THE removal of an Indigenous flagpole has reignited tensions over state-controlled land on North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), with local First Nations residents saying the loss of the structure is symbolic of deeper cultural and political conflict.
The 20m pole – which flew Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Kanaky and Palestinian flags – was taken down in the early hours of December 3 from a site overlooking the Dunwich (Goompi) waterfront.
A similar pole was removed earlier this year.
Erected in late 2022 by residents, the poles had become “an active symbol of the community’s condemnation of colonial facilitated, historically racist, legalised violence and genocide”, according to a statement from the Minjerribah Moorgumpin Elders-in-Council Aboriginal Corporation.
Community leaders said the final removal occurred “like a thief in the night”, describing it as a painful reminder of “the opposition to our flagpoles, flags and to our very presence in our place”.
A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson confirmed the pole was removed as it was deemed an unauthorised structure on state-controlled land.
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads authorised and carried out the removal of an unapproved flagpole on state-controlled land on Ballow Rd in Dunwich on December 3,” the spokesperson said.
“TMR removed one flagpole on August 30 and the second on December 3. In both instances, the pole and flags were promptly returned to QYAC.”
The spokesperson said Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC) was asked to remove the structures, and informed that if this did not occur, TMR would do so.
State Member for Oodgeroo Amanda Stoker welcomed the move, saying “the same laws must apply to all Queenslanders”.
She said she was “particularly pleased to see the divisive Palestinian flag” removed, claiming it had caused regular complaints to her office.
“Straddie should be a peaceful, welcoming place where the same laws apply to all. Removing the illegal flagpoles is a step in that direction,” she said.
Ms Stoker accused “a few senior members of QYAC” of obstructing earlier attempts to remove the poles, which she said, “tripled the cost to taxpayers and delayed common sense prevailing”.
TMR said it did not regulate which flags may be flown, only the safety and compliance of structures on state-controlled land.
Police said they attended the removal to ensure work-site safety.
