Straddie flagpole removal ignites dispute over state land control
The state government has admitted it removed an Indigenous flagpole at North Stradbroke Island under the cover of darkness, sparking fury as island leaders say it was culturally significant.
The state government has been accused of triggering unrest on an island holiday resort off Brisbane’s coast after it admitted removing an Indigenous flag pole under the cover of darkness.
The 20m pole, which also flew Torres Strait and Palestinian flags, was taken from a prime site overlooking the Dunwich waterfront on North Stradbroke Island in the early hours of December 3.
Its removal has reignited tensions between local groups and inflamed a long-running dispute over unauthorised structures on state-controlled land.
Indigenous leader Darren Burns said the flagpole was one of two installed by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation, known as QYAC, on the land, owned by TMR in Ballow Rd.
He said he believed the night-time action was stirring tensions between the community and “those opposed to the true status of the Quandamooka people as the first people of the land by at least 60,000 years”.
“The government snuck over in the middle of the night and pulled down our remaining flagpole,” Mr Burns said.
“They have the bad manners to steal our flags as they have done our land.”
Mr Burns said the poles were erected in November 2023.
He also said the Transport and Main Roads Department had not responded to QYAC’s 2022 applications to erect the flagpoles.
However, he said their removal has sparked frustration within the Quandamooka community, where the flags hold cultural significance.
“We took proactive measures and put them in ourselves,” he said.
“Twelve months later they claimed they were unsafe, despite surviving cyclone Alfred.
“One was removed earlier this year, and now the second has been stolen.
“We told them how much these flags mean to our proud and strong community.
“Nobody knows where our flags and poles are now.”
Transport and Main Roads confirmed the department authorised and carried out the removal of the second flagpole on Wednesday.
TMR said the first pole was removed in August, with both poles and their flags promptly returned to QYAC following removal, a claim QYAC denies.
“QYAC was requested by TMR to remove the unauthorised flagpoles that had been erected on the state-controlled land,” TMR said.
“QYAC was also informed that if the poles were not removed, that TMR would carry out the works and return the poles and flags to QYAC.”
The poles were originally constructed by QYAC in late 2022 without TMR now claiming there was no formal approval.
TMR inspections subsequently identified the poles as “unauthorised” installations on state-controlled land.
The department engaged with QYAC, requesting a Road Corridor Permit application and structural certification, and issued formal notices asking for their removal.
The second pole was taken down after discussions with Traditional Owners and coordination with Queensland Police to ensure safety during the operation.
Indigenous leaders have expressed disappointment over the removal, emphasising the cultural significance of the flags.
“We told them how much these flags mean to our proud and strong Quandamooka community,” Mr Burns said.
The controversy follows tensions in 2024 when one of the poles flew a Palestinian flag, prompting criticism from local businesses and tourists.
Former MP for Stradbroke Island Mark Robinson called for the pole’s removal at the time, citing concerns about the Straddie’s reputation as a holiday destination.
Originally published as Straddie flagpole removal ignites dispute over state land control
