The community group Save Victoria Park has formally lodged an objection to the proposed construction of an Olympic stadium on the Victoria Park site. The objection was submitted to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority as part of the 100-day Olympic infrastructure review.

A range of arguments presented

The group argues that building the stadium in this location will destroy Brisbane’s green lungs and harm the city’s image as a green and welcoming space. Their primary concern is the stadium’s proximity to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, which they believe will cause noise, increased traffic, and delays to emergency services, potentially endangering patient care. Additionally, they highlight that Brisbane has less urban green space compared to other Australian state capitals and emphasize the cultural significance of the Barrambin area to First Nations communities, as the park is linked to Dreamtime stories and the creation of the Brisbane River.

The group also raises economic concerns; unlike Suncorp Stadium or The Gabba, Victoria Park lacks a developed food and hospitality infrastructure, which may limit the economic benefits of the stadium. They also note safety risks, arguing that building a stadium over the Inner City Bypass poses potential threats related to terrorism and public safety.

© Archipelago | Design of Victoria Park Olympic Stadium

Will the group’s stance be considered?

Save Victoria Park was formed in 2019 to oppose the closure of the Victoria Park golf course. Now, they are challenging powerful financial interests advocating for the stadium’s construction. The group’s spokesperson, Sue Bremner, emphasizes that theirs is a grassroots initiative led by volunteers, including engineers and urban planners. Despite limited resources, the group is ramping up efforts during the 100-day review, which they see as a crucial opportunity to make their case.

© Rae Allen (CC BY 2.0) | The Gabba (Brisbane Cricket Ground)

New visualization

Amidst these protests, the global design and consulting organization Arcadis presented its vision for infrastructure for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane.

The Arcadis Victoria Park Precinct master plan includes a 60,000-seat stadium, a National Aquatic Sports Center with 18,000 seats, and the Brisbane Live/Arena project. Arcadis claims that the stadium and/or several facilities in Victoria Park would serve as a catalyst that would allow the Australian Football League, cricket, and important international events, including the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to further promote Brisbane on the international stage.