Incoming Passenger Changes into Australia

A quicker and more convenient quarantine, biosecurity clearance is assured when you arrive in Australia now that low-risk products such as commercially prepared and packaged lollies, chips and chocolates need not be declared.

The changes, which have been made on the Incoming Passenger Card, are a result of the latest scientific advice that shows such food poses a lower risk.

Biosecurity officers will now focus on goods such as raw meats, live plants, seeds and fresh fruit and vegetables, which have a “much greater potential to bring diseases and pests to Australia,” Chapman said.

William and Kate Touch Down in Brisbane

Prince William and wife Kate have touched down at Brisbane Airport for a brief stop on their way to the UK after their royal tour. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were expected to spend about 90 minutes at the airport.
The couple flew out of the Pacific island of Tuvalu on Wednesday morning, wrapping up their nine-day tour of Southeast Asia and the Pacific on behalf of the Queen.

The trip was overshadowed by a media row over topless photos taken of Kate during a holiday at a private estate in southern France.

The Duchess looked relaxed in a light, floral-patterned, summer dress and beige patent heels as she strolled along the tarmac beside the Duke.

A tanned Prince William was equally casual in a jacket and white shirt, which was unbuttoned at the neck.

The smiling couple were escorted from their jet to the terminal by airport staff.

Their arrival in the building caused a stir among passengers waiting for flights, who rushed to get a glimpse and take photos of the young royals as they were whisked to a private lounge.

After coming up an escalator into the departure area, the couple waved to travellers as well as members of the public standing behind glass on a viewing platform on the next floor.

A Brisbane resident, who would not give her name, said the Duchess looked beautiful.
"It's such a shame about the photos in France," she told AAP.

"People should just leave them alone - they're only human."

Japanese national Yoko Asano said she'd just arrived from the Solomon Islands and had seen the royal couple there during their recent visit.

"I'm kind of following them," she joked.

"I didn't really expect to see them here but it was good because it was less crowded here.
"I could get a good look at them."

New Zealand man Tim Bott said the brief royal visit was totally unexpected.

"I didn't even know what was going on until I saw all these guys (cameramen)," he told AAP.
"I went and had a look and saw them coming down the steps and up the escalator.

"I wasn't going to go over but I did - you kind of have to, don't you?"

The Duke and Duchess were understood to be relaxing in a private lounge while they awaited a Singapore Airlines flight scheduled to depart at 2.30pm (AEST).

Sydney has the Opera House, Paris the Eiffel Tower, and London has Big Ben. Does Brisbane Need an Icon to Compete Globally?

DOES Brisbane need an icon? 
 
As the council pushes forward to place Brisbane firmly on the map as major events city the question begs: has we got enough to make the place memorable?

World renowned architect John Mainwaring, of JMA Architects at Newstead said he believed there was no "real icon'' that identified Brisbane from other states such as Sydney and Melbourne.
And he would know. Mr Mainwaring directed the 1998 Queen Street Mall design refurbishment project which won a RAIA State Merit award for civic design. He is also known for his works with Hastings St in central Noosa.

Mr Mainwaring told City News: "Sydney has the Opera House and the bridge and we have the Brisbane River''.

"Places like Singapore have iconic structures and Saigon has just built an iconic tower.
"Does a subtroprical place like Brisbane need an icon?''

Mr Mainwaring said locals needed to "come to terms'' with the infatuation of the Brisvegas stigma.
"It's led us to where people are putting coloured lights on rock walls such as Kangaroo Point which are just blue and red and now it's happened at City Hall,'' he said.

"Proper lighting needs to be used to showcase our topographical features such the cliffs at Kangaroo Point.''

He said real icons evolved over hundreds of years.

"Brisbane has already made huge yards over the last decade and installed one of the best galleries at South Brisbane.

"We turned out backs on the Brisbane River and now it's become big there with plenty of activities - it's like an Asian river.

"Melbourne is one of the great southern hemisphere cities and far nicer than Sydney in many ways, but Melbourne is a far more recognised urban designed city,'' he said.

Mr Mainwaring said Brisbane once had the chance to build an icon called Vision Tower, in the heart of Brisbane City, however the development received the bullet during the Global Financial Crisis.
The design was 72 storeys high, and would have become Brisbane's tallest, Queensland's second tallest, and Australia's third tallest building if completed.

"I feel that would have given Brisbane an iconic status, that was a real shame,'' he said.
"But the moment we start saying we have to have an icon, then we have problems.

"I think until our culture develops, I'm not sure we're ready for it.''

He said the Storey Bridge "to a certain extent'' was a mini icon for Brisbane, but nothing compared to the great bridges of the world.

Brisbane City Councillor Vicki Howard (Central Ward) said Brisbane did not really have anything to relate itself to.

"What about City Hall? I like that but I'm not sure people relate to it,'' Cr Howard said.
"I don't think we need an icon because we have an iconic lifestyle.''

Cr Howard said urban villages as well as New Farm Park, Anzac Park, James St and the China Town Mall were 'mini icons'.

"We are developing areas that complement our lifestyle,'' she said.

But Brisbane Central state MP Robert Cavallucci said: "Brisbane has plenty of icons''.

"South Bank and the big cultural precinct attached to it is iconic. The new William St precinct will be big and most definately iconic in a few years to come,'' he said.

"Generally I don't think we need another icon, it takes time to develop.''

Meanwhile, the State Government's plan to renew the Government Administrative Precinct has sparked a strong response with 13 expressions of interest received to re-develop 1 William Street, Brisbane.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development and Planning Jeff Seeney said to start the redevelopment, the Government called for registrations of interest for the construction of a new office tower of between 60,000 to 75,000 square metres at 1 William Street.

"This vacant site, currently being used as a carpark, has been designated for government office development since 1974 and is the logical site for government administration given its proximity to Parliament," he said.

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JLO - Dance Again World Tour (Jennifer Lopez)

Tue 18 Dec - Brisbane Entertainment Centre

The wait is over! The Frontier Touring Company is thrilled to announce that global superstar Jennifer Lopez (a.k.a. JLO) will be touring Australia for the first time ever in her impressive 13 year long career!

JLO will be touring down under as part of her 'Dance Again World Tour' which has already visited countless cities across North America, South America, Europe and Asia in recent months.

On the 'Dance Again World Tour', JLO will be performing hits from across her expansive and impressive career, which features seven studio albums that have sold more than 70 million records worldwide.

Those lucky enough to attend one of JLO's Australian performances will be treated to songs that brought JLO to the world's attention including 'If You Had My Love' and 'Waiting For Tonight' as well as those that have introduced her music to a new legion of adoring fans like 'I'm Into You' and 'Dance Again'.

JLO's impressive catalogue is also celebrated on her recently released greatest hits collection Dance Again...the Hits (out now through Sony Music Australia).

JLO is a woman who knows how to get the party started with her signature blend of killer vocal hooks, pulsing beats and storming synthesizers.

Her arena shows in December are destined to be amongst the dance parties of the year, don't miss the opportunity to join the fun on JLO's first ever Australian tour!

"Jennifer Lopez was glitz and glam through her set. At 43, Lopez is in perfect shape, and it showed through her stepped up choreography." - Edge, Boston

Andy Murray Set for Brisbane Return

Olympic gold medallist Andy Murray will return to Queensland this summer to defend his Brisbane International title.

The World No. 4 is the first player to be announced for the 2013 tournament, hot off his historic Olympic Games gold medal win over current World No. 1 Roger Federer.

“I really enjoyed playing the Brisbane International for the first time this January, and claiming the title was great preparation leading into the Australian Open,” Murray said.

“Brisbane attracts a tough draw with a lot of top players ... obviously I want to play as many matches as possible, and if I can, win. Winning always gives you extra confidence and is the perfect start leading into the first Grand Slam of the year.

“The Brisbane International is a fantastic event with great facilities, and I look forward to returning to Queensland to defend my title,” Murray continued.

Brisbane International Tournament Director, Cameron Pearson, said 25-year-old Murray will be a strong drawcard for the event.

“Andy is our defending champion, so we are thrilled he has again decided to start his year with us.

“It speaks volumes for Queensland that he values the Brisbane International so highly for his Australian Open preparation.

“His Brisbane win was the start of a stellar year for him, going on to reach the final of Wimbledon and then on to win a memorable Olympic gold medal in front of his home crowd,“ Pearson added.

Throughout his career Murray has captured 22 ATP titles and is currently coached by tennis legend Ivan Lendl.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Jann Stuckey, welcomed the news the Scottish champion was returning.

“It is a great coup to have Andy Murray back to defend his Brisbane title. It is another win for Queensland as it strives to cement itself as a major sporting state,” said Ms Stuckey.

“The Brisbane International is a fantastic start to the year for events. Last year’s matches attracted a record 92,802 attendees.

“The Newman Government is proud to support tournaments like this through Events Queensland, as part of our determined strategy to showcase Queensland as Australia’s number one tourism destination.”

In 2012 the ATP recognised the Brisbane International for the best fan experience of any tournament in the ATP International Group, which includes the Middle East, Asia and Pacific regions.

Brisbane International 2013 is presented in association with Events Queensland and will take place at the Queensland Tennis Centre, Brisbane, from December 30, 2012 to January 6, 2013.

Brisbane International 2013 series packages will go on sale at 9:00am (AEST) on Wednesday October 3.

AN EVENING WITH DELTA GOODREM WITH SPECIAL GUEST RACHAEL LEAHCAR

Exciting news Delta fans! Delta will be hitting up Brisbane, Sydney & Melbourne with her "Top Of My World Shows".

"Dainty Group and NINE LIVE are proud to announce that chart-topping Australian songstress Delta Goodrem is heading home to perform a limited run of intimate and exclusive theatre concerts in October and November.

Delta will play shows in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, thrilling fans with all her hits, plus previewing songs from her highly-anticipated new album, Child of the Universe."

TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE THURSDAY 16TH AUGUST.

For details on how to get tickets see the below website depending on your city:

Brisbane 

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Sat 27th October
Tickets from www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849

Portrait Of Spain: Masterpieces From The Prado

Masterpieces from the Prado’ has been specially curated for the Queensland Art Gallery by the Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid (the Prado). It is the largest and most significant international loan the Prado has ever undertaken, and is also the first exhibition from their collection ever to be shown in the Southern Hemisphere. This exhibition features over 100 masterpieces from one of the most revered collections of European painting in the world and tells the story of the evolution of painting in Spain over three and a half centuries. This ‘portrait of Spain’ shows the internal and external factors that contributed to the development of modern Spanish identity, through developments in painting on the Iberian Peninsula. On display are masterpieces by leading painters of the sixteenth, seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, including El Greco, Velázquez, Ribera and Murillo. Foreign artists who worked for the royal court and directly influenced the development of painting in Spain are also well represented, with superb paintings by Titian, Peter Paul Rubens, Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo and Anton Raphael Mengs all featured. Courtly life under the Habsburg (1516–1700) and Bourbon (1700–1808) monarchs will be glimpsed through outstanding paintings from the Royal Collections, which formed the basis of the Prado when it was established in 1819. These include portraits, mythological scenes, devotional paintings and exquisite still lifes that reveal the splendour of Spain’s ‘Golden Age’. The life and times of various levels of Spanish civil society are portrayed in works by noted artists from the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Pre-eminent among these was Francisco de Goya, whose work is represented by major paintings and an important selection of prints from his three extraordinary and confronting series, 'Los Caprichos', 'Los Disparates' and 'Los Desastres de la Guerra' (‘The Disasters of War’). The emergence of a fledgling Spanish national identity in the mid nineteenth century is witnessed in a series of landscapes, portraits, religious scenes and nudes by major figures in nineteenth-century Spanish painting such as Federico de Madrazo, Eduardo Rosales, Mariano Fortuny, Aureliano de Beruete and Joaquín Sorolla. These paintings both reflect the emergence of a modern Spain and demonstrate the ways in which the visual arts assisted in its formation. This is an unprecedented opportunity to see extraordinary works of art, created by some of history’s most renowned and revered painters, from one of the most prestigious and unique museum collections in the world. The Museo Nacional del Prado The Museo Nacional del Prado (the Prado), Madrid, is one of the leading museums of the world, recognised for its unparalleled collection of European painting and sculpture, and, in particular, its holdings of Flemish, Italian and Spanish painting. The Prado’s strengths in these areas are due to the tastes of the Spanish monarchs who, from the fifteenth century onwards, avidly collected art and patronised contemporary artists such as Titian, Rubens, Velázquez, Murillo and Tiepolo. Today, the Prado is one of the most visited museums in the world and, through its dynamic exhibition, publishing, conservation and research programs, continues to influence art historical research and contemporary museology. EVENT TIMES Sunday 9am - 5pm Monday 10am - 5pm Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

Star Chef To Tantalise At The Ekka

BRILLIANT Ipswich chef David Manz will share his refreshing brand of cooking with Ekka-goers today.

Manz, head chef at Platform 9 Restaurant and Lounge Bar in the Metro Hotel Ipswich International, will demonstrate how to cook a mouth-watering burger at midday.

Aspiring cooks can learn the secrets to making the perfect burger.

Manz said he was looking forward to putting a fresh twist on an Ekka-season favourite.
"I decided to cook a dish in keeping with the Ekka theme, and also to bring a professional edge to a dish that can be cooked at home," he said.

"This burger's a bit different because it's Asian-inspired."

Manz said spices such as cardamom and cumin, combined with gourmet beef, made the dish a treat for tastebuds.

"The mince is made from eye fillet, and there's lettuce, tomato and bacon on the bun," he said.
Manz said today's demonstration would be his first.

"It's exciting, I've worked hard since I start my apprenticeship at 21 so it's great to be invited to do this nine years on," Manz said.

His experience includes working at Brisbane's Ecco Bistro, and a year at Platform 9.

Manz completed his apprenticeship in Ipswich and was happy to have returned.

"My future goal is to own and run my own restaurant, and I'd like to do it locally," he added.

Celebrity chef Dominique Rizzo will host Manz's demo, as well as others at the show.
 
GOURMET STYLE

• Manz will prepare a beef burger on a sourdough bun with sweet lychee chilli sauce, hand-cut chips and lime and ginger aioli.
• He said fresh ingredients, including meat minced at home and mixed with duck fat, made for a great burger.

Ekka Opening Surpasses Expectations

Ekka organisers say they were pleased with the turn-out for the opening day of this year's Royal Brisbane Show. 

The first day of the Ekka is usually a comparatively quiet affair, but officials say more than 20,000 people streamed through the gates yesterday.

Among them was Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush.

The Toowoomba-born actor says Ekka food and Sideshow Alley were an important part of his 1960s boyhood.

"We'd only just got television so going on the Paratrooper or the Mad Mouse was as exciting as it could be," he said.

Times have also changed for veteran cattle producer David Raff.

"When we first started showing there weren't such things as blowers and we just had to brush and brush and brush - very laborious," he said.

Competition remains a cornerstone of the 10-day event, with more than 23,000 entrants presenting their beef cattle, produce, craftwork and baking to the judges.

The Ekka offers more than $470,000 prize money this year and runs until August 18.

Relax Visa Rules For Tourists From Developing Countries, Says UN

AUSTRALIA needs to relax its strict visa requirements for visitors from developing countries if it wants to boost tourism and effectively target the emerging giants of China and India. 

UN World Tourism Organisation secretary-general Taleb Rifai yesterday said there was no evidence that tough entry conditions on tourists were necessary to protect security, and Australia and other developed countries needed to ease their regimes.

"Visas are becoming a real nightmare," Mr Rifai told a tourism conference in Melbourne.

"It is not reasonable to still see long lines, very cumbersome, uneasy, complicated, lengthy, overpriced entry formalities all over the world, particularly facing nationals from countries that are rising and countries that are providing the base for future incoming tourists.

"There is no evidence to establish that there are close and very strong links between visas and security issues."

Chinese and Indian visitors have provided the greatest annual growth to tourism numbers over the past decade but face a number of bureaucratic hurdles to come here.

Those travelling to Australia for the first time must provide bank statements or other financial information, as well as a letter from their employer showing their position and salary, length of employment and approval for leave, or evidence of enrolment for students.

If visiting relatives or friends, a letter of invitation from the relative or friend in Australia may also be required.

While the tourism industry has bemoaned the high Australian dollar for making Australia less competitive as a destination, Mr Rifai told The Australian visa requirements and easier international travel should be seen as a greater priorities.

"The cost is not the major factor here, it's the ease of reaching here, cost of travel and cost and complications of entry," said the former Jordanian government minister.

"Cost is a very important element in competitiveness but it should not be too much of an obsession.
"Some of the most attractive destinations in the world are some of the most expensive destinations in the world as well."

UNESCO has threatened to declare the Great Barrier Reef "in danger" if conservation efforts are not improved, but Mr Rifai said Australia should be congratulated for setting itself high environmental targets.

"The fact that Australia has these very valuable reefs places more responsibility on Australia, but I think all in all you should be satisfied with what you're doing so far," he said. "On environmental counts, Australia is doing very, very well."

G20 'Terrific' for Brisbane Tourism

HOSTING the G20 forum will be the perfect opportunity to show Brisbane off to the world, the head of Queensland's Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) says. 

Brisbane will host the 2014 meeting of the world's 20 largest economies, bringing about 4000 delegates and 3000 media to the city, federal Treasurer Wayne Swan announced on Wednesday.
QTIC chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the event was terrific news for the state's ever-important tourism sector.

"It's very exciting for the city to be put in the spotlight, and hopefully it'll be not as controversial as some G20 events in the past," he told AAP.

"I'm sure it'll deliver a boost for businesses in the lead-up and afterwards as well."

Mr Gschwind said Brisbane now had the infrastructure to host a major international summit.
"There are some fantastic facilities here with the Convention Centre, which was significantly expanded this year," he said.

 "We have an entertainment precinct on South Bank with excellent cultural establishments, so the events and business side of Brisbane travel has done exceptionally well in recent years and will continue to do so."

OVO CIRQUE DU SOLEIL SHOWING IN AUSTRALIA

About The Show - OVO CIRQUE DU SOLEIL




 Cirque du Soleil returns to Australia with a spectacular new production for the whole family, presented under the blue-and-yellow Grand Chapiteau (Big Top).

OVO is a headlong rush into a colourful eco-system teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy and movement. The insects' home is a world of biodiversity and beauty filled with noisy action and moments of quiet emotion.

When a mysterious egg appears in their midst, the insects are awestruck and intensely curious about this iconic object that represents the enigma and cycles of their lives.

It's love at first sight when a gawky, quirky insect arrives in this bustling community and a fabulous ladybug catches his eye - and the feeling is mutual.

The cast of OVO is comprised of 54 performing artists from 16 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts. One highlight of OVO is the stunning flying trapeze act, in which six flyers soar 40 feet in the air, making this the biggest act of its kind to ever be presented under a big top by Cirque du Soleil. It combines many circus disciplines, including banquine, Russian swing and swinging chair. The finale features 20 artists running, jumping and leaping up a 24-foot vertical wall.

OVO is overflowing with contrasts. The hidden, secret world at our feet is revealed as tender and torrid, noisy and quiet, peaceful and chaotic. And as the sun rises on a bright new day, the vibrant cycle of insect life begins anew.

OVO is written and directed by Deborah Colker.

"Overhead and on-the-ground, OVO is a whimsical infestation. It captivates as a vibrant, magical spectacle."

Chicago Now

"Cirque du Soleil turns bug's world upside-down in spectacular OVO."

Chicago Sun-Times

"Cirque du Soleil 'OVO' delivers the unbelievable. "

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Cirque hatches visual stunner."

Houston Chronicle

"OVO is an astonishing showcase of superhuman feats of strength, balance and contortion."

Houston Press

Brisbane Opens July 14, 2012

Sydney Opens September 13, 2012

Adelaide Opens December 06, 2012

Melbourne Opens January 17, 2013

Perth Opens April 14, 2013

Book at Ticketek

Brisbane's Airport Link reveals patronage figures for first week

Operating company Brisconnections has released a daily average for the first seven days since last Wednesday.

In that time, an average 77,320 vehicles a day went through the tunnel - a long way from the 135,000 vehicles a day BrisConnections hopes to achieve by the end of the three month toll free period.

The tunnel has experienced some teething problems including issues with traffic light sequences at exits and entrances and complaints about signage.

CEO Dr Ray Wilson said the first week had seen "solid traffic numbers and positive feedback from motorists about the road and time savings achieved".

"Motorists are quickly realising the value of this important new asset, with BrisConnections having received reports of time savings of up to 20 minutes to the airport as projected and considerably less traffic on suburban streets," Dr Wilson said.

"We have now witnessed the way AirportlinkM7 has revolutionised traffic movement around the city with its vital connections to the CBD, Airport, northern suburbs, Inner City Bypass, and Clem7 straight through to the Pacific Motorway."

He said the daily average was expected to grow as people adjust their travel patterns.

"Feedback has been positive with many motorists being surprised and delighted at the time savings they have achieved on their daily commutes," Dr Wilson said.

He said BrisConnections was working with the road authorities to refine some minor signage issues and traffic light sequencing on the surrounding road network.

Tiger Launches Sydney-Brisbane Route, Announces New Jobs

TIGER Airways is attempting to fly away from its turbulent past. The airline announced yesterday it is increasing flights and creating 100 new jobs, including 70 in Victoria.

In coming weeks the number of daily Tiger flights will increase from 44 to 64, including a new service departing from Sydney, the company said.

The recruitment drive is part of a nationwide expansion that includes a new route from Melbourne to Hobart and a Sydney to Brisbane route that will run from tomorrow out of the airline's new Sydney base.

Tiger is recruiting for 100 new jobs, including the 70 in Victoria, for captains, first officers, cabin crew, cabin managers, engineering staff and managers.

The airline was previously run out of Victoria's Tullamarine airport, but opened a Sydney base in July.

Last July, Tiger's Australian services were suspended for six weeks over safety concerns related to pilot training, safety management and overall safety systems.

QantasLink Opens State of the Art Gate Lounge at Brisbane's Domestic Terminal

QantasLink have officially opened its new state of the art gate lounge facility at Brisbane's Domestic Terminal.

QantasLink Executive Manager John Gissing said QantasLink's new gate lounge will support the significant growth the airline has experienced over recent years.

"QantasLink is committed to Brisbane as it is the gateway to 13 QantasLink destinations in Queensland which support the state's booming resource sector and world class tourism destinations," Mr Gissing said.

"Over $4 million has been spent to deliver this state of the art facility which will provide customers with a premium QantasLink experience from the ground up."

The new gate lounge facility provides QantasLink customers with access to two additional boarding gates (5 and 6), a centrally located customer services desk, seating for 150 customers, and technology designed to assist customers travelling with specific needs. Featuring Qantas' contemporary interior styling with an abundance of natural light and relaxed ambience, the new lounge will also be supported by a new QantasLink ground team committed to delivering the highest standard of customer service.

"QantasLink's new gate lounge is conveniently located in close proximity to Qantas' premium Business and Qantas Club lounges as well as the terminals cafes and retailers.

The Minister for Transport and Main Roads Scott Emerson said since the commencement of construction in December 2011, the new QantasLink gate lounge had employed 250 Queenslanders.

"It is great to see one of Australia's most iconic brands investing in our state's future through providing employment opportunities as well as a premium product at our major transport and tourism gateway Brisbane Domestic Airport," Mr Emerson said.

"Tourism is a major focus for the Newman Government in growing Queensland into a four-pillar economy and QantasLink has been a key contributor in promoting and supporting regional Queensland."

Today QantasLink also officially celebrated being named Regional Airline of the Year 2012 by launching a new element to its aircraft livery.

"QantasLink is proud to be Air Transport World's Regional Airline of the Year 2012. This award recognised our team of services professionals who are dedicated to connecting regional Australians to our nation's capital cities and beyond," Mr Gissing said.

The new award livery will be introduced across QantasLink's fleet and will remain for the next six months.

Top Five Golden Rules for Female Travellers

Top five Golden rules for female travellers

With 45 percent of woman making up the corporate travel market, International SOS has identified five golden rules to help woman keep safe when travelling for business.

Rule number one: Know Yourself

Understanding your profile and how that profile may be perceived when you travel is vital. Key areas to consider include your physical appearance, travel experience, personality type and budget.

Rule number two: Do your research

Don’t assume, do your research before you travel and know the geography of the city you are visiting, plus be aware of any cultural differences.

Rule number three: Don’t be an easy target

Plan your flights so you arrive in the daytime especially if you are planning to catch a taxi and always use official taxis.

Rule number four: Be assertive

Be confident as appearing unfamiliar can make you a potential target.  Trust your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t.

Rule number five: Stay calm in a crisis

Statistics have proven that woman are more prone to harassment, assault and hand bag theft therefore it important to know how to respond in a crisis.  Being prepared is key to reducing risk while on business travel

State of Origin 2012: Game III preview

The 2012 State of Origin series between Queensland and New South Wales reaches a conclusion at the cauldron of Lang Park tonight.

Queensland remains favourite for the deciding game after winning the past six Origin series but the Blues are confident of claiming the series.

Coaches Mal Meninga and Ricky Stuart have only increased the tension with their barbs at each other during the past six weeks.

Tonight one of these Origin legends will bask in the glory of possibly their sweetest victory.
Maroons prop Petero Civoniceva makes his 33rd and final Origin appearance and will be hoping to go out - as Darren Lockyer did 12 months ago - a winner.

Ahead of tonight's game Grandstand previews the match and looks back at all the facts and figures since Origin began in 1980.

• State of Origin by the numbers
• Game I and II statistical analysis
• Stuart insists Blues not intimidated
• Civoniceva: It's not about me

Grandstand's broadcast on local and digital radio starts just after 7pm (AEST), or catch the live web stream of the game and follow our live blog.

QUEENSLAND		NEW SOUTH WALES
GREG INGLIS Age: 25 Origin: 17	1	BRETT STEWART Age: 27 Origin: 7
DARIUS BOYD Age: 24 Origin: 13	2	JARRYD HAYNE Age: 24 Origin: 15
DANE NIELSEN Age: 27 Origin: 2	3	MICHAEL JENNINGS Age: 24 Origin: 6
JUSTIN HODGES Age: 30 Origin: 14	4	JOSH MORRIS Age: 25 Origin: 4
BRENT TATE Age: 30 Origin: 17	5	BRETT MORRIS Age: 25 Origin: 5
JOHNATHAN THURSTON Age: 29 Origin: 23	6	TODD CARNEY Age: 26 Origin: 2
COOPER CRONK Age: 28 Origin: 8	7	MITCHELL PEARCE Age: 28 Origin: 8
MATT SCOTT Age: 26 Origin: 10	8	TIM GRANT Age: 24 Origin: 1
CAMERON SMITH (C) Age: 29 Origin: 26	9	ROBBIE FARAH Age: 28 Origin: 4
PETERO CIVONICEVA Age: 37 Origin: 32	10	JAMES TAMOU Age: 23 Origin: 2
NATE MYLES Age: 27 Origin: 19	11	BEAU SCOTT Age: 28 Origin: 4
SAM THAIDAY Age: 27 Origin: 16	12	GREG BIRD Age: 28 Origin: 10
COREY PARKER Age: 30 Origin: 7	13	PAUL GALLEN (C) Age: 30 Origin: 13
Interchange
MATT GILLETT Age: 23 Origin: 2	14	TONY WILLIAMS Age: 23 Origin: 1
BEN TE'O Age: 23 Origin: debut	15	LUKE LEWIS Age: 28 Origin: 10
BEN HANNANT Age: 27 Origin: 11	16	BEN CREAGH Age: 27 Origin: 10
DAVID SHILLINGTON Age: 29 Origin: 6	17	ANTHONY WATMOUGH Age: 28 Origin: 8

There's So Much Happening in Brisbane

Metro Hotel Tower Mill Brisbane is a well-known landmark in the centre of Brisbane, offering leisure and business visitors stylish and affordable accommodation and dining. You will enjoy the convenience of staying in close proximity to the city's CBD and main sporting attractions, including Queen Street Mall, Treasury Casino, Southbank Parklands, the Botanica Gardens, art galleries, museums and Suncorp Stadium.

View the Metro Hotel Tower Mill Website

 

 

Ekka Citing Accommodation Package at Metro Hotel Tower Mill

Metro Hotel Tower Mill is offering this Ekka Citing Package for $180.00 including:

• Accommodation for two in an Executive Twin or Double Room
• Full Buffett Breakfast for two
• FREE WIFI Internet Access
• Late Check-out 12 pm

View Metro Hotel Tower Mill
 
View this Ekka Citing Package from Metro Hotel Tower Mill

Terms and Conditions:

• Subject to availability
• Valid 10/08 - 19/08/2012
• Terms and Conditions apply

Maroons Coach Mal Meninga Expects Better Of His Team; Unfazed By NSW Selection Issues

QUEENSLAND coach Mal Meninga has turned up the heat on his side ahead of the Origin decider by admitting he has not been completely satisfied with the Maroons' performances in the first two games. 
 
The Maroons have struggled with their execution this series without the cool-headed organisation of former skipper Darren Lockyer, putting pressure on his five-eighth replacement Johnathan Thurston to fire in the Suncorp decider next Wednesday night.

Emboldened by their 16-12 win in Origin II, the Blues are growing in confidence and believe they have finally struck the right formula in team balance and attitude to end Queensland's six-year interstate dominance.

While praising his side's commitment and desire, Meninga said the major lesson he has learned from the opening two matches is Queensland's need to be more clinical across the board.

Meninga's warning came as the Maroons prepared to launch their preparations for Origin III with the first training session at a rain-soaked Stockland Park on the Sunshine Coast today.


"We have always talked about preparation and the effort has been there but we have let ourselves down a bit in execution," Meninga said.

"We have to come up with the right formula, the right plan and the right team to get on with the business of winning the decider.

"It is getting more difficult each year. Ricky (Stuart, NSW coach) has a very good side, they believe they are more desperate than us and they understand the cauldron of Suncorp Stadium.

"It's a challenge each game we play. It's different to club footy, you have to focus intensely on each game and you only have three games so every time you put the Maroon jersey on you have to be at your best.

"It's about how we handle it all. The side has to realise NSW are coming to our home and we have to start well."

While the Maroons are sweating on the fitness of injured fullback Billy Slater, Queensland hierarchy do not expect Blues hitman Glenn Stewart to take a knee injury into the decider.

Asked about how the Blues were shaping up after naming another extended squad, Meninga said: "I don't really care to be honest with you, it will sort itself out.

"We have had to endure this before in regards to their make up. We will plan around what to expect, we don't expect Stewart to play but we have to make sure we are settled to prepare as best we can."

Maroons prop Petero Civoniceva said he was not concerned that Queensland's 20-man squad could derail their preparations.

"It's not disruptive at all," he said.

"It's something we have to deal with week in, week out with our own (club) teams.

"You get guys who are carrying injuries into games every week and it's a process.

"The core of our team is our strength and we've got some great combinations that has brought us a lot of success over the years.

"I'm sure that familiarity will help us in our preparation."

City Council Launches Free CBD Ferry Service On Brisbane River From Sunday

BRISBANE residents and tourists will have access to a free ferry service on the Brisbane River from Sunday. 
 
The City Hopper ferry loop was a $6 million election commitment made by Lord Mayor Cr Graham Quirk in April in a bid to provide a free service and keep the historic monohull ferries in use.

Three historic CityFerries rebranded as the red and white CityHopper.

Cr Quirk said he hoped the service would provide a boost for the local tourism industry.

"By providing a free ferry service in Brisbane's inner city, we hope to encourage more residents and visitors to enjoy the river and local destinations like South Bank, Kangaroo Point, the CBD and New Farm," Cr Quirk said in a statement.

The service will run every half hour, seven days a week from 6am to midnight.

It will follow the current Inner City Ferry route stopping at New Farm (Sydney Street), South Bank (Terminal 3), North Quay, South Brisbane (Maritime Museum), Kangaroo Point (Dockside, Holman Street and Thornton Street) and the Brisbane CBD, with the total journey from Sydney Street to North Quay taking about 45 minutes.

"Rather than compete with CityCats, which are our fast and frequent public transport service around the river, CityHoppers will allow people to take in the city by day or the city's lights by night at a slower pace," Cr Quirk said.

"I want to bring them back to the fore and using them to spearhead a free ferry tourism loop will go a long way to achieving that."

He said about 50 per cent of passengers using the city's ferries were already doing so for tourism or leisure.

George Michael Symphonica Tour - Australia 2012

AFTER HIS 2010 SOLD OUT TOUR, GEORGE MICHAEL RETURNS TO AUSTRALIA AS YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN HIM BEFORE!

George Michael triumphantly returns to Australia in November and December 2012, with his Symphonica Tour

The multi-million selling artist is back in good health and fighting fit after a battle with pneumonia at the end of last year, which unfortunately led to his ‘Symphonica’ tour being postponed. George Michael is now preparing to return to the big stage later this year with rescheduled and newly added tour dates in Europe, the UK and Australia.

Before its unexpected hiatus, Symphonica, played to packed houses in Europe and fulfilled George's long-cherished artistic ambition of performing alongside a full orchestra. On the tour George will perform a carefully chosen selection of his own material spanning his remarkable career; and he will also cover some of his favourite songs from other artists.

On Symphonica, the music has been re-worked and re-arranged for a large scale orchestra, which will accompany George and his band throughout the tour. This brand new symphonic production has given each song added layers and fresh nuance. It's unmistakeably George Michael, but not as we've ever known him.

With an unparalleled voice, a large-scale orchestra and a tantalising promise to include songs never previously performed live, Symphonica is a magical experience awaiting singer and audience alike...

TOUR DATES*:

Tue 27 Nov - Brisbane Entertainment Centre

*Ticketek is selling for the above venues only.

The Beach Boys 50 - 2012 Tour Australia

Paul Dainty, Chairman of Dainty Group has announced that one of the worlds' most legendary and influential bands of all time The Beach Boys, will tour Australia this year as part of their 50th Anniversary Tour with dates confirmed in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

The 50th Anniversary Tour marks the first time in more than two decades that original members Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks will tour together.

The 50th Anniversary Tour, which commenced in North America in April, is receiving critical acclaim and proving to be a historical concert event not to be missed.

For five decades, America's first pop band to reach the 50 year milestone has recorded and performed the music that has become the world's favorite soundtrack to summer. Founded in Hawthorne, California in 1961, The Beach Boys were originally comprised of the three teenaged Wilson brothers: Brian, Carl and Dennis, their cousin Mike Love, and school friend Al Jardine. In 1962, neighbour David Marks joined the group for their first wave of hits with Capitol Records, leaving in late 1963, and in 1965, Bruce Johnston joined the band when Brian Wilson retired from touring to focus on writing and producing for the group.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and recipients of The Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY Award, The Beach Boys are an American institution that is iconic around the world.

TOUR DATES*:

Tuesday 28 August - Brisbane Entertainment Centre

*Ticketek is selling for the above venues only.

Brisbane City Landmarks Turning Maroon In Lead-Up to 2012 State of Origin Decider

Last night, Brisbane took on a new shade of parochial pride with the Story Bridge, Kuripla Bridge, Wheel of Brisbane and City Hall among the city landmarks to turn maroon in the lead-up to this year's Origin series decider tomorrow week.

The new colour scheme is part of the "Show Your Colours" campaign, which was launched in the Queen Street Mall yesterday.

The campaign is designed to get the state behind the Maroons as they go for a record seventh consecutive series wins over New South Wales, and to promote Brisbane as a major events destination.


The city's residents are being asked to play their part and decorate their houses, cars, workplaces and everything else in maroon to celebrate being a Queenslander and display their pride in their state.

FANS: Darren lockyer with Breeanna Dwyer, 7, Hudson Spencer, 9, Chloe, 9, and Kane Martin, 6.

Former Queensland captain Darren Lockyer said the campaign would lift the Queensland players for their must-win game.

"As a rugby league player, it doesn't get any more exciting than Origin at Suncorp (Stadium)," Lockyer said.

"It's about supporting your team, the more maroon we see the better we'll play."

Pictures: Annette Dew

Source: The Courier-Mail

Queensland Tourism News: Newman Doubles Tourism Funding To Regions

State funding for tourism organisations in regional Queensland will be doubled to help prop up the ailing industry.

Premier Campbell Newman told the DestinationQ conference in Cairns today the funding would increase from $3.11 million to $7 million through a redirection of resources as the industry struggles to attract tourists.

But he says the government can't afford to just "throw buckets of money" at the industry to help it compete with the high Australian dollar and neighbouring countries.

"Simply preserving what we have will not meet the challenges of the future," he told the 300-plus crowd.

"We can't afford to sit with the status quo and it won't get us to where we want to go."
Mr Newman had campaigned about tourism being one of the major pillars of Queensland's economy during the lead up to the state election.

He told tourism operators the conference was about coming up with a new way forward for the state's tourism as he promised to do in his first 100 days in government.

Some of the conference's major focuses will include reducing red tape, attracting and retaining skilled workers in the industry, marketing strategies and how national parks were operated.
The forum, which several ministers including deputy premier Jeff Seeney are attending, was welcomed by tourism bodies.

Accommodation Association of Australia CEO Richard Munro said it was important for frontline operators to be able to air their grievances directly to government.

"It's important for governments at all levels to put in place policies which promote investment in both existing and new tourism accommodation products which do not adversely impact on operators", Mr Munro said in a statement.

Simple Minds And Devo Take To Australia

Two rather different but very popular ‘80s pop acts are coming together for a big tour of Australia this December, as Simple Minds and Devo play a series of theatre and winery shows with support from Australian art-rock superstars the church and, for some shows, the Sean Kelly led Models.

Australia was the first territory to embrace the music of Simple Minds, their Love Song in 1981 was a massive hit here, as was the New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) album which followed in 1982. Of course, after that, they became one of the world’s biggest bands with hits like Don’t You (Forget About Me) and Alive and Kicking which continue to be cherished the world over.

One of the most exciting, subversive and infectious acts of the post-punk era, Devo not only have a swag of hits, but a huge number of critically adored records which are seen to be some of the most influential among many modern bands. Likewise, their stage show has always been one that confounds and intrigues and their recent visits as headliners of the Splendour In The Grass and Livid festivals have shown that they have not lost any of what made them so exciting.

Alongside the long-standing Australian legends of alternative pop and rock music the church and groundbreaking Aussies Models (who play the A Day On The Green winery dates in the Yarra Valley, Perth, Hunter Valley and Brisbane's Mt Cotton), these shows are set to showcase some of the finest music that came out of the 1980s but is still completely relevant and exciting today.
Tickets are on sale Monday 2 July. Dates are below.

Brisbane Reveals $353 Million IT Overhaul

Australia’s largest council administration, Brisbane City Council, has revealed an ambitious plan to spend $353 million on a comprehensive new SAP-based business administration platform which will see some 62 legacy systems shut down and replaced with the aid of IT services firm Accenture.

In a statement released this week, Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the “major overhaul” would be undertaken over the next decade, and was expected to generate about $450 million in efficiencies over that period – meaning the benefits of the new system would outweigh its cost by “about $100 million” over that period, if everything goes according to plan.

“Council’s current systems are outdated and need to be brought into the 21st century if we want to cement Brisbane’s reputation as an economic powerhouse in the Asia-Pacific Region,” Quirk said. “To do nothing is not an option. As Lord Mayor my job is to deliver Brisbane ratepayers the best value for money and Council needs to change the way it does business to achieve that. This new system will allow us to create one Council that is seamless to deal with for residents and businesses. Less money tied up in red tape means more money spent on frontline services in our suburbs such as tree trimming, road resurfacing and footpath repair.”

The bulk of the money will be spent in the first three years of the systems’ implementation, with the rest being spread over the rest of the decade. $104 million will be allocated to the project in the 2012/2013 financial year, with the total installation cost expected to be about $194 million. There will also be an operating cost of about $111 million over the total ten-year period.
“It is predicted that it will cost ratepayers about $212 million to run Council’s current outdated systems over the next ten years if nothing is changed,” the council’s statement said.

SAP hasn’t exactly had the best run recently within Queensland’s public sector, with the German software giant’s technology also being used in the disastrous Queensland Health payroll systems implementation. A KMPG audit recently found the project has already cost $417 million and will need some $837 million more to fix over the next five years, in a finding which the state’s new LNP Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said in Parliament several weeks ago illustrated that the project was an “abomination”.

However, it was IBM, Queensland Health itself and government shared services provider Corptech which implemented the project, and very little blame for the disaster has been attached to SAP, with much of the problems with the project relating to governance and business processes, not the specific technology being used. In his statement, Quirk attempted to head off criticism of the SAP platform for the BaSE project before it began.

“Quirk acknowledged SAP was the same brand of software used in the recent Qld Health payroll upgrade,” the council’s statement read. “However he pointed to the former State Labor Government’s own independent report, which found the problem with that rollout lay with Qld Health’s implementation, not SAP’s software. Quirk said Council was also undertaking a different implementation strategy that would see Council change the way it does business to suit the new system, not force the software provider to alter its tried-and-tested product to suit the organisation as Labor did with Qld Health.”

Quirk said Brisbane City Council was being “flexible” in its rollout to ensure that it gets the project right the first time before switching on the new platform, to avoid the same problems Queensland Health suffered. “That said we’ve put in place strict contractual arrangements regarding any potential late delivery or cost increases to ensure we get the best service and value for ratepayers, something Labor and Qld Health also failed to do,” the LNP Lord Mayor said.

Opinion/Analysis

In my opinion, this implementation which Brisbane City Council has announced is a recipe for disaster. Any time you try to shut down dozens of legacy systems and migrate the whole shebang onto one huge centralised platform, you’re going to suffer a huge number of roadblocks.

While no doubt Accenture, SAP and the council itself are being very careful here, especially because of the disastrous implementation at Queensland Health, I think anyone who expects this implementation to proceed smoothly has not been following recent IT projects within Australia’s public sector.

It is a universal truth now that Australia’s sub-Federal public sector is broadly incapable of successfully delivering on major IT projects; we’ve seen this trend right around Australia recently, from Queensland to NSW, to Victoria and Western Australia, and I do not expect this rollout to be any different. If this deployment is successful, it will be very much an outlier.

Hawaiian Airlines: New Brisbane-USA Connections Via Honolulu

Hawaiian Airlines will begin flights between Brisbane and Honolulu this November -- and while Australians tend to think of Hawaiian as a holiday airline, the connecting flights via Honolulu to just under a dozen continental US cities will be a useful option fo Queensland's business travellers.

Being able to skip a connection across Sydney Airport and missing out on a further multi-terminal change at Los Angeles LAX? We count that as a win.

So are the direct flights from Honolulu to San Jose (Silicon Valley's local airport) and ten other US cities that would otherwise require a connection.

There's also something to be said for mixing a bit of work and play with a bonus stopover in Hawaii on the way back. After all, you deserve a little downtime!

You'll also earn Virgin Australia Velocity points on Hawaiian's flights.

Of course, there are tradeoffs. (Aren't there always?) Hawaiian's business class seat is an older-style recliner, and the flights only run three times weekly.

The new flight details in full

The thrice-weekly Brisbane-Honolulu flights will take around nine hours, using a Boeing 767-300 plane with 18 business class and 244 economy class seats.

Business class on Hawaiian is an older recliner-style seat, similar to what Qantas uses on its domestic 767 Cityflyer planes. 

In terms of timing, US-bound Flight HA444 will depart Brisbane at 1835 every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, cross the international dateline and arrive in Honolulu at 0805 the same day.

Return HA443 will leave Honolulu at 1020 every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, cross the international dateline and land in Brisbane at 1600 the next day.

Hawaiian's thrice-weekly schedule -- and the seats that don't match up to anyone else's business class across the Pacific -- may give some business travellers pause. That's especially true for business travellers more sensitive to schedule or a fully flat bed.

But if you have the flexibility, an aversion to extra connections, a dislike of LAX and an interest in stopping over in Hawaii, it's definitely something I'd consider.

There’s No Place Like Home For Aussies

More Australians are planning a winter holiday at home this year, according to new survey results that show Aussies are choosing Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast over other popular destinations including Thailand, Fiji and NZ.

lastminute.com.au data revealed that local ski regions are receiving a significant share of bookings this winter with Jindabyne receiving 68 percent of domestic bookings followed by Falls Creek and Threbo with 53 percent and 45 percent.

Warmer spots across the country are also being utilised as winter getaways this year, according to the results, that found Palm Cove managed to receive 39 percent of bookings for winter this year followed  by 35 percent to Cairns and 34 percent to Mission Beach.

"Australia really does offer a taste of whatever holiday you're after during the cooler months,” lastminute.com.au spokesperson said.

“If you're a ski bunny, there are plenty of snow regions with great accommodation and nightlife options to choose from. If you're a sunshine seeker, it's the perfect time of year to tick Darwin or Tropical North Queensland off your must-visit list.”

Meanwhile in the international sector, London topped the list for Australian travellers during June, July and August this year, followed by Bali, Auckland and Bangkok.

"Sun-loving Aussies were no doubt pretty disappointed with our last summer,” the spokesperson added.

“These savvy travellers are seeking out a dose of summer by booking destinations with warm climates all year round.”

ICC U19 CRICKET WORLD CUP

The world's best young cricketers will gather in Queensland from 11-26 August to test their skills during the 2012 ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup.

Free to attend and held over three locations - Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Townsville - the tournament will see sixteen teams from around the world compete including Australia; Afghanistan; Bangladesh; England; India; Ireland; Namibia;  Nepal; New Zealand; Pakistan; Papua New Guinea; Scotland; South Africa; Sri Lanka; West Indies; and Zimbabwe.

For a full tournament schedule visit 

www.icc-cricket.yahoo.net
ICC U19 CRICKET WORLD CUP

Green Tape Chokes Our Tourism

A luxury hotel! Right inside a Blue Mountains World Heritage Area.

Of course, you might say. Who wants to stand in a hot forest the whole day, looking at trees?

Who wouldn't want to zip back after a couple of hours to grab that cocktail, jump in that pool, lounge on that sun deck or take that massage next to that passing wombat?

But note this. This ad campaign is the first in which Tourism Australia has featured not just our best bits of nature, but the luxury resorts right next to them, including spectacular ones at Kangaroo Island and Tasmania's Great Oyster Bay.

Not only that, the Blue Mountains resort is the one at Wolgan Valley that green groups fought and green tape almost strangled. A hotel in a national park? Sacrilege!

Which makes Tourism Australia's latest ad campaign, launched in Shanghai, not just a celebration of Australia, but one more sign of the decline of the anti-human green movement.

The Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa, which Test captain Michael Clarke booked out last month for his wedding, is the perfect example.

Emirates announced in 2005 it wanted to build this $125 million extravaganza, yet had to work for two more years just to get its plans through all the green tape, including approvals from the then Howard government, the local shire, the NSW Land and Environment Court and the NSW Labor government.

It's a familiar story for any big developer. For years now, it's seemed a sin to green preachers to have man's footprint anywhere near nature.

This absurd fear of human contamination has closed a uranium mine in Kakadu, banned oil exploration around the Barrier Reef, halted coal mines in Queensland, delayed housing developments in even the most barren scrub and now threatens a planned $30 billion gas hub project on James Price Point an empty scrap of the vast Kimberley.

Even a humble $50 million expansion of the Yaringa Boat Harbour on the Mornington Peninsula was held up for a year by green bureaucrats fretting over an orange-bellied parrot no one had actually seen there for a quarter of a century.

This anti-human paranoia has also led to attacks on tourism itself. Tourists are told not to climb Ayers Rock; recreational fishing has been severely restricted; horse riding in many national parks is limited or even banned; and where is the five-star resort on the Barrier Reef itself that tourists would cross the world to see?

It's like banning laughter in church. Victoria's magnificent Wilsons Prom is under such prudish management that you can't stay anywhere inside bar a camping site or some spartan eco-cabin.
The Wolgan Valley resort could have gone the same puritanical way. What an effort and expense Emirates had to go to just to get an official "yes" to a project that Tourism Australia now touts as one of our biggest tourism magnets.

It had to swap 114 hectares of bushland it had bought next to the park for 39ha of the park itself, with green groups screaming every inch of the way. It had to plant thousands of trees, modify its designs and agree to all kinds of restrictions. Even now, just four helicopter trips a week are allowed to ferry in guests.

Now come the Tourism Australia ads to explode the fallacy and extremism that tends to drive such anti-development campaigns.

No, man is not necessarily a pollution on the landscape. No, there's not much point in having great scenery if you make it too tough for people to see or enjoy.

These ads no longer trade on our beauty spots being remote and unsullied by human hands. After all, there's not a single national park that isn't improved by a good road to go see it.
So we see the beauty of the Great Oyster Bay through the windows of the Saffire Freycinet luxury lodge.
We look out over Kangaroo Island's beach from the great windows of the Southern Ocean Lodge. Uluru is seen from well laid dining tables at dusk, and a chopper is parked on top of a waterfall in the El Questro Wilderness Park, because who wants to hike in the heat?

In fact, the sole Victorian entry in the 12 destinations showcased is nothing designed by nature not the Great Ocean Road or the penguins of Phillip Island but Crown casino.

And Sydney closes the ads with our greatest calling card the man-made Sydney Opera House, on the edge of the God-made harbour.

It's the perfect balance.
Green Tape Chokes Our Tourism