Outcry after Australian flag taken down at Hervey Bay Airport on eve of Anzac Day

Community outcry over an Australian flag taken down at a Qld regional airport has gone viral on social media in the lead up to Anzac Day.

Hervey Bay Airport.

Controversy has erupted after the Australian flag was taken down at Hervey Bay Airport just days away from Anzac Day.

The Fraser Coast Regional Council was in damage control on Thursday morning after a viral Facebook post from an ex-serviceman.

The man, understood to be an external contractor, not a council employee, said the flag at the passenger screening point had been taken down, describing it as a “massive slap in the face” and an “insult to the flag we all live under”.

The Chronicle understands the council did not order the flag to be taken down as claimed in the post, but a complaint was made about the Aboriginal flag not being placed alongside the Australian flag.

It is understood a worker at the airport became concerned and took down the Australian flag, which was put back in place when they informed one of the airport’s managers.

But the post regarding the removal of the flag caused outcry across the region.

Niall Forster said it was a “disgusting act and a slap in the face to all who served or are serving”.

“Should never have happened,” Steve Ward wrote.

But Emily Moller said she was disappointed in the reaction from the community.

“The amount of hate that spewed out from the original post makes me ashamed of my community,” she wrote.

“Everyone jumped on the bandwagon, assuming the worst of the airport staff and council, not to mention incredibly awful words spoken about who made the original complaint.

Hervey Bay Airport.

“We will probably never find out what the issue actually was, but in my experience the only people who complain about flag flying protocols are people who genuinely care about the flag and how it is supposed to be flown.

“The people that spoke such hateful words with almost zero knowledge of the incident, should take a long hard look at themselves and their ability to critically think.”

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour and several other councillors were quick to share a response across Facebook on Thursday morning.

“We are aware of an incident involving the removal of the Australian flag at the Hervey Bay Airport without approval from the council,” Mr Seymour said.

“While this action was not authorised, we understand that it was not done with any ill intent and was in response to concerns about flag flying protocols.

“The flag is being reinstated this morning and the matter is currently being addressed internally to ensure a clear understanding of procedures moving forward.

“We thank our community for their understanding, and we reaffirm our respect for the Australian flag and all it represents.”

Guide to Anzac Day services across Fraser Coast

Queensland’s youngest councillor becomes deputy mayor