Updated ,first published
Police and Brisbane City Council officers have moved in on First Nations protesters who are camping in Victoria Park in opposition to the planned Olympic stadium, with at least three arrests so far.
The officers were met with non-violent but vocal opposition and, after a tense 30-minute standoff, reinforcements arrived.
Police descended on the Goori Camp Embassy site, near the centre of the park, about 2.15pm, after organiser Derek Oram jnr approached officers stationed in the park.
“We’ve started to unpack, you can’t move us — sacred fire,” Oram jnr called over to officers before he approached them.
Initially telling police they could not breach a rope fence constructor around the campsite, Oram jnr agreed to disband the camp and move it outside the construction zone.
“Were just going to set up later, I don’t give a f—, they won’t be working tomorrow, these council workers,” Oram jnr said to fellow protesters.
Protesters and supporters formed a barricade between police and the camp fire, desperate to stop officers putting it out.
Leading the initial opposition to the authorities’ move on the camps was Oram jnr’s father, elder Uncle Derek Oram, who told police and council workers they would have been happy to decamp to outside the fence, once it erected around the park on June 1.
“We were told we could pack up humbly and move behind the fence line, but are you giving us that opportunity, or is this just a publicity stunt?” an agitated Oram snr shouted as the camp was surrounded.
First Nations protesters lit a ceremonial fire as tempers rose, attracting the interest of the Queensland Fire Department, which watched on from inside a fire truck.
But while they were at the Goori Camp Embassy site, workers moved in on a secondary camp – Barrambin Djar – atop a hill near the Victoria Park function centre, from where what appeared to be a wedding party watched from balconies.
The Barrambin Djar camp was occupied by the local Jagera people, while the Goori Camp Embassy consisted of other First Nations showing their support. By 2pm, that camp had been entirely cleared.
Local elder Gaja Kerry Charlton was at Barrambin Djar shortly after the authorities moved in and removed the tents.
“I just think it was a disgraceful abuse of power to come in like that,” she said.
“It’s a bit of a low act because the 1st of June [when GIICA formally takes control of the site] is the big date and they should not be doing anything now.
“…I’m just hoping they’re all going to be OK and that no one comes to harm, because it’s been quite a bit of intimidating behaviour, with police bikes going up and down and the fire engine and everything.”
Back down at Goori Camp, Oram snr urged the authorities to leave when they arrived shortly after 10am. By midday, he had been arrested and led off the site.
A Queensland Police Service spokesman said, as of 1.30pm, there had been two arrests.
“During today’s initial engagement, a man and a woman were taken into police custody in relation to obstruct and assault police offences,” he said.
“The QPS is committed to continuing to work with the community and our partner agencies.”
Greens councillor Seal Chong Wah, whose Paddington Ward takes in most of Victoria Park, said the state government’s legislation to override 15 laws for Olympic delivery did not remove the significant cultural heritage of the site.
“It’s highly significant to the Aboriginal people and it’s a disgrace that people are here doing this in Reconciliation Week, not far from National Sorry Day. It’s highly offensive,” she said.
“Get a grip, everyone. Seriously, it’s disgraceful. The Olympics is supposed to be a peace movement. Well, why are we bringing nations together when you’re destroying this nation?
“…We should be respecting 80,000 years of the longest living culture in the world, not degrading it, not destroying, but embracing this rich culture.”
It was at least the second confrontation between protesters and government authorities this week, ahead of the land changing hands from next Monday.
On Tuesday, the Games Independent Infrastructure and Co-ordination Authority, the Olympic infrastructure body charged with delivering the stadium, was accused of intimidatory behaviour after it gatecrashed a Save Victoria Park event to erect fencing.
GIICA will take ownership of the land on Monday, and the park will be completely closed to the public so construction on the stadium can begin.
The 63,000-seat Brisbane Stadium has been slated to host athletics and track and field events in 2032, along with the opening and closing ceremonies.
Post-Games, it would serve as Brisbane’s new home of AFL and cricket, with the Gabba set to be demolished after it makes its Olympic swansong.
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