Commonwealth Games patrons only allowed to Brisbane events if they arrive on public transport

COMMONWEALTH Games goers who arrive on foot to Brisbane’s shooting events will be refused entry – even if they live in nearby streets or suburbs within walking distance.

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COMMONWEALTH Games goers who arrive on foot to Brisbane’s shooting events will be refused entry – even if they live in nearby streets or suburbs.

Infrastructure chairwoman Amanda Cooper told her committee on Tuesday that the only access to the Belmont Shooting Complex during the games will be via public transport or with a pre-booked parking ticket.

If patrons park nearby and walk to the gates they will be refused entry.

“It’s very limited parking and that’s only by prearrangement to park on site,” Cr Cooper said.

“The only access is by public transport.”

Councillor Peter Cumming (Wynnum Manly) asked how people from Wynnum, only a 15 minute drive away, should travel to games events held at the venues.

“I don’t want to be parochial but how are you going to get from Wynnum to these events. Catch a train into the city and come in from the city by bus?” Cr Cumming asked.

The officer replied: “That’s probably going to be the quickest.”

Arriving by car is only for teams, officials, people with a disability and VIPs, like Commonwealth Games mascot Borobi. Picture: Tim Marsden

A Brisbane City Council media spokeswoman confirmed the State Government had advised transport-only access to the Belmont Shooting Complex for Commonwealth Games events.

“Spectators arriving on foot or bicycle will still be able to access the Anna Meares Velodrome,” she said.

There will be a State Government funded shuttle bus between the Carindale interchange and the venues and between the city and the venues.

The shuttle bus will be the place the first security check for patrons travelling to the games venues takes place.

The council will also increase the frequency and duration of the 222 bus between Carindale and the city during the games.

Free public transport is included with a Commonwealth Games ticket.

The officer also said the council would implement no-stopping zones around the velodrome and shooting complex.

“That’s primarily to reduce the impact of cars accessing the venue but also the pedestrian movement across Old Cleveland Rd,” she said.

Cr Cooper said the council wanted the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games to be “a fantastic games”.

Residents are being encouraged to make use of the State Government’s information tools including the Commonwealth Games website for more information: www.gc2018.com.

*Correction: An earlier version of this story stated the transport-only access applied to both the Belmont Shooting Complex and the Anna Meares Velodrome. The Anna Mears Velodrome will allow walkers and cyclists entry.

Originally published as Commonwealth Games patrons only allowed to Brisbane events if they arrive on public transport