Activists at Deebing Creek are rejoicing after walking back onto a site where they have been protesting a proposed housing development, near Ipswich, Queensland.
They’ve been camping on the site since January, attempting to stop a 925-house estate from going ahead near the old Deebing Creek mission and cemetery.
Earlier this week, protesters had their camping gear confiscated by police attempting to move them on, but the group stood their ground, barricading the road.
Last night, the protestors met with developers and received the go-ahead to return to the site.
Protestors have been camping for weeks at the old Deebing Creek Mission site. Source: NITV
Earlier today, the activists were jubilant, setting up camp after what Aunty Roberta Graham described as one small win in a much bigger fight.
“We’re gonna get Deebing Creek back, you better believe it,” she said. “But this is just the start of the fight. They’re gonna bring our truck back and all our possessions back. We’re moving back in.
“I’m excited. I’m so excited. It’s like winning the golden lotto. That’s how happy I am.”
Ipswich Elder Aunty Faye Carr said she couldn’t sleep last night, anticipating setting the camp up this morning.
“I can’t believe it but we’re back in,” she said. “I don’t know how I feel. I’ll be glad when the police and everything are out and our stuff is back there and we can go back in and have our meetings where we should be having them - on our tribal lands.”
The group walked back onto the site, celebrating with a corroboree.
But not everyone was convinced the news was worth celebrating.
Activists held a corroboree as they walked back onto the protest site
Yuggera woman, Karen Coghill said she was "pretty happy", but remains wary until the court decides the fate of Deebing Creek.
“They don’t determine my happiness,” she said. “But until we get our lands handed back over I’m not going to rest.”
