In a significant move that has stirred emotions, the federal government's decision regarding the heritage protection of Victoria Park has been announced. In an update on January 14, 2026, it was reported that Environment Minister Murray Watt has denied a request to halt construction at the site designated for Brisbane’s Olympic stadium, citing Indigenous heritage concerns.
Five applications were submitted under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act of 1984, seeking federal intervention to safeguard a crucial area of Aboriginal heritage that is at risk of damage or desecration. Notably, one of these applications was retracted during the review process.
On Wednesday, Minister Watt disclosed that he had turned down one particular application related to drilling activities and associated infrastructure intended for the upcoming Olympic stadium and National Aquatic Centre. "In line with federal cultural heritage regulations, I have opted not to issue a declaration under section 9 of the act," stated Watt, who represents Queensland in his role.
Despite this rejection, Watt emphasized a commitment to protecting cultural heritage by directing his department to appoint an independent facilitator. This facilitator would engage with all relevant stakeholders to explore practical solutions that ensure the preservation of cultural heritage.
"The role of this dedicated facilitator will be to minimize harm to cultural heritage and provide guidance on future decisions regarding the specified areas," he explained. This decision comes after consultations with various parties and acknowledges the site's significant importance to the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, aligning with their cultural traditions.
Meanwhile, Watt's department is still reviewing three other applications that seek declarations under the heritage protection act. In a show of support for the federal stance, Acting Queensland State Development Minister Ros Bates welcomed the decision, highlighting that recent planning legislation mandates engagement and consultation as part of a thorough cultural heritage management plan. "These new laws are functioning effectively, enabling the Brisbane Stadium project and its broader delivery plans to progress on schedule and within budget while ensuring adequate protection measures are implemented," she noted.
However, the Save Victoria Park community group insists that their struggle is far from over. Spokeswoman Rosemary O’Hagan underscored the necessity of recognizing the park's heritage significance, which encompasses both First Nations history and early European settlement. "The Crisafulli government was aware of this historical context when they decided to proceed with stadium constructions in the park, yet they chose to disregard it," she stated.
O’Hagan further criticized the state laws introduced by the LNP last year, arguing that they severely limited the rights of First Nations communities in Queensland. She pointed out that these laws shortened consultation timeframes and stripped the ability of communities to file stop work orders or injunctions aimed at protecting cultural heritage impacted by Olympic projects. "Save Victoria Park stands resolutely with our First Nations partners in their commitment to safeguarding what is among our city’s most significant Indigenous cultural sites," she affirmed.
Earlier in January, designs for the centerpiece stadium of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics were unveiled. O’Hagan dismissed the latest visual representations as mere "greenwashed computer imagery," arguing that they fail to reflect reality. "What truly exists are the ancient trees, the undulating hills, and the native wildlife that the government plans to destroy for what could result in one of the most environmentally catastrophic Olympic Games in history," she cautioned.
In response, Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie characterized the Save Victoria Park group as impractical. "They are merely a collection of NIMBYs (Not In My Backyard) who oppose any development," he declared. "They claim this park has been utilized for years, but the truth is it was once a golf course, and before that, it served as a dump."
Bleijie mentioned that earthworks are set to begin mid-year, with the potential to expand the stadium’s planned capacity of 63,000 seats if it can be achieved within the current budget constraints. Last September, the engineering firm Arup was appointed to develop the master plan for the precinct that includes both Victoria Park and the nearby RNA Showgrounds.
As conversations about the future of this historic site continue, one cannot help but wonder: How do we balance the need for development with the imperative of preserving cultural heritage? Your thoughts matter—do you agree with the government’s decision, or do you side with the advocates for heritage protection? Share your perspective in the comments!
