Kurilpa Community Farm demonstration after significant police presence at community garden

Demonstrators have gathered in the face of a strong police presence at an inner-Brisbane space that has been turned into a community garden, after construction fencing was erected at the site due to contamination concerns.

Demonstrators have gathered at a space that has been turned into a community garden in an inner-city Brisbane neighbourhood, after fencing was erected at the site on Friday morning amid rumours of a potential development.

Members of the public have gathered at a space near the Boundary Street Riverview Park, that has been set up as the Kurilpa Community Farm community garden after fencing with a trespass notice was erected at the site, accompanied by a significant police presence.

The community garden, which was created during the Covid-19 pandemic, was established on land owned by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.

The trespass notice was issued by the Department of Transport and Main Roads on February 14, 2025 stating that “unauthorised access to the land is prohibited and may be prosecuted” and “no access to the fenced area is permitted”.
The notice also stated that “if you fail to remove your goods or equipment from the land by 13 March, 2025, the good or equipment will be destroyed without further notice to you”.

The community garden is also located next to a site that has been earmarked for development by McNab.

The Growing Forward group took to social media following the erection of fencing at the site.

“Council and cops are at the Kurilpa Commons (250 Boundary St) attempting to destroy it right now,” the post read.

“We’re calling on all supporters, neighbours and comrades to come down to the commons ASAP and help collectively resist the destruction of this commons.”

A protest at a community garden in West End.

In a statement, a Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesman said the department had become aware of the presence of contaminated fill at the site, where the community garden is based.

“The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) wishes to inform the public of safety measures being undertaken at the property located at 1 and 3 Dudley St, Highgate Hill in Brisbane,” the spokesman said.

“TMR has become aware of fill that was historically placed on the property which may have been contaminated fill.

“TMR has proactively implemented several protective actions as a part of our steadfast commitment to community safety.

“Recognising the health and safety of local residents and the wider community as the utmost priority, TMR has securely fenced off the property and instituted clear warning signage to prevent inadvertent access while testing is in progress.

“This necessary closure is a necessary step to mitigate any potential safety risks associated with the property.

“During this period, it is crucial that the property is not accessed or utilised for any activities without express authorisation by the Department.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of the community during this time. TMR is diligently working to investigate the situation as swiftly and safely as possible.”

Community member Tati said a group of people have mobilised to “protect the land”.

“A bunch of community members got a notice this morning that the land is about to be demolished and cleared,” she said.

“We’ve all mobilised here to protect the land, just to lock down, and prevent the works from happening.

“There is a bit of a picket going on behind the gate that was erected by the workers this morning.

“We’re just sitting here protecting the space, our space, the public space, we’re not causing any disruption or doing harm, we’re just sitting down.”

There was a significant police presence at the demonstration on Friday morning.

Tati said the people gathering weren’t intimidated by the police presence.

“It’s something that happens very regularly in the area over policing,” she claimed.

“We’re not bothered, we have each other here, we’re firm with why we’re here, so it doesn’t affect us.”

Tati said the community garden was established during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It was established just so people could have some food security and grow their own food, harvest their own food, create a local hub where people had a sense of belonging,” Tati said.

“It has flourished into a community space, there’s community events here, cultural events, people just come down here to chill.”

Community member Cathy said users of the community garden were notified of a “big police presence” this morning.

“We were told of a big police presence here,” Cathy said.

The Kurilpa Community Farm community garden when it was initially established at Riverview Park.

“By the time I got down here there was a group of people gathered ready to defend the garden.

“We’ve got such a large group of people here who are really dedicated and staunch.”

Cathy added that a potential nearby development threatens the future of the community garden.

“We believe there is an intention to get rid of the garden because of a potential development,” Cathy said.

“There is another development going on next door, the affordable apartments have been demolished and it will be inconvenient to have this garden here.”

The Member for South Brisbane Barbara O’Shea MP and Brisbane City Council Gabba Ward Councillor Trina Massey have attended the site of the gathering.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said that police are in attendance monitoring the protest.

“Police are attending a protest at the intersection of Dudley Street and Boundary Street, West End,” the spokeswoman said.

“Around 9am, officers were called to the location and are engaging with the group.

“Officers remain on scene.”

Originally published as Kurilpa Community Farm demonstration after significant police presence at community garden