Bulldozers have officially arrived at Victoria Park in Brisbane, marking the start of a $3.8 billion Olympic stadium project that is proceeding despite persistent Indigenous protests and failed legal appeals.
- Project Cost: $3.8 billion
- Location: Victoria Park, Brisbane
- Status: Construction has commenced following the removal of protesters and rejection of federal appeals.
Legal Hurdles Cleared for Construction
The path for the stadium build was cleared after Federal Minister Murray Watt rejected two separate applications intended to protect Victoria Park. The decision served as a major setback for opponents of the development, as the federal government denied urgent appeals to halt the construction process.
Protests and Site Clearances
The commencement of work was met with resistance from Indigenous protesters, who had been occupying the site. However, the area was cleared to allow heavy machinery to enter. Crisafulli stated that the protesters were moved on for their own safety as the bulldozers began operations.
The start of the works was characterized by Crisafulli as a “special day”, celebrating the transition from planning to physical construction at the site.
