Police and council officers have moved in on First Nations protesters who are camping in Victoria Park – in Brisbane’s inner north – 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 stand-off, reinforcements arrived.
Police descended on the Goori Camp Embassy site near the centre of the park last hour, 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.
Local Greens councillor Seal Chong Wah said the state government’s recent legislation to override 15 laws for Olympic delivery did not remove the significant cultural heritage of the Victoria Park 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.
