Updated ,first published
Police and Brisbane City Council officials have raided First Nations protesters who have camped out in Victoria Park to protest the proposed development. Olympic Stadiumand at least two people have been arrested so far.
The officers were met with non-violent but vocal resistance and, after a fierce 30-minute standoff, reinforcements arrived.
Leading the initial opposition to the move to the camps was elderly Uncle Derek Oram, who told police and council workers that they would be happy to move out of the fence, once it was built around the park on June 1.
“We were told we could humbly pack up and move behind the fence, but are you giving us that opportunity, or is this just a publicity stunt?” An enraged Oram shouted as the camp was surrounded.
First Nations protesters lit fires as tempers rose, attracting the attention of the Queensland Fire Department, which watched from inside a fire truck.
But while they were at the Goori Camp Embassy site near the center of the park, the crew moved to a secondary camp – Barrambin Djar – on a hill near the Victoria Park exhibition centre, from where what appeared to be a wedding party could be seen from the balcony.
Barrambin Djar Camp was occupied by local Jaggera people, while Goori Camp Embassy included other First Nations showing their support.
Local elder Gaja Kerry Charlton was in Barrambin Djar shortly after the authorities moved in and removed the tents.
“I think it was a shameful abuse of power to go in like that,” he said.
“It is a low action because June 1 (when GIICA controls the official website) is the deadline and they should not do anything now.
“…I just hope they’re all OK and that nobody gets hurt, because it’s been a scary scene, with the police bikes going up and down and the fire truck and everything.”
Back at Goori Camp, Oram pleaded with the authorities to leave when they arrived shortly after 10am. By noon, he had been arrested and taken out of the area.
A Queensland Police Service spokesman said two people had been arrested.
“During today’s engagement, a man and a woman were taken into police custody in connection with the prevention and assault of the police,” he said.
“QPS is committed to continuing to work with the community and our partner agencies.”
It is at least the second confrontation between protesters and government authorities this week, before the land changes hands from next Monday.
On Tuesday, the Independent Authority for Sports Infrastructure and Coordination, the Olympic infrastructure board tasked with providing the stadium, was. accused of horrible behavior after hitting the Save Victoria Park event to put up the fence.
GIICA will take possession of the land on Monday, and the park will be permanently closed to the public so construction on the grounds can begin.
The 63,000-seat Brisbane Stadium is set to host athletics and track and field events in 2032, including the opening and closing ceremonies.
After the Games, it will serve as Brisbane’s new home for AFL and cricket, with the Gabba expected to be demolished after making its Olympic debut.
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