Tent embassy cleared - Brisbane Times

Council's rapid response team cleans up the tent embassy at Musgrave Park . Photo: Katherine Feeney

Council officers have been called to the sovereign tent embassy at Musgrave Park to clear up the camp after Lord Mayor Graham Quirk revoked permission for the site be used for the purpose of peaceful protest.

Following a meeting with elders from the Jaggera community Cr Quirk approached the South Brisbane camp, formally withdrew the council's permission – granted in May – and called in a rapid response team to pack away tents and the possessions of those camped there.

Cr Quirk said all items taken from the site would be stored by council until the collection could be claimed.

The Musgrave Park tent embassy. Photo: Harrison Saragossi

Jaggera elder Uncle Des Sandy said it was a good outcome because the embassy had served its purpose and it was time to move on.

Mr Sandy said some of the people occupying the site were doing so without the best interests of the local indigenous community at heart.

"This is a very special spiritual place," he said.

Jaggera elder Uncle Des Sandy explains why the community agreed to let council officers clean up the tent embassy. Photo: Katherine Feeney

"It is time for the embassy to move on – I don't care where, but just not in Brisbane.

"This camp was set up to make an important point about our people and the community and it has since changed and that point is not being made. I don't wish to denigrate anyone but it is time to go."

Police had been placed on standby in case of an emergency but the discussions between Cr Quirk, the Jaggera elders and those camped at the site who were present ended peacefully, meaning there was no repeat of the angry scenes witnessed in May.