Queensland police to buy property where cops gunned down

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PHOTO: Constables Matthew Arnold, 26 and Rachel McCrow, 29

Union wants to prevent bushland site where two officers were shot dead from falling into hands of conspiracy theorists

An aerial view of the Wieambilla property where two police officers and neighbour were shot dead — **The Wieambilla property where two police officers and neighbour were shot dead. Photograph: 7 NEWS**

The remote bushland property where two police officers were murdered could be used as a retreat or training centre if the Queensland government agrees to clear the way to its purchase.

Constables Matthew Arnold, 26 and Rachel McCrow, 29, died in a hail of gunfire after pulling up to the rural property at Wieambilla, three hours west of Brisbane, on 12 December.

Neighbour Alan Dare was also gunned down when conspiracy theorists Gareth Train, his partner, Stacey Train, and brother Nathaniel Train opened fire upon their approach.

Black and white edited image of Gareth Train

The officers were checking the property, owned by Gareth and Stacey Train, while conducting a missing person check for Nathaniel Train.

The Queensland Police Union said on Tuesday it wanted to buy the block and had asked the government for help resuming the land.

“The QPU would never want to see this land fall into the hands of any other anti-vaxxer, pro-gun conspiracy theorist, sovereign citizens who may seek to utilise the reputation of this site to promote their own dangerous and warped views,” union head Ian Leavers told the Courier-Mail.

“That is why the QPU has an obligation to safeguard this property to protect the memories of the police who gave their lives.”

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Leavers told the Courier-Mail the land could be used for a retreat for officers, a training centre and be the site of a memorial.

The government is reportedly considering the proposal.

On Monday, the premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, paid her respects to the slain officers ahead of a public memorial at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Wednesday.

“Everyone’s gone through a really rough time out here and I want all of Queensland and all of Australia to continue to show their support for the two young lives that were tragically taken,” she said.

“Wednesday is going to be a very difficult day.”