If you thought Brisbane was divided over the Olympics before, the Victoria Park stadium proposal just proved it again.
A simple post about the recent federal environmental approval for the proposed Olympic stadium at Victoria Park/Barrambin quickly turned into one of the biggest local debates we’ve seen in ages.
Some locals were celebrating.
“Bring on the Olympics!!” one person wrote.
“Build baby build,” another added.
Others were absolutely furious.
“Hope they don’t destroy Victoria Park!!!” one commenter posted, while another called it an “unforgivable land heist”.
And then came the legal arguments.
The reaction exploded after news spread that the proposed Brisbane Olympic stadium and aquatic centre project had received environmental clearance under the Federal Government’s EPBC Act.
The approval clears that particular environmental pathway and allows planning and early works to move closer, with the Victoria Park site expected to transfer from June 1.
But despite headlines calling it a “green light”, many locals quickly pointed out that the project is still facing other legal and cultural heritage processes.
One thing causing confusion is that people are talking about two completely different federal processes.
The recent decision was under the EPBC Act – basically the environmental assessment pathway.
But separate Section 10 applications under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act are still being assessed by the Federal Government.
That’s why some commenters are saying the project is “not a done deal” yet.
One lengthy comment that gained attention argued:
“EPBC is one federal legal pathway. ATSIHP is another. They are not the same thing.”
Others pushed back hard against the ongoing protests.
“It’s a done deal,” one person replied.
Another wrote: “Great news. The new Vic Park precinct is going to be fantastic for everyone!!”
The debate has now moved far beyond just sport.
Some Brisbane residents see the proposal as an opportunity to finally build a modern world-class stadium and entertainment precinct before 2032.
Others see it as the destruction of one of Brisbane’s most loved public green spaces.
A few commenters were also frustrated about the timing and cost, questioning why billions could be spent on Olympic infrastructure while families continue dealing with rising living costs, housing pressure and stretched health services.
Meanwhile, supporters argued Brisbane has been waiting decades for major stadium infrastructure and said the city needs to think long term.
Even people who support the project admitted losing green space in the inner city is difficult.
“Shame about the loss of green space though,” one person commented.
Another concern repeatedly raised was public access to the park itself, with some locals upset about sections of Victoria Park beginning to close from June 1.
At the same time, others argued the final precinct could eventually include upgraded parklands, shared pathways and more accessible public areas around the stadium.
Right now, Brisbane feels deeply split on the future of Victoria Park/Barrambin.
And judging by the reaction online, this debate is only getting started as the countdown to 2032 continues.
