Heritage claim rejected, but talks to begin over Brisbane Olympic site

The federal government has rejected an urgent application to stop early works on Brisbane's proposed Olympic stadium at Victoria Park on cultural heritage grounds, but has appointed an independent mediator to facilitate discussions with Traditional Owners.

Early construction on the planned 63,000-seat stadium is expected to begin later this year, with drilling works prompting a protection request under federal heritage laws.

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt said he had received five applications under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act, including one relating to drilling at the proposed stadium site. While the urgent request was rejected, he confirmed an independent facilitator would be appointed to support ongoing talks.

Mr Watt said the process recognised the cultural significance of the area to the Turrbal and Yagara peoples, and aimed to prevent harm to cultural heritage while informing future decisions.

The Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation has described the parkland, known as Barrambin, as one of Brisbane's most important First Nations cultural sites. Yagarabul elder Gaja Kerry Charlton welcomed the mediation, saying the community supported the Olympics while seeking permanent protection of the area.

Save Victoria Park spokesperson Rosemary O'Hagan also welcomed the move, accusing the Queensland government of weakening Indigenous heritage protections through Olympic-specific legislation introduced last year.

Queensland Acting Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Ros Bates said the state would continue working with the Commonwealth to deliver the 2032 Games, adding that cultural heritage management plans were in place to guide development.

The final stadium location within the 60-hectare park has not yet been confirmed, with earthworks expected to begin mid-year.