisbane on the final day before the 64-hectare site is handed over to build the 63,000-seat Olympic stadium. Photograph: Joe Hinchliffe/The GuardianView image in fullscreenDancers at the Save Victoria Park rally in Brisbane on the final day before the 64-hectare site is handed over to build the 63,000-seat Olympic stadium. Photograph: Joe Hinchliffe/The GuardianQueenslandGovernment declines to protect Indigenous sacred site to be bulldozed for Brisbane Olympic stadiumEnvironment minister Murray Watt decides against emergency declaration to halt construction but does not rule out ‘longer term protections’ Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Joe HinchliffeSun 31 May 2026 02.37 EDTLast modified on Sun 31 May 2026 02.50…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at the Guardian.
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