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A promise to transform the Wieambilla murder site into a memorial has collapsed after the property sold privately.
In December 2022, Queensland Police constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold were murdered when they went to the remote home of conspiracy theorists Stacey and Gareth Train, in search of Gareth’s brother Nathaniel Train.
The trio gunned down the officers as they approached the home, also killing neighbour Alan Dare as he went to investigate.
Following their deaths, the Queensland police union proposed buying the site, with the backing of the state government, however, negotiation stalled in 2025.
Earlier this year, the Nathaniel and Stacey Train’s son Aiden listed the property for sale, telling media he was still open to selling to the union but could not delay any longer.
QPU president Shane Prior said at the time the listing was a “surprise” as the union was working to keep the property out of public hands.
Aiden Train, along with his sister, publicly condemned his parent’s action, offering condolences to the victim’s families and distancing themselves from their parents religious beliefs.
On April 14 of this year, the property sold for $190,000 to two buyers with residence in Agnes Waters, near Gladstone on Queensland coast.
The buyers have not publicly addressed their plans for the property.
The McCrow and Arnold families told the Courier Mail on Saturday the sale was an “absolute insult” to the memory of the officers and Mr Dare.
“For over three years, we carried a shred of comfort based on a promise to tear down the reminders of that horrific night and transform the property into a sacred memorial site – a place of solace, reflection, and a peaceful sanctuary,” they told the publication.
“The idea of an unknown person living there, or of the site becoming a destination for those drawn to extremist violence, is something we should never have to endure.
“We feel deeply let down by the institutions that promised to protect our children in life and honour them in death.
“The failure to secure this property is contrary to everything we were led to believe.
“We urge the Queensland government and the Queensland Police Union to step in and ensure that the ground where Rachel, Matt and Alan made the ultimate sacrifice is preserved with the dignity and respect it deserves.”
Mr Prior was disappointed with the sale, saying the union was still working through issues at the time it was settled.
Stacey and Gareth Train first purchased the property in 2015 for $95,000.
Stacey was previously in a relationship with Nathaniel, with whom she shared children.
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