The Fate of the Queensland First Nations Cultural Centre
A significant development has emerged regarding a proposed Indigenous culture centre in Brisbane, which had been in the works for several years. The Crisafulli Government, which took office in 2025, has decided to scrap the plan, despite investing $3 million into a business case that initially supported the project.
The cultural centre was intended to be built on South Bank Piazza and would have served as a space to showcase Indigenous history, stories, art, and culture. It was expected to attract around 435,000 visitors annually and was scheduled to be completed in time for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The initiative aimed to foster a stronger relationship between the government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities while also serving as a major tourist attraction.
However, the project has now been put on hold, raising questions about the decision-making process behind it. A confidential report had previously endorsed the proposal, but the Crisafulli Government chose not to release the document or comment on its contents. This lack of transparency has led to increased scrutiny and calls for reconsideration.
Background and Development of the Project
The detailed business case for the Queensland First Nations Cultural Centre was requested by the former Labor government and completed in August 2024. However, due to changes made to address stakeholder feedback, the publication date was delayed until May 2025—after the LNP won the state election. The project had already received $2 million in funding for a preliminary business case five years prior, with the total cost of the detailed case amounting to $3 million. Funding was shared among the state and federal governments, as well as the Brisbane City Council.
Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek confirmed the project’s cancellation during NAIDOC Week in July 2025. He stated that the government is instead focusing on supporting Indigenous communities through various cultural and arts initiatives. However, this decision has drawn criticism from opposition figures and Indigenous leaders.
Reactions and Concerns
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, who is part of the LNP, has called for the project to be reconsidered. He highlighted the potential for private sector investment and the creation of jobs for local residents. Schrinner also pointed to the success of the Brisbane Arena as a model for what could be achieved with the cultural centre.
Opposition arts spokeswoman and Indigenous woman Leeanne Enoch criticized the LNP for what she described as a broader disregard for Indigenous projects. She cited several recent actions, including the scrapping of the Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry, the watering down of the Indigenous Procurement Policy, and the removal of Indigenous members from arts boards. These actions, according to Enoch, reflect a pattern of neglect towards Indigenous initiatives.
Other Developments Affecting Indigenous Communities
The news about the cultural centre comes amid other challenges faced by Brisbane’s Indigenous community. Earlier this year, concept images for a new stadium to be built on Victoria Park were released, despite pleas from Indigenous groups for an alternative site. The original plan to upgrade The Gabba stadium was scrapped in 2023, leading to concerns about the impact on Indigenous heritage sites.
In August 2025, the Yagara Magandjin Aboriginal Corporation lodged an application to legally protect Victoria Park. Yagarabul elder Gaja Kerry Charlton emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the land, noting that it had been a gathering place for generations. He raised concerns about the presence of ancient trees, artefacts, and important ecosystems, as well as the possibility of ancestral remains being disturbed.
The ongoing debate highlights the tension between development and the preservation of Indigenous heritage. As the Crisafulli Government continues to shape its policies, the voices of Indigenous communities remain a critical factor in determining the future of such projects.
