G20 Brisbane November 2014

[ozbob]

From the Brisbanetimes click here!

Brisbane to host G20 summit

Brisbane to host G20 summit
July 10, 2012 - 8:37PM

Brisbane will host the G20 summit of world leaders in 2014, multiple Australian government sources have confirmed.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard was preparing to make the announcement Wednesday, but a government source said word had leaked out late Tuesday due to the number of people involved in negotiations.

Gillard and most of her cabinet were in Redbank Plains, near Brisbane, on Tuesday night for a community forum but refused to comment on the G20.

None of the ministers or senior staff would speak on the record when asked about the G20 announcement, and Ms Gillard and many of her cabinet left straight after the forum without stopping to talk to community members or the media.
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The G20, which takes in the world's 20 major economies including the European Union, has previously announced the 2014 summit would be in Australia.

Numerous high-profile world leaders would descend on Queensland, including the President of the United States and Prime Minister of the United Kingdon, if the state hosts the G20 event and the summit would be expected to focus on economic issues.

Current US President Barack Obama will face an election in November against Republican challenger Mitt Romney.

Members of the G20 are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/brisbane-to-host-g20-summit-20120710-21tor.html

[#Metro]

What better way to showcase our terrible train system!

[HappyTrainGuy]

Meh. I'm going back to bed. I don't want to see my tax dollars at work paying for something stupid thing that could be done over Skype with a good internet connection. Wake me up when its over or atleast if Osama makes a special appearence.

[SurfRail]

What better way to showcase our terrible train system!

I'm sure the President of the United States will be champing at the bit to ride an EMU to Caboolture...

[Arnz]

^

Or as we quote the guys over at Ozscrapers, a "maglev bus" to caboolture!!!11!! 

[ozbob]

NSW Government is a bit upset that BrisBANE got the nod ...

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane G20 nod prompts disbelief in 'Australia's only true world city'

[Stillwater]

Send the G20 global leaders on the GympieLander with a blocked toilet and they soon will put all of the world's problems in perspective.

[ozbob]

http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=79839&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Premier
The Honourable Campbell Newman

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Queensland to host G20 Leaders' Summit

Premier Campbell Newman today welcomed the announcement that Queensland would host the G20 Leaders Summit in 2014.

Mr Newman said the G20 Leaders' Summit would be held in Brisbane on November 15 and 16, 2014 and a G20 Finance Ministers' meeting would be held in regional Queensland.

"Hosting the G20 Leaders' Summit will provide worldwide exposure to Queensland and a significant boost to our economy with around 7,000 delegates and members of the media set to descend on our State," Mr Newman said.

"The Summit will provide a direct investment in Queensland through the use of a number of hotels, local service providers and will create jobs in the lead up and planning of the Summit."

Mr Newman said that while Queensland was ready and willing to work with the Australian Government to host an excellent Summit, these events involved considerable expense such as security and policing.

"The former Labor Government left behind a $2.8 billion deficit and debt fast approaching $100 billion and therefore Queensland is not in a position to contribute a significant amount of funding toward the cost of hosting the G20 Leaders' Summit," Mr Newman said.

"I am pleased to announce that as this event is clearly a Commonwealth Government responsibility, agreement has been reached that the Commonwealth will pay the majority of costs, as it has with similar events in other states."

Mr Newman said the Prime Minister had agreed to the Queensland Government's request for funding, including additional police costs directly associated with hosting the event.

"Importantly, the Australian Government has also given an undertaking that no Queensland community will be left with inadequate police resources due to the Summit," he said.

The Australian Government has also agreed in good faith to provide funding to bring forward work to upgrade Queensland's communications network from analogue to digital.

"This is a win for Queensland as it will improve our communications capabilities," Mr Newman said.

Mr Newman said the Summit was clearly a logistical and organisational challenge but Queensland was well experienced in facilitating international meetings, including the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2002, the APEC Finance Ministers Meeting in 2007 and the Pacific Islands Forum in 2009.

The G20 is made up of the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of 19 countries and the European Union.

[ENDS]

[Golliwog]

Front page of Mx today: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/train-commuters-may-face-body-scans-during-g20-summit-in-brisbane/story-e6freoof-1226424610751

Train commuters may face body-scans during G20 summit in Brisbane
Cayla Dengate From: mX July 12, 2012 3:15PM


TRAIN commuters may be subject to full-body scanners during the G20 Summit in Brisbane, a security expert has warned.
ARC Centre of Excellence in Policing and Security director Simon Bronitt said train and bus lines through South Bank were a potential threat to world leaders at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and may have to be closed.

"Obviously public infrastructure is always a target and a decision will have to be made about whether these lines stay open during the summit," he said.

"'I was travelling recently on the Beijing tube and they actually use full body scanners before you enter every tube station. That measure seems appropriate in this situation."

Every weekday, 318 trains pass through South Bank railway station, coming within 5m of the conference location.

The South East Busway also passes within metres of the centre, but while buses can be redirected through suburban street routes there is no alternate train route to get from the north to south of the city.

Closing nearby South Bank stations or installing body scanners would cause huge logistical problems for transport authorities and major headaches for commuters.

Full-body scanners also caused controversy when the Federal Government announced they would be adopted in Australia.

Civil libertarians were concerned the scanners created a near-naked representation of the body.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said public transport security would be assessed ahead of the summit.

"My department will be working with security agencies to ensure appropriate and sensible measures are in place during the G20," he told mX.

For those wanting to catch a glimpse of the likes of US President Barack Obama, Bronitt had some advice: "You'll get a better look on the television at home. They'll be whisked from their hotels to the location in bulletproof limousines and I'd highly doubt there'd be any public appearances.'

[Fares_Fair]

I'm prepared to offer Go cards to visiting dignitaries, conditional on using them to travel to the Sunshine Coast by rail (partly by bus too - but you get that extra 'bonus' on the Sunshine Coast line). 2 hours for the price of 1 (by car).
Give them a glimpse of rail in the 1890's.

[ozbob]

I'm prepared to offer Go cards to visiting dignitaries, conditional on using them to travel to the Sunshine Coast by rail (partly by bus too - but you get that extra 'bonus' on the Sunshine Coast line). 2 hours for the price of 1 (by car).
Give them a glimpse of rail in the 1890's.

Yes, and we want an EMU, and I will bring lots of red label bottled water ...

[ozbob]

I reckon they will declare two days of public holidays whilst the G20 is on.  Only way it can be managed.

[Golliwog]

I'd like to see them try and effectively install those body scanners across the rail network. Stations like the new Ferny Grove where theres only one entrance to the platforms, easy as pie. Stations like Gaythorne where you can walk onto each platform at about 2 or 3 locations each, you're either going to have to block of entrances and funnel them, or bump your costs right up. Trying to give Central enough to cope capacity wise... good luck!

I think no matter what they do, people won't be happy, even if we get 2 public holidays.

[somebody]

I reckon they will declare two days of public holidays whilst the G20 is on.  Only way it can be managed.

Pretty much what they did in Sydney when something similar was on in 2007, although there was only 1 day of holiday.  Don't 100% remember what the event was, but the Chaser were arrested.

[HappyTrainGuy]

ARC Centre of Excellence in Policing and Security director Simon Bronitt said train and bus lines through South Bank were a potential threat to world leaders at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and may have to be closed.

Oh get f**ked!

[#Metro]

I reckon they will declare two days of public holidays whilst the G20 is on.  Only way it can be managed.

The leaders of state and federal government are talking a load of doo doo with the whole "this conference will bring economic benefits" blah blah blah. No it won't - Brisbane will be in the papers for all the wrong reasons, and the holiday will mean lost productivity - two whole days worth - lost, cancelling out any money these people bring in.

Buses can all be sent over the Captain Cook Bridge - no problem there. Trains can be sent via Tennyson and replacement buses put on for the South Bank-Park Road stretch.

[WTN]

Add to that the West End buses could be sent via William Jolly Bridge and Montague Rd. That's considering ALL roads around the Convention Centre are closed.

But traffic won't be pretty anywhere near closed off roads.

[Mr X]

Does anyone care that Los Carbos had the G20? How about Cannes? Are they the new "world cities" as a result of the G20? This announcement is a big beat up IMHO.

G20 is just another political talkfest, this so called "economic boom" is a load of tripe. Julia is telling porkies and she knows it. "3000" people (if that) here for a week... I can't see how that can bring in this $50mil in benefits. All we'll see is state and federal funds tied up in expensive security arrangements etc....

Just wait for the havoc when Kingsford Smith Drive (or Airport Link?) and other roads are closed so that the president can get to his hotel and to south bank.

[ozbob]

LOL

From the Couriermail click here!

New public holiday given to Queenslanders thanks to G20 win

New public holiday given to Queenslanders thanks to G20 win

    by: Anna Caldwell
    From: The Courier-Mail
    July 13, 2012 12:00AM

BRISBANE is in line for an extra public holiday to clear civilians out of the G20 lockdown, with some transport likely to be cut off and airport-style security checkpoints cutting the city in two.

Armed military and police will swarm into the city, with a large, secured "clean zone" created around the Brisbane Convention Centre, which will use body scanners and ID checks to provide security for the world's most powerful leaders.

Based on previous events such as Sydney's APEC summit in 2007, it is likely a large concrete and wire fence will cut South Bank off from the rest of Brisbane.

Depending on the size of the secured zone, public transport, including rail lines, into South Bank could be cut, and schools and businesses closed down.

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet will soon establish a G20 taskforce to begin investigating the logistics in order to determine the scale of secured zones in the region.

The London Olympics will have an 18km secure zone, while for APEC 2007 in Sydney the zone was 5km.

A spokesman for Premier Campbell Newman said a public holiday would be considered following consultation with the Commonwealth Government and security personnel.

While the summit falls on a weekend, it is likely secure arrangements, and protests, will last longer, with a possible public holiday falling on the Friday to clear the city.

Security expert Neil Fergus from Intelligent Risks, the international security company that advised on Queensland's 2018 Commonwealth Games bid, said the operation would resonate throughout Brisbane.

Mr Fergus said authorities would need to establish "clean" and "dirty" zones around the leaders, with airport-style security fencing off clean zones.

"The taskforce will need to make these decisions but there may even be a soft checkpoint for residents or businesses between the clean and dirty zone, where you might need to show identification to get to your place of work," Mr Fergus said.

"A clean zone will have airport-style security. It won't just be the convention centre there is always an outing or excursion; there is the group photo, which won't just happen at the convention centre either."

When APEC was held in Sydney, designated metropolitan areas received a public holiday, based on place of work, on the Friday before the summit, which also fell on a weekend.

With 7000 delegates and media looking for Brisbane accommodation, every hotel room in the city and beyond is expected to be booked.

[Stillwater]

To the economic wealth that the government says the summit will generate, we should subtract the lost productivity of workers who are given the day off.

[WTN]

To the economic wealth that the government says the summit will generate, we should subtract the lost productivity of workers who are given the day off.

And the loss of trade from businesses in "clean" zones forced to close or be inconvenienced.

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> South Bank businesses see upside of G20

[ozbob]

Considerable impact on Brisbane and transport arrangements.

Couriermail --> CBD to become Fortress Brisbane for G20 lockdown, but ring of steel to be as 'low-key' as possible

[SurfRail]

Let them to do it on a place such as Hamilton Island, what disruption this causes to a city is out of control!

I agree.  CHOGM 2001 was held at Coolum from memory (not that I would recommend any such event be held at Coolum these days... ).

The only problem is the availability of accommodation.  Even Brisbane is going to struggle.  CHOGM was almost certainly smaller in scope.

[Mr X]

So if the SE busway and Gold Coast, Beenleigh and Cleveland lines all run through this 'security zone', all those services will be shut off due to the G20? Hope they're not planning on doing it during peak hour.

[mufreight]

They could hold it at Thargominda, no disruption to the public and perhaps some needed infrastructure could be built out there.

[BrizCommuter]

The G20 will be held in the same quarter that the Queensland Children's Hospital is expected to open nearby. Not good timing there!

[HappyTrainGuy]

Those kids can miss the new hospital for a few more days 

[BrizCommuter]

Those kids can miss the new hospital for a few more days 

It's not quite that simple! 

[ozbob]

I reckon they will declare two days of public holidays whilst the G20 is on.  Only way it can be managed.

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2013/6/10/public-holiday-to-ease-impact-of-g20

Premier
The Honourable Campbell Newman
Minister for Police and Community Safety
The Honourable Jack Dempsey

Public holiday to ease impact of G20

A public holiday has been announced for Friday 14 November 2014 in the lead up to the G20 Leaders' Summit, which takes place in Brisbane on the weekend of the 15th and 16th of November.

Premier Campbell Newman said the G20 Summit will be a once in a lifetime event for the people of Brisbane.

"The G20 Leaders' Summit will be a fantastic occasion and a great opportunity to showcase Brisbane and Queensland to the world," Mr Newman said.

"It will also be one of the biggest events Brisbane has seen, with thousands of additional people here.

"So, to ease the impact on the city and help minimise any potential disruptions we have decided to announce a one-off public holiday.

"It only applies to the Brisbane Local Government Area, but the benefits will be enjoyed by people across the south-east.

"Similar to the Brisbane Ekka public holiday, entitlement is not based on a person's place of residence but their place of work."

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said there were important security considerations and a public holiday would make these easier to implement.

"Brisbane city will be bustling while the summit is on, which may make it a little harder to move around as freely as people normally would," Mr Dempsey said.

"It is very likely there will be road closures in and around the CBD and South Bank.

"The public holiday on the Friday will help reduce traffic when final preparations are taking place for the beginning of the summit."

Mr Newman said that despite the holiday it will be business as usual for shops in the CBD and greater Brisbane area.

"There will be some fantastic flow-on effects that come from hosting the G20 summit," Mr Newman said.

"It will attract up to 25 world leaders, including US President Barack Obama, seven heads of international organisations, 4000 delegates and 3000 domestic and international media.

"This will be a major boost to the local and state economy and the many large and small businesses in the city.

"Add the Finance Ministers' and Central Bank Governors' meeting in Cairns in September 2014 and the benefits will be felt across the state. 

"Hotels will be booked out and leaders and delegates will be able to experience our world-class infrastructure, skilled workforce and obvious lifestyle advantages.

"We look forward to hosting the G20 summit and hope the additional public holiday will make it a better time for everyone."

[ENDS] 10 June 2013

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> International protesters start talks with Queensland police ahead of G20 Summit in Brisbane next year

[Otto]

Alternative link for those of us who can't access the Courier Mail link..

http://www.news.com.au/national-news/queensland/international-protesters-start-talks-with-queensland-police-ahead-of-g20-summit-in-brisbane-next-year/story-fnii5v6w-1226671481871

[ozbob]

Minister for Police and Community Safety
The Honourable Jack Dempsey

Police consult community about G20 plans

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has started working with local communities ahead of next year's G20 meetings being held in Brisbane and Cairns.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the QPS would liaise with businesses in and around the Brisbane and Cairns CBDs about security arrangements and what they could expect during the summit.

"All eyes will be on Brisbane and Cairns during the G20 Leaders Summit and I have every faith the QPS will ensure all delegates, visitors and community members are safe and secure throughout the various events," Mr Dempsey said.

"The remarkable skills of our police officers will be on show to the world as they provide security for global leaders and delegates, as will the offerings of our tourism and business sectors."

Queensland Police Service Deputy Commissioner (Specialist Operations) Ross Barnett said the QPS would work with the community, partner agencies and other groups to ensure Brisbane and Cairns were highlighted on the world stage during these events.

"Our partner agencies have an important role in the delivery of the G20 events in Queensland.  For police, our role is to deliver security operations to ensure safe, secure, dignified and effective G20 events," Deputy Commissioner Barnett said.

"The G20 Leaders' Summit will be the largest peace-time security operation Australia has ever seen and the QPS has established the G20 Group to plan and execute the security arrangements around event and accommodation venues as well as motorcade routes.

"It is not our intention to lock down Brisbane or Cairns, however some businesses and residents in and around restricted areas can expect impacts in the lead-up to and during the G20 events.  This impact will be determined by the level of threat to the community that exists in the lead-up to the events."

Assistant Commissioner Katarina Carroll from the G20 Group said officers were already engaging with members of the community.

"As a part of our community engagement and consultation, the QPS is establishing an External Engagement Team that will interact with all levels of the community to ensure everyone is aware of security impacts they may face," Assistant Commissioner Carroll said.

"The team will communicate key messages to businesses, residents, community groups and Issue Motivated Groups as our plans develop.

"Officers will soon start door-knocking and holding meetings to engage with the Brisbane and Cairns communities, and there is a section on the QPS website where people who think they may be affected by G20 security operations can find information and send enquiries to the External Engagement Team.

"People should check the website regularly to keep up-to-date with information from the QPS."

The G20 will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 15 and 16 November 2014.

To access the G20 website, visit www.police.qld.gov.au/News+and+Alerts/g20/.

[ENDS] 23 July 2013

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> What Brisbane can expect from the G20

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Tunnels to close in Brisbane G20 lock-down

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> South Brisbane to be locked down for G20 with residents to be issued access passes to their homes

[ozbob]

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable Jack Dempsey

One year to go for G20 Leaders' Summit

Preparations are well underway for the G20 Leaders' Summit, with exactly one year before 30 world leaders and thousands of media and delegates visit Queensland, and the State reaps the added tourism and economic benefits.

Police, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Jack Dempsey said the Queensland Police Service (QPS) was in the midst of preparations for the largest peace-time security operation Australia had ever seen.

"Police officers have already been training to help protect the more than 30 world leaders and dignitaries who will be in Brisbane for the summit," Mr Dempsey said.

"The QPS is also working to ensure a balance between protecting these dignitaries and ensuring members of the public are able to go about their daily business in a safe and secure environment.

"This has meant the introduction of declared and restricted areas as seen in the G20 Safety and Security Act.

"These provisions have been introduced to ensure the safety of everyone and will not impact people who obey the law while in the restricted areas.

"Along with the direct boost to local economy and tourism, we also expect police officers across the state to benefit, which will aid our election commitment to revitalise frontline services.

"They will have increased training opportunities in the areas of dignitary protection, crowd management and motorcades.

"Due to the scale of the G20, it is vital that the Service is prepared by ensuring officers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to deal with an operation of this nature.

"The up-skilling of officers will benefit the Service as a whole, and will also prepare them for other events that may be attracted to Queensland in the future."

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart said the QPS was progressing well in terms of security preparations and planning, with around 5,000 police expected in Brisbane.

"The G20 Group within the Service has been up and running for more than a year now and they are making plans for every contingency," Commissioner Stewart said.

"It is the responsibility of the QPS to ensure that all members of the community are safe and secure during the G20 Leaders' Summit in Brisbane and the Finance Ministers' Meeting in Cairns.

"It is expected that in excess of 30 Internationally Protected Persons will attend the Leaders' Summit in Brisbane, along with as many as 4,000 delegates and up to 3,000 media representatives from Australia and around the world.

"The QPS understands and respects the right of citizens to protest lawfully in Queensland however, I make it very clear that we will not tolerate any unlawful behaviour which threatens the safety and security of the communities in Brisbane or Cairns."

The maps that relate to the G20 (Safety and Security) Act 2013 have now been uploaded onto the QPS website.

Go to www.police.qld.gov.au/g20 for further information about the Act and the restricted and declared zones.

[ENDS] 15 November 2013

[#Metro]

I wonder if the Bikie laws were really passed to apply during the G20? Remember that they appear to be very broad indeed - in a protest more than 3 people are present, and therefore, you could arrest everyone and jail them just because they assembled in a large group.

[ozbob]

Further one is away from the G20 in Brisbane the better I think ... 

[nathandavid88]

Weekend up or down the coast sounds like a plan to me! 

I will be interested to see how PT through brisbane is reorganised for G20 though. Trains running via Tennyson with a shuttle to South Bank Station, and the SE Busway diverted via the Capt Cook Bridge I'm assuming. It'll make like very hard for the 555 – half the inner city roads it usually passes through are closed off!