Site of Queensland's Worst Police Shooting Listed for Sale
The property at 251 Wains Road in Wieambilla, which became the scene of Queensland's most devastating police shooting in 2022, has been officially listed for sale at a price of $190,000. This remote 43-hectare block, located approximately 300 kilometers west of Brisbane, holds a dark history that continues to resonate across Australia.
A Tragic History and Current Negotiations
In December 2022, conspiracy theorists Gareth, Stacey, and Nathaniel Train executed a military-style ambush at this property, resulting in the deaths of constables Matthew Arnold and Rachel McCrow, as well as neighbor Alan Dare. The trio was later killed in a shootout with tactical police on the premises. Now, Aidan Train, the son of Nathaniel and Stacey Train, serves as the executor of Stacey's estate, which includes this contentious land.
Aidan Train has been in discussions with the Queensland Police Union of Employees (QPU), which expressed interest in purchasing the property in 2022 to prevent it from falling into the hands of other conspiracy theorists. However, despite reaching a mutual agreement on price and presenting a contract, Train reports that the union has not signed the deal and has been unresponsive since October. "I had negotiated with them and presented a contract, but it hasn't been signed," Train stated, highlighting the stalled progress.
Concerns Over Buyer Intentions and Property Condition
Train emphasized his desire to avoid selling to individuals who might glorify the actions of his parents. "I definitely don't really want to sell it to someone who thinks that my parents did the right thing or agrees with what they did," he said. He believes the most likely buyers are documentary filmmakers or the police union, expressing hope for a swift and respectful sale.
QPU president Shane Prior responded, noting surprise at the public listing and affirming that the union is conducting due diligence. "The QPU is currently undertaking appropriate due diligence in considering the option to purchase the Wains Road property," Prior explained, citing fiduciary responsibilities regarding member funds for purchase and maintenance.
Recent photos from the listing reveal the dwelling in a dilapidated state, with broken furniture and rubbish strewn about, alongside personal items left by the killers. Police investigators previously seized numerous forensic items from the site, as noted in coronial reports.
Broader Context and Community Impact
Wieambilla is situated between Chinchilla and Tara, an area where many residents choose to live off the grid. A coronial inquest into the shootings concluded that Gareth Train suffered from deluded personality disorder, believing police were persecuting him, while Nathaniel and Stacey Train developed shared psychotic disorders. The families of the slain constables have declined to comment on the property sale.
Train remains focused on fulfilling his responsibilities. "It's time for the property to be sold. It's part of my responsibilities as the executor of the estate," he asserted, underscoring the need for closure. The listing explicitly calls for a buyer who will respect the property's somber history, as the community and nation continue to grapple with this tragic event.
