Police and transport officials were blocked from removing an illegal flagpole at a Queensland tourism hotspot, where Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Palestinian flags continue to fly.
The poles were installed on North Stradbroke Island in 2022-23 without government funding approval by the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC).
Since then, they have flown the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Palestinian flags.
One pole was removed on Aug. 30, 2025, but a second remains in place bearing all three flags.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) spokesperson stated that the department had attempted to resolve the illegal installation on the state-controlled Ballow Road at Dunwich.
“As the matter has not been resolved, TMR issued notice to QYAC for the two flagpoles to be removed for the safety of the local community and all road users,” a spokesperson told The Epoch Times.
On Aug. 31, TMR attempted to access the site with members of the Queensland Police Service (QPS), but were blocked by a group of people who had surrounded the second flagpole to prevent its removal.
QPS confirmed officers had attended following a request to keep the peace.
“Officers attended the area and engaged a group of people; however, no offences were detected,” a QPS spokesperson said.
TMR says it continues to liaise with QYAC.
Under the Transport Infrastructure Act, flagpoles on state roads are considered encroachments and require approval.
QYAC has been approached for comment.
MPs’ Concerns
The issue has drawn criticism from both past and present members of Oodgeroo, which includes North Stradbroke Island.Current MP Amanda Stoker said she had received numerous complaints about the Palestinian flag flying on state land.
“As with any structure illegally built on state land, QYAC was directed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to remove the flag poles,” she told The Epoch Times.
“They did not do so. Accordingly, as would happen with any other person or group that refused to comply with a direction to remove an illegal structure, they will be removed by TMR officers. One of the flag poles has already been removed.”
Stoker said attempts to remove the remaining pole had been obstructed, increasing taxpayer costs.
“The same rules must apply to everyone in this community, and I will advocate for QYAC to be billed for the cost of their non-compliance with the law,” she said.
