A planned pro-Palestinian protest across Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge this Sunday has been blocked by a court, with officials citing significant risks to public safety.
The group Justice for Palestine Magan-djin had announced plans to march from Raymond Park in Kangaroo Point to Centenary Park in Fortitude Valley, with organisers estimating up to 7,000 participants. However, Brisbane Magistrate Janelle Brassington ruled that the protest could not go ahead on the bridge, agreeing with Queensland Police concerns that the site posed serious hazards.
“Based on expert evidence, there is a significant risk to public safety,” Magistrate Brassington said during the ruling handed down just after 4:15 pm on Thursday.
Queensland Police highlighted multiple safety issues, including the structural condition of the bridge’s pedestrian paths, which have been closed since March due to urgent repairs, and the limited preparation time for managing such a large gathering. Acting Assistant Commissioner Rhys Wildman told the court that a sudden surge in participants could overwhelm police resources and create potential crowd crush situations.
The court also heard comparisons to a similar demonstration on the Sydney Harbour Bridge earlier this month, where organisers expected 10,000 attendees but nearly 90,000 showed up, forcing NSW Police to redirect crowds to prevent dangerous overcrowding. Detective Superintendent Adam Johnson, giving evidence by phone, described how marshals were overwhelmed and protesters had limited options to disperse safely.
Brisbane City Council had raised additional concerns, warning that a march over the Story Bridge would disrupt traffic and delay emergency services. An AFL game on the same afternoon and limited public transport further complicated police planning. Queensland Police offered an alternate route starting at Queens Gardens, crossing the Victoria Bridge, and ending in South Bank, which they described as safer and easier to manage. Organisers rejected the alternative.
Protest organisers expressed disappointment at the ruling and said they were considering an appeal. “We are considering our options in terms of appeal and what the group will decide in the next few days,” organiser Remah Naj said outside court. “While we respect the magistrate … we disagree.” She also noted that the group planned to hold a demonstration in some form, though it is not yet clear whether participants would risk defying the ban.
Police Minister Dan Purdie called on organisers to respect the court decision, warning that any unauthorised protest could put participants at risk and divert police resources away from crime response. “Anyone participating in a protest march that is not authorised faces the prospect of enforcement action,” Acting Assistant Commissioner Wildman added.
City leaders and politicians were divided on the issue. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner stressed the importance of safety, saying the bridge was not an appropriate venue. “We’re not suggesting people don’t have a right to protest … the question is making sure it can be done safely,” he said. Labor opposition leader Jared Cassidy, however, voiced support for the march, calling it a vital outlet for public expression in light of the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley cautioned residents to be mindful of potential disruptions and noted that previous protests had sometimes included messages of hate that complicated law enforcement efforts.
Thursday’s court hearing drew a packed CBD courtroom, with journalists spilling onto the floor and some organisers forced to sit outside. Legal representatives for the protest argued the march could be managed safely, citing precedent from other events. However, the magistrate ultimately sided with police and council concerns, concluding that the risks to public safety were too great to allow the protest to proceed on the Story Bridge.
Police say no protest is authorised this weekend, and they will have resources in place to enforce the ban if necessary. Acting Assistant Commissioner Wildman stressed that arrests remain a possibility to prevent offences and maintain community safety.