Work has officially begun on Brisbane’s main stadium for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, despite months of protests and legal challenges over the controversial Victoria Park / Barrambin site.
Critics say the project will destroy one of Brisbane’s largest inner-city green spaces and a site of cultural significance.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the stadium would deliver a lasting legacy for the state beyond the Olympics, however.
Here’s what you need to know.
Context
Brisbane was awarded the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021.
Under the International Olympic Committee’s ‘New Norm’ reforms, introduced in 2018, host cities are encouraged to use or refurbish existing venues wherever possible.
The original plan was to redevelop Brisbane’s current cricket and AFL ground, the Gabba, as the Olympic Stadium.
Before the 2024 Queensland election, Crisafulli said he would not support the construction of a new stadium.
Controversy
After a review of venue plans, the Queensland Government announced in March last year that a new stadium would be built at Victoria Park/ Barrambin. Crisafulli described the site as the “clear choice”.
The decision sparked opposition from community and advocacy groups, which launched petitions and made submissions to the Federal Government.
The Save Victoria Park group has also raised concerns about the site’s topography, its proximity to hospitals and schools, and public transport access.
A key objection centres on the park’s cultural significance to First Nations communities.
In a submission to the Federal Government, First Nations Elder Aunty Sandra King said the park had “been a major camp and a place for ceremony and corroboree for thousands of years.”
“If the stadiums go ahead, they will destroy the values of the park and all that makes it special,” she said.
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Tensions escalated on Friday whenprotesters at the site clashed with police. Four people were arrested and charged with offences including assaulting and obstructing police.
Federal Govt
Under federal law, Environment Minister Murray Watt has the power to override a state or territory decision if he determines a significant Aboriginal area is at risk of injury or desecration.
However, last week Watt said he had “decided not to make declarations” in response to a number of applications opposing the development.
He said he was “unable to be satisfied” that the applications met the legal requirements needed to override the project.
State Govt
On Monday, the site was officially handed over to the Games Independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority, marking the start of construction.
Crisafulli said the project would create “the beating sport, cultural and green heart of Brisbane, and a place all Queenslanders can be proud of.”
After the Olympics and Paralympics, the stadium will replace the Gabba as Brisbane's main AFL and cricket venue.
The Government has said around two-thirds of Victoria Park / Barrambin will remain open during construction.
What’s next?
The Save Victoria Park group says it will continue protesting outside the site on weekday mornings.
In a social media post, the group said: “The park may be fenced, but this community is not going away.”
While Watt declined to intervene, he said the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is continuing to assess other matters related to the site.
The Brisbane Olympic Games begin on 23 July 2032, with the opening ceremony to be held in the new stadium.
