Protester Removed After Spending 23 Hours Up a Tree at Brisbane’s Kurilpa Common

A woman who spent nearly 23 hours perched up a tree in an unsanctioned community garden near Brisbane’s CBD has been safely removed by emergency services, ending a tense standoff at Kurilpa Common a state‑owned block long occupied by “guerilla gardeners” since the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Queensland Fire Department officers used a cherry picker to bring the woman down after Energex crews removed a nearby power line to clear a safe path. She had climbed the tree at around 2 pm on Monday and refused to come down, prompting a large police and emergency response.

Police confirmed the woman is now in custody and will be charged with trespass.

Speaking before her removal, the protester identified only as Sharai said the site held deep personal significance. “We’ve been fighting off developers for quite some time,” she said. “This is a place that is really special to all of us and significant, so we’re going to fight to save it.” She also revealed she had scattered a friend’s ashes on the land.

Kurilpa Common, located just outside the CBD, has become a symbolic battleground between community activists and development interests, with locals arguing the green space should be preserved.

Police and emergency crews have since cleared the area as investigations continue.

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