‘Real lack of foresight’: Mass confusion over council closure of tourist hotspot during World Cup
A spokesman for Brisbane’s Lord Mayor says the iconic South Bank lagoon and beach will be open in time for the biggest matches of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Brisbane City
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Brisbane’s iconic South Bank lagoon and Streets Beach will reopen on August 12 in time for the biggest FIFA Women’s World Cup fixtures being played in the city, a spokesman for the Lord Mayor says.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner had previously refused to answer questions over why maintenance work which has shut the venue could not be rescheduled to showcase Brisbane in all its glory to visitors for the games, with the Matildas taking on Nigeria on Thursday night.
The spokesman said other South Bank water attractions were open and near deserted during the midwinter days.
Brisbane councillors and local radio heavyweights have been baffled by council’s decision to close the tourist hotspot for five weeks, meaning it will be off-limits during six of the eight World Cup matches at Brisbane Stadium – the tournament’s name for Suncorp Stadium.
Not only were picturesque images of the lagoon and beach promoted to World Cup tourists, the FIFA Fan Festival area at the Piazza is a mere 200m from the now construction site.
A large part of Streets Beach has been fenced off, and the lagoon completely drained since maintenance work began on July 10.
Initial notices said the maintenance would be ongoing until the end of August, but the completion date has since been revised to August 12.
Gabba Ward Councillor Trina Massey said South Bank was a “jewel of Brisbane” and said the maintenance work was a timing “stuff up” by Brisbane City Council.
“The fact it is a major attraction under maintenance during one of the largest sporting events in the world shows a real lack of foresight and vision from Council,” she said.
Ms Massey has heard from multiple constituents concerned about the maintenance works and she believes the timing was a missed opportunity in establishing a brand for Brisbane.
“It bodes really poorly for any sort of trust around the 2032 Olympics delivery … for weeks they have been saying to trust them and him (Mr Schrinner) with the Olympics,” she said.
“But if they can’t even manage a timeline to display the jewel of Brisbane when we have an influx of visitors, shows a lack of control.
“We could have done it (maintenance works) before and or after (the World Cup), but it was a choice to do it now during such a major event.”
Nova 106.9’s breakfast show team Ash Bradnam, David ‘Luttsy’ Lutteral and Susie O’Neill struggled to understand the Council’s timing during an on-air discussion.
“That is a bit mad,” Luttsy said.
“But then, when would be a good time, if they (Council) don’t do it (now)?” Ash questioned.
Luttsy replied “After the World Cup.”
“Yeah, when the biggest sporting event in the world is not in Brisbane?” Susie concurred.
“I’d say they (Council) regret the decision to do it (drain it) now,” Luttsy said.
B105 breakfast presenter Matty Acton also expressed his dismay on air.
“Imagine if they (World Cup tourists) get there, and look at that at South Bank and they go: ‘Well, if this is what it’s going to be like, let’s not bother going to the Gold Coast either, if they’re going to drain all of their beaches.’”
A spokeswoman for the Lord Mayor said on Monday the “important” works take place “each year in winter, which is the quietest period for swimming”.
In response to further detailed questions on Wednesday – including why the maintenance was not rescheduled and whether the works could be expedited – Mr Schrinner’s office referred the matter to City Parklands Services.
A spokeswoman from the City Parklands Services said some of the South Bank amenities remained opened.
“The Boat Pool and Aquativity areas remain open while important work is underway to ensure Streets Beach continues to meet health standards during the busy swimming season,” she said.
Council opposition Labor leader Jared Cassidy said he was “absolutely astounded” by the timing of the planned maintenance.
“Brisbane is supposed to be a city that can handle a major event like the Olympics … I’m starting to have my doubts,” he said.
“The Lord Mayor should sort this mess out before Brisbane gets a bad reputation as a city that can’t organise events.
“The Women’s World Cup has been massive to Brisbane with crowds and viewership. At the very least, there needs to be better co-ordination in the future and lessons learned from this.”
Brisbane’s FIFA Women’s World Cup matches:
England v. Haiti – Saturday, 22 July
Australia v. Nigeria – Thursday, 27 July
France v. Brazil – Saturday, 29 July
Republic of Ireland v. Nigeria – Monday, 31 July
Korea Republic v. Germany – Thursday, 3 August
Round of Sixteen – Monday, 7 August
Quarter-Final – Saturday, 12 August
Third Place Final – Saturday, 19 August
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