Beach Closure
Australia has a good sense of humor – much better than the Pommies. This is clearly illustrated by the beach closure signs at the South Bank Parklands – “Beach closed because someone lost an earing” and “This is what happens when you think you can dig all the way to China”
When I first saw the warning signs, I laughed. It is great way to get attention and the message across to the public. The humor was very effective – some of the tourists and locals who noticed the sign boards – also laughed.
This is a man-made beach over looking the Brisbane River. During the summer months, it is packed with people cooling off, kids splashing about or just having a barbecue. Parents get a welcome break – no need to keep an eye on the kids in the water – that’s what the lifesavers are there for!
During the winter months – well if you can call day time temperatures in the mid-twenties winter, the Brisbane council takes the opportunity to refurbish and expand the entertainment facilities. It is probably also cheaper – less barricades and crowd support personnel required.
Things that involve water features are currently a sensitive topic, especially with the impending level 6 water restrictions looming now in mid to late October.
Early on in 2006, the fountains in the city were closed because of the drought.
The largest fountain – a major attraction during lunch time at the City Hall, St Georges Square – was filled up with a whole range of drought capable plants. What a shame!
Unfortunately, the water feature in the Queen Street Shopping Mall was not so lucky. It just got emptied out or was just not refilled as the water evaporated in the blistering summer heat.
But still, the council has managed to expand the South Bank Parkland beach area. To avoid offending anyone, I think the council fills the Parkland pools with filtered Brisbane River water – which does make a lot of sense. The river is but a stone’s throw away.
The river got a stamp of approval from some international river ways monitoring organization last year. The council also actively enforces and ensures that very little if any rubbish or toxins get washed into the river system.
