The Australian federal government has decided not to halt the construction of an Olympic stadium and aquatic centre in Victoria Park, Brisbane, despite calls for protection from Indigenous groups. Environment Minister Murray Watt announced that he would not issue an emergency declaration under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act, although he appointed a reporter to assess future protection needs. This decision has sparked significant protests, with hundreds gathering in the park as construction fences were erected. Activists, including Sue Bremner from Save Victoria Park, voiced their concerns over the site's cultural significance, describing it as the last sacred gathering place for local Indigenous peoples. Nurri Theresa Williams highlighted its importance as a burial and birthing site for her family. In contrast, the state government and Brisbane city council promoted the development as a means to create a world-class destination, while acknowledging the right to peaceful protest. The police indicated they had no immediate plans to evict protesters, despite safety concerns as the site transitions to a construction zone.