Brisbane councillor ‘astounded’ as South Bank beach lagoon drained during World Cup

Despite FIFA promoting Brisbane as a Women’s World Cup destination with images of South Bank’s beach, its popular lagoon has been drained, disappointing one family.

Brisbane’s most celebrated tourism attraction – South Bank’s beach – has been drained while the city co-hosts the biggest sporting event in Australia since the Sydney Olympics.

Despite FIFA spruiking Brisbane with images of the iconic beach, the lagoon has been – and will remain – drained for the entirety of the Women’s World Cup for annual maintenance.

Council opposition leader Jared Cassidy said he was “absolutely astounded” by the decision.

Gemma and Robert Wilson with daughter Lylah Wilson, 3, niece Ivy Nicholls, 11, and nephew Eli Nicholls, 14, from Hobart, at the beach at South Bank’s beach, which has been closed for maintenance during the Women’s World Cup. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“Brisbane is supposed to be a city that can handle a major event like the Olympics... I’m starting to have my doubts,” Cr Cassidy said.

Brisbane local Robert Wilson took his niece Ivy Nicholls, 11, and nephew Eli Nicholls, 14, visiting from Tasmania, to South Bank on Monday.

“They were pretty excited, but when we got there, it was all closed,” he said.

“It wasn’t buzzing as it normally is; definitely not the same atmosphere.”

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s spokeswoman said: “The lagoon is currently closed for important maintenance.

“This happens each year in winter, which is the quietest period for swimming.”