The Congress is being held in a brand-new venue, Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre, which is itself the centrepiece of an exciting urban renewal precinct. The Convention Centre has the latest technology for all aspects of conventions and exhibitions, and allows all Congress activities to be held under one roof.
The Congress venue is close to the CBD and adjacent to Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, an inner city quarter with a full choice of hotels and a vibrant night life.

Brisbane has a fabulous subtropical climate. At the time of the Congress the average minimum and maximum temperatures are 14° and 24° respectively (57°F-75°F). September is the driest month, before the wetter summer months beginning in October.And Brisbane is easy to get to, with many premium and low-fare airlines serving the city. There are direct connections to many countries in the region and to major hubs including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Manila, Dallas and Los Angeles, and from those hubs to every part of the globe.

Climate in October
The climate in Brisbane in October is characterized by constant daily high temperatures, with highs around 25°C throughout the month. During October the winds during the day begin to come in predominately from off the ocean. As a consequence, October is slightly more humid but nevertheless, still very comfortable. See: http://weatherspark.com/averages/34053/10/Brisbane-Queensland-Australia

Brisbane Festival
If you are in Brisbane a few days before the congress the spectacular Brisbane Festival might be interesting for you. It usually culminates with the River Fire Spectacular which is a fireworks show synchronised to music over 1/2hour in the two central city reaches of the River. See: http://www.brisbanefestival.com.au/.

Shopping
Most stores in Brisbane City are open seven days. Stores are usually open Monday to Saturday until around 1700 to 1800. Some retailers may remain open until 2100 week nights, and between 0900 to 1800 Sundays. Grocery and department stores generally open seven days a week, with late night trading until 2100 on week nights. For shopping hours and other information go to the Visitor Information Centre site:  http://www.bnecity.com.au/VisitorInfo/TradingHours.aspx

Q+A by Jim Colman, Convenor, Australian National Delegation

All ISOCARP members will by now be aware that this year’s Congress is being held in Brisbane, Australia.  On behalf of the Australian National Delegation and the Local Organising Committee I look forward to your attendance at what promises to be a truly memorable event.

Some members will already have made the decision to attend:  others might still be uncertain. For those in this second category, the ND has put together the following information to help you make up your mind.  Getting a provisional flight booking at a good price would be a sensible move in any case…followed by formal registration. After that, we are absolutely confident that a decision to come to Brisbane will be one of the most rewarding you will ever make !

Q: Where and what is Brisbane ?

A: The capital of the eastern Australian state of Queensland on the western edge of the great Pacific Ocean –  a vibrant, modern river-side city with a friendly population of around 1.5m and an enviable  metro- government  planning system.

Q: Bushfires, floods and droughts …isn’t that Australia in a nutshell ?

A: Yes – we do have these events; but we also have some of the world’s finest coastal and wilderness scenery, fabulous coral reefs, an Indigenous history going back 50,000 years, great wines; and our towns and cities are safe, secure and friendly.

Q: And in transit ? What if I am stuck in a plane for 24 hours ?

Brisbane is close to some great Asian cities. It is close to New Zealand.  It is also  close to Singapore, Bali, Bangkok, Papua-New Guinea…as well as many other fascinating centres in Australia itself. So plan your itinerary to make the most of some great stop-over possibilities…

Q: Australian language and customs …will I be able to cope ?

A: By last count there were approximately 167 languages spoken in Australia – but if you can handle basic English you will be OK.  On a lighter note (and if you speak the universal language of music) you will be in tune from the moment you step onto the tarmac: we have great musos, great singers, great orchestras, and great jazz.

Q: The Canberra story …what’s it all about ?

A: A century ago this year, Walter Burley Griffin and his wife Marion left their Chicago studio and came ‘down-under’ to assist the Australian government commence construction of their prize-winning plan for the new national capital of Canberra. So we will be offering a post- Congress tour to enable you to visit Canberra – along with Washington, Brasilia, Chandigarh, New Delhi, Islamabad –  one of the world’s newest ( and greatest ?) capitals.

Q:  Should I / could I bring the family / parner / spouse?

A: Absolutely ! Brisbane in spring-time  has it all – beaches, Southbank, river trips, mountains, galleries and museums, parks, bike trails, the lot…

Q: What will I get for my dollar ?

A: A good coffee – $3.50;  a beer – $3.50; a square meal at an average restaurant – $20-25; a night in a motel –  motel room – $90-130 (3-star – out of town); a movie ticket – $11.00;  a kilo of bananas – $3.00; a bottle of vin ordinaire – $10.00…

Now:  all you have to do is visit your travel office and start preparing for a great time with your colleagues ‘down under’ in October!