The families of two Queensland police officers murdered in the 2022 Wieambilla ambush say they feel “deeply let down” after discovering through a public real estate listing that the property where their loved ones were killed has been sold.
Constables Rachel McCrow and Matthew Arnold, along with neighbour Alan Dare, were shot dead by conspiracy theorists Gareth, Nathaniel and Stacey Train while attending a missing‑person call in December 2022. The attack remains one of the darkest moments in Queensland policing history.
The Queensland Police Union (QPU) had been negotiating to purchase the property, hoping to ensure it would be treated with dignity and preserved in a way that honoured the fallen officers. But QPU president Shane Prior confirmed the owner accepted another offer without notifying the families or the union.
“We negotiated in good faith to purchase the property,” Prior said. “It’s disappointing the owner has decided to accept another offer.” He added that he hopes the new owners will “continue to honour the sacrifice of the two young police whose blood is now soaked into that ground with dignity and respect.”
The state government was not involved in the sale, with the QPU leading all discussions regarding the site.
Queensland Police Minister Dan Purdie reiterated the gravity of the tragedy, saying the Wieambilla shootings “remain one of the darkest days in Queensland’s history,” and extended his ongoing support to the families of those who lost their lives.
For the grieving families, the unexpected sale has reopened wounds and raised fears about how the site of such profound loss will now be treated.
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