Queensland police union wants to buy property where officers were slain to create memorial

By admin On Dec 20, 2022

Union president Ian Leavers said he wants to secure the property as a “permanent place of solace and reflection” to honour the two young officers.

Gates of Wieambilla property where two Queensland police officers were shot. — The police union has spoken with the government to secure the Wieambilla house and land. (Queensland Police Union)

He said he has spoken with premier Annastacia Palaszczuk about the proposal.

“She has supported our idea for the land to be resumed so a meaningful memorial can be created, the families of Matt and Rachel are also backing our proposal,” Leavers said.

Leavers said in light of these links it is more important to secure the land so it doesn’t “fall into the wrong hands and become a beacon for evil”.

Constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow were killed in the line of duty at Wieambilla in Queensland. (Queensland Police) (Nine)

“I do not want this land to be used by anti vaxxer, pro-gun conspiracy theorists, or sovereign citizens to use the reputation of this site for their warped and dangerous ideologies,” he said.

“The QPU has an obligation to safeguard this property to honour the police and a good intentioned neighbour who lost their lives at this location.”

The union wants a memorial to be created at the Wieambilla site and has proposed the rest of the property be used as a retreat for serving and retired officers or a training facility.

Nathaniel and Gavin Train and Gavin’s partner Stacey Train allegedly ambushed the officers. (9News)

The state’s police minister Mark Ryan supports the union’s proposal and said the government would consider what the land could be used for but it should host a memorial space.

“In my view, that ground is now sacred ground. That is where the lives of two heroes of Queensland were taken,” Ryan said.

”I can think of no better way to preserve that forever than a process around how that block might be owned by the government or police union.”

The union wants to create a memorial at the property. (Nine)

“My government will take any advice, particularly from police and law enforcement, about better ways in which we can have coordination and better laws to protect people,” Anthony Albanese said.

“I am certainly up for dialogue with the states and territories about how there can be a better national consistency and national information that can serve the interests of police going about their duty.”

Starting at 10am (AEST) on Wednesday, more than 8000 people are expected to attend to pay their respects to the constables.

The ceremony will be livestreamed on Channel 9 for viewers in Queensland and 9news.com.au for viewers around the country.