VIDEO: Protesters, police clash as developers move on site
PHOTOS: Dozens of police were called in as protests against a new residential development at Deebing Creek reached boiling point today.
Ipswich
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UPDATE: Dozens of police were called in as protests against a new residential development at Deebing Creek reached boiling point today.
Crews were initially called to keep the peace as Indigenous protesters were asked to leave the site this morning so that preparations for construction could begin on the 925-home estate.
Back up was called when opposition to the eviction ramped up in the early afternoon.
At one stage, a removal truck was pelted with bottles and attacked by the protesters, who claim the development site stands near a site that is sacred to the Yuggera Ugarapul people who are traditional owners in the Ipswich area.
Police also took keys from at least protester and moved their vehicle off the site.
Up to 40 police formed a line to keep the protesters back, as security guards attended and installed solar security cameras in the area.
The police action comes one week after the Land Court of Queensland did not grant an injunction to prevent work at the site.
Inspector Keith McDonald said protesters were given time to move on quietly.
"Unfortunately those people didn't do that and we are in the current situation where we have one gentleman up a tree, one lady has been arrested and others moved freely off the site."
Insp McDonald said only six people were on the site in the morning, though the number of protesters had increased significantly at different times.
He said police sympathised with the plight of the traditional owners.
"The point the developers have been trying to make, which is ongoing with the indigenous people, is how to best represent the heritage of this site. The developers actually want to build a cultural awareness site, so that people understand the history of this location.
"This area is heritage listed so it cannot be built on anyway. A number of areas have been marked for protection."
Insp McDonald said police would leave the site under the control of the developer, however if protesters returned they would respond appropriately.
A spokesman for Frasers Property said the company was set to start work on its estate.
"We are preparing to begin construction in the north east part of the site in accordance with planning and court approvals," he said.
"It is unsafe and unlawful for people to be camping on the site.
"We have sought police assistance in having the people removed in order for work to begin safely."
About one dozen people have remained at the site since plans for development ramped up in January.
That number increased to about 40 yesterday.
The Yuggera Ugarapul People, through their lawyer, have suggested a court hearing to consider a Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the site.
"It has always been our preference to work together under an agreed CHMPand we are willing to participate in a court hearing to this end," the spokesman said.
"Either way, we are hopeful this will provide a framework for the Yuggera Ugarapul People to work with us in the protection of cultural heritage on the site."
Police called to force protesters off development site
EARLIER: Police have been called to help remove about 40 indigenous protesters from Deebing Creek so developers can start work on a residential estate near the sacred site.
Frasers Property requested assistance from police to remove campers from the mission site.
The protesters have remained at the site since plans for development ramped up in January.
The police action comes one week after the Land Court of Queensland did not grant an injunction to prevent work at the site.
A spokesman for Frasers Property said the company would start on its 925-home estate.
"We are preparing to begin construction in the north east part of the site in accordance with planning and court approvals," he said.
"It is unsafe and unlawful for people to be camping on the site.
"We have sought police assistance in having the people removed in order for work to begin safely."
The Yuggera Ugarapul People, through their lawyer, have suggested a court hearing to consider a Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the site.
"It has always been our preference to work together under an agreed CHMP and we are willing to participate in a court hearing to this end," the spokesman said.
"Either way, we are hopeful this will provide a framework for the Yuggera Ugarapul People to work with us in the protection of cultural heritage on the site."