Traditional Owners continue with Barrambin protection bid despite federal setback

Joseph Guenzler
Joseph Guenzler Published January 15, 2026 at 10.30am (AWST)

Yagarabul Elder and Section 10 applicant Gaja Kerry Charlton says Traditional Owners backing a federal heritage protection bid for Brisbane's Barrambin/Victoria Park remain committed to both the Olympics and permanent protection of the site.

Ms Charlton said applicants welcomed the opportunity to speak with the independent reporter as part of the Section 10 assessment under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act.

"We are pro Olympics and we are pro protecting Barrambin in perpetuity," she said.

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt this week rejected a Section 09 application seeking emergency intervention to stop early works linked to the proposed Brisbane 2032 stadium precinct.

Mr Watt confirmed he would not make a declaration under section nine of the Act.

An artist's impression of Brisbane Stadium at Victoria Park. (Image: PR IMAGE PHOTO)

"In accordance with federal cultural heritage law, I have decided not to make a declaration under section nine of the act," Mr Watt said.

The rejected application related to "drilling and drilling-related infrastructure" within the proposed Olympic stadium and nearby National Aquatic Centre site.

Mr Watt said three separate applications seeking longer-term protection remained under consideration.

He has appointed a dedicated facilitator to work with the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority, along with community and Indigenous representatives, to help avoid harm to cultural heritage and inform future decisions.

"The purpose of the dedicated facilitator will be to avoid harm to cultural heritage, and inform any future decisions relating to the specified areas," Mr Watt said.

Save Victoria Park said the decision did not end efforts to protect the park, describing Section 09 as a limited emergency pathway.

"Section 09 is designed for emergency intervention only," the group said.

A sculpture depicting First Nations ceremony at York's Hollow, Barrambin. (Image: Save Victoria Park)

Save Victoria Park spokesperson, Rosemary O'Hagan, said the Section 10 applications which remains before the Federal Government involved a different legal test and a more detailed examination of cultural heritage.

"Importantly, there are still multiple separate Section 10 applications for the long-term protection of the park being considered by the Federal Government," Ms O'Hagan said.

"These involve a different legal test and a much more detailed examination of cultural heritage. That process is still underway."

Ms O'Hagan said Barrambin's cultural history and heritage listing were well established.

"The Aboriginal history of Barrambin is well documented," she said.

"The whole park is heritage listed under Queensland state law for both its First Nations cultural significance and European history."

Save Victoria Park said it remained aligned with Traditional Owners pushing for permanent protection.

"Save Victoria Park stands firmly with our First Nations partners in their resolve to protect what is one of our city's most important indigenous cultural sites," they said.

Aunty Deb Sandy says no stadium should be built on Barrambin, a sacred site which remains home to her people. (Image: Joseph Guenzler)

Yuggera woman Aunty Deb Sandy has previously described the area as sacred Country which should not be disturbed.

"That green space should be left as green space, as it was in the beginning - for the people of Brisbane," she said.

"No stadium should be built there... it's a no-brainer. No deal. No stadium."

A community protest against the stadium proposal has been planned for 31 January.

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