The Australian federal government has rejected an urgent application to halt construction of an Olympic stadium and swimming center in Victoria Park, Brisbane. The site is considered sacred by traditional owners. Murray Watt announced on Sunday that he had reviewed applications submitted under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act but did not issue an emergency declaration.
Watt did not rule out taking longer-term protective measures. The decision means construction for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics can proceed unimpeded for now. Traditional owners had pushed for an immediate stop to preserve the sacred site.
Victoria Park lies in the heart of Brisbane and is set to become a central venue for the Olympic Games. Critics accuse the government of disregarding Indigenous rights in favor of prestige projects. Watt emphasized that the government continues to explore ways to protect cultural heritage.
Source: www.theguardian.com
