Riot police called, multiple arrested as government prepares to sell community garden for housing

Riot police were deployed and several individuals were arrested as the Queensland government moved forward with plans to sell a community garden in Brisbane's inner-south. The incident occurred at Kurilpa Commons, a volunteer-run initiative located at the intersection of Boundary and Dudley streets, near the boundary between West End and Highgate Hill. This community garden, established during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has become a hub for growing fruits and vegetables, hosting various community events, and serving as a gathering space for locals.

On June 29, 2026, government officials and contractors arrived at the site around 7 am to begin fencing off the property and placing signs indicating that the land would soon be handed over to Economic Development Queensland, presumably for a sale. Members of the Kurilpa Commons, including Shane Cucow, Jemika Lancaster, and Jess Wallace, were present when the fencing began. Shortly thereafter, protesters arrived, leading to heightened tensions and prompting the deployment of Public Safety Response Team (PSRT) police. At least six individuals were arrested for trespassing after attempting to climb trees within the garden.

Despite the arrests, two individuals remained in trees throughout the evening, while approximately twenty people gathered outside the newly erected fences, urging authorities to remove the barriers and allow access to the Commons. Shane Cucow expressed frustration over the situation, stating that it was "absurd" to dismantle a community garden providing food to residents amid a cost-of-living crisis, especially when people were being arrested for trying to grow their own sustenance. He criticized the heavy police presence as excessive and inappropriate.

Jemika Lancaster emphasized the cultural significance of the garden, noting that it was not only a place for communal activities but also a site of remembrance, where the ashes of her friend Zoe had been scattered. She described the space as essential for bringing people together, highlighting its role in fostering connections and reflecting shared values in a society lacking in common meeting places.

Economic Development Queensland stated that the land, which is owned by Queensland taxpayers, was being prepared to meet a pressing community need—specifically, the demand for additional housing. They clarified that the land had never been officially designated for continuous occupation or use as a community garden, and that occupants had been informed of these conditions previously.

Queensland Police confirmed that they were called to the scene just after noon and made six arrests related to the disturbance. As of 7 pm, officers continued efforts to safely remove the two individuals still in the trees. A spokesperson for the police department noted their ongoing engagement with these individuals to ensure their safe extraction.

Trina Massey, a representative of Brisbane City Council from the Greens party, strongly condemned the government's approach, criticizing the sudden appearance of fences that excluded the community from a space they had helped transform into a vibrant communal asset. She argued that the government was once again prioritizing the sale of public land without involving the community in decisions regarding its future, emphasizing the need for greater transparency and inclusion in such processes.