Queensland hosts a G20 party for all nations

Planning is underway for the biggest party Brisbane has seen since World Expo 88 in the three weeks leading up to the G20 Summit in November.

Premier Campbell Newman said the State Government was organising the event to take advantage of the tremendous economic and tourism benefits that will come to Queensland through the G20 events.

“We’re putting on the biggest party since Expo to showcase our amazing state not only to the world’s media, CEOs and leaders, but to the very people who call this great state home as well,” Mr Newman said.

“The Commonwealth Games in 1982 and World Expo 88 have both shaped Brisbane and the G20 this year will be another defining moment of our history.

“It’s an investment that will boost our state’s economy through full hotels, bars and restaurants and most importantly the positive word of mouth spread right around the globe.”

“This is our chance to say we live in a place where we know how to have fun, we’re embracing cutting edge technology and we’re genuinely a new world city.”

Arts Minister Ian Walker said the city and surrounding suburbs would come alive for the world-class celebration of arts, cultural and sporting events.

“Delivering this giant party will be a way to show the world that we are ready for the G20 summit and to show some of the great arts and culture that we have in Queensland,” Mr Walker said.

“The name of the event will be decided in the coming weeks and is likely to encompass many different things, including music programs in local parks and pubs, street performers and world dance parties in nightclubs throughout the city and Fortitude Valley.

“There’s a great outdoor events component that will happen all over the city, not just in the CBD but throughout the suburbs as well.

“A multi-cultural arts program will reflect Brisbane’s role as the world’s host to the G20.

“We also anticipate an event that will allow Cairns residents to celebrate ahead of the Finance Ministers’ Meeting in September.”

Mr Walker said the event would be programmed by Jono Perry, who had produced the annual Riverfire and Santos City of Lights for the last three years, and Athol Young who has more than 20 years of experience in arts and cultural management roles in Queensland.

[ENDS] 6 April 2014

Media contact: Alexandria Bernard  0417 252 563