Infrastructure
As Australia’s new world city, Brisbane is built on a strong foundation of infrastructure. Assets include: a world-class international airport; a busy international port; a comprehensive road and rail network; a fully-integrated public transport and ticketing system; vibrant entertainment and sporting venues; and an exceptional range of accommodation options.
Public infrastructure program
- The South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program 2010–2031 identifies $134 billion (AUD) worth of infrastructure development for Brisbane and the surrounding region.
- The program represents the largest public infrastructure spending initiative in Australia’s history.
Airport and links
- Conveniently located just 20 minutes and 12 kilometres from the city centre, Brisbane Airport manages more than 3,300 flights per week and in excess of 19.7 million passengers per year.
- Already a world-class facility, Brisbane Airport will continue to go from strength-to-strength in the years ahead as billions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure and improvement works are implemented. Designed to meet ongoing growth in the region, the works will enhance the existing airport precinct over the next two decades through the construction of a new parallel runway, expansion of the domestic terminal and development of aviation-related industry precincts.
- Airtrain, Australia’s first dedicated rail link for airport patrons, runs every 15 minutes in peak hours, stops at five inner-city stations and takes just 20 minutes from the airport to the city.
Port of Brisbane
- The Port of Brisbane is Australia’s fastest-growing container port and Queensland’s largest general cargo port.
- Located at the mouth of the Brisbane River, the facility is a driver of economic growth throughout South-East Queensland and offers seven dedicated container berths and four deep-water bulk and general cargo berths. These are complemented by 11 bulk and general cargo upriver berths, four of which are multi-purpose, capable of handling wet and dry bulk commodities, and general cargo.
- Key commodities traded through the Port of Brisbane include oil (crude and refined), coal exports and motor vehicle imports. The Port of Brisbane is also the country’s largest exporter of cotton and meat.
Road and rail network
- Brisbane is strategically placed at the junction of major national and regional road networks, allowing industry to quickly and efficiently move product out of Brisbane’s port and airports to market.
- Once on the major arterial road out of the Port of Brisbane, a truck will not encounter a traffic light for 150 kilometres when travelling north, south or west.
- Queensland’s rail network is one of Australia’s largest and most modern with a total of 9,400 kilometres of narrow gauge (1067mm) track. Approximately 20 per cent of the rail network is electrified and there is a 1435mm standard gauge line directly linking the Port of Brisbane to other Australian states.
Public transport
- Brisbane has an extensive public transport network of buses, trains, CityCats and ferries that connect all corners of the city and key community spots.
- Quality rail infrastructure provides commuters with access to a network of ten lines, more than 130 stations, and direct links to key destinations including the city heart, the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and South Bank.
- With 400 bus routes, more than 12,600 stops, a modern fleet of buses and several dedicated busways, Brisbane’s bus network forms an essential component of the city’s public transport infrastructure mix.
- The TransLink go card – Brisbane’s most convenient public transport payment option – is a pre-purchased electronic travel card that operates on a “touch-on touch-off” system on all TransLink bus, train and ferry services.
Entertainment and sporting venues
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
www.bcec.com.au
The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is a world-class, purpose-built meeting, conference and event venue located in the unique South Bank riverside precinct – the hub of Brisbane’s arts and cultural activities.
Brisbane Entertainment Centre
www.brisent.com.au
The 13,500 seat Brisbane Entertainment Centre is Queensland’s premier entertainment, sporting and meeting facility.
Brisbane Powerhouse
www.brisbanepowerhouse.org
Brisbane Powerhouse is a producer of contemporary performing arts and a multi-faceted arts venue nestled on the beautiful banks of the Brisbane River at New Farm.
Doomben and Eagle Farm Racecourses
www.brc.com.au
Owned by the Brisbane Racing Club, these unique venues offer a number of function rooms and expansive, wide open spaces suitable for festivals, music events, trade shows and more. Plus they’re conveniently located between the Brisbane Airport and central business district.
Gabba
www.thegabba.com.au
The Brisbane Cricket Ground – affectionately known as the Gabba – is a 42,000 seat oval sports venue and also the home ground for the Brisbane Lions AFL team and Queensland Bulls cricket team.
King George Square
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/cityhall
King George Square is a modern, outdoor space that lends itself to festivals, outdoor exhibitions and public gatherings. Spanning 3,000 square metres the site enjoys a central city location with excellent public transport links and close proximity to major hotels.
Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art
www.qag.qld.gov.au
The Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art is Queensland’s premier visual arts institution and a leading art museum – nationally and internationally renowned for hosting world-class exhibitions.
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
www.qpac.com.au
The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is the state’s premier performing arts centre, showcasing the best live performances from Australia and around the world. Located on the banks of the Brisbane River, QPAC is one of four organisations that make up Queensland’s Cultural Centre
Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre
www.qsac.com.au
Home to the Queensland Academy of Sport, the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC) includes two international standard running tracks, a 48,500 seat main stadium, a 2,100 seat State Athletics Facility and an eight court beach volleyball complex.
RNA Showgrounds
www.rnashowgrounds.com.au
The RNA Showgrounds is Brisbane’s most iconic and versatile venue. Occupying 220,000 square metres and located just minutes from the central business district, the site is home to the Ekka – Queensland’s largest annual event – and a variety of exhibitions and festivals throughout the year. In April 2011, the RNA Showgrounds regeneration commenced and on completion the grounds will be transformed as a destination synonymous with events, fashion, design, lifestyle and culture.
Sleeman Sports Complex
www.sleemansports.com.au
Sleeman Sports Complex is one of Queensland’s premier multi-purpose sporting and entertainment venues with a reputation for producing some of Australia’s most talented and successful athletes.
South Bank
www.southbankcorporation.com.au
Largely recognised as one of Brisbane’s great icons, The Parklands at South Bank offer a broad range of unique venues suitable for everything from intimate affairs to large-scale events.
Suncorp Stadium
www.suncorpstadium.com.au
Suncorp Stadium is a 52,500 seat venue, widely regarded as the best rectangular sporting and entertainment facility in Australia and is celebrated as the home ground of the Brisbane Broncos, Brisbane Roar and Queensland Reds.
The Cultural Centre South Bank
www.culturalcentresouthbank.com.au
The Cultural Centre is a unique location ideal for arts-related cultural events, offering outstanding indoor and outdoor spaces by the river with city views. Other benefits include onsite parking, exceptional transport links and 24-hour security.
Accommodation
- Brisbane offers an exceptional range of accommodation options – many with the added convenience of in-house conference facilities.
- From 5 star hotels and beautiful boutique lodgings to backpacker hostels, the city can cater for all tastes and budgets with its 37,000 beds and 13,000 guest rooms. www.visitbrisbane.com.au