Indigenous Groups Fight to Protect Brisbane's Victoria Park from Olympic Development
The Yagara and Magandjin peoples have filed for the permanent protection of Victoria Park, a site planned for the 2032 Olympics stadium. They seek protection under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act, citing cultural significance. This follows controversial legislation exempting Olympic projects from standard planning rules.
The Yagara and Magandjin Indigenous communities in Brisbane have lodged an application asking the Australian federal government to permanently protect Victoria Park, where a new stadium for the 2032 Olympics is planned.
Known to these communities as Barrambin, the park holds significant cultural value. Gaja Kerry Charlton, on behalf of the Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation, described Barrambin as "living country" with sacred and ancient connections. They were shocked by plans to build an Olympic stadium, fearing destruction of ancient trees and artefacts.
Despite legislation passed in June to exempt Olympic projects from regular planning rules, raising concerns over cultural and environmental losses, the Save Victoria Park campaign, alongside YMAC, stressed the unprecedented nature of this decision. Olympic organizers emphasize the Games' Reconciliation Action Plan, while critics worry about irreversible impacts.
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