Last-ditch push to save park slated for Olympic arena

Last-ditch efforts to save Victoria Park come as Brisbane readies bulldozers for the 2032 Olympic main arena, a $3.6 billion project. Five people were arrested, including a man tackled by police, during a Friday raid critics described as heavy-handed. Indigenous elders say the park is culturally significant and the government has converted it to freehold land, complicating heritage protections. Work could begin as early as Monday, with authorities aiming to clear the site ahead of construction. Environment Minister Murray Watt noted that 10 submissions sought a declaration to protect a significant Aboriginal area, two of which were declined and the others are under review. Opponents vow to remain active and have appealed to the IOC on principles of inclusion, sustainability and peace.