A number of Indigenous groups are adamant that the planned Victoria Park stadium in Brisbane, ahead of the 2032 Olympics, should not be built, claiming the land is a sacred burial ground used for 'sorry business'.
Federal Applications Filed
The bombshell development comes as Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt has received at least six applications under cultural heritage protection laws. 'We are working through those applications at the moment,' he confirmed to ABC Radio on Thursday.
In one application, a Yuggera, Jagera and Turrbal First Nations person claimed the development 'poses an immediate and serious threat to a site of profound cultural, spiritual, and ancestral significance to First Nations people'. They added that the site of Barrambin is of 'profound cultural, spiritual, and ancestral importance' to many people.
Claims of Irreversible Damage
The application also claims that site investigations at Victoria Park risked 'irreversible damage to the last remaining culturally significant area in Brisbane where Indigenous communities maintain a connection to their traditional homelands'.
In another application, a Yagara, Quandamooka and Bundjalung First Nations person claims the land is a 'resting ground for ancestors'. It was also suggested the land is used as a gathering site for ceremonies and for 'sorry business'.
They submitted that while the Queensland government has yet to release detailed designs for the Olympic stadium, 'it is difficult to imagine that a 63,000 seat stadium, aquatics centre and associated infrastructure could be constructed anywhere within Barrambin (Victoria Park) without significant physical disturbance to the area and its traditional significance'.
Environmental Concerns Raised
In a third application, a Yagarabul First Nations person and the Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation pointed to potential damage of waterways, plus flora and fauna in the area, according to News Corp. They claim the area is significant for Aboriginal people because YMAC elders 'are obliged under traditional cultural totem law to protect Barrambin including the ecosystems, waterways, the trees, flora and fauna'.
Representations can be made in writing by May 29 to Dominic McGann, who is compiling reports for the Federal Environment Minister.
Last month, the Queensland government revealed the precise location of the arena would be in a 'central position' near Gilchrist Ave, with preparatory building works set to start in June. At the time, YMAC spokesperson Gaja Kerry Charlton vowed to pursue 'every legal avenue possible to protect our cultural heritage'.
