The purpose of this statement is to assure our clients, colleagues, the
industry and the public that the impact on the Centre of flood waters,
which Brisbane is experiencing, is much lower than may have been
anticipated.
Event spaces are unaffected. All electronic, IT
and AV equipment, some of which was moved to higher levels as soon as
the threat was first apparent, has now been returned and our IT network
is up and running. Telephone services are expected to be re-connected
later today. Our telephone is currently redirected to AEG Ogden, head
office of the Centre’s venue management group.
Water
intrusion was limited to car parking and some service areas and thanks
to the wonderful spirit and commitment of the Centre’s staff, many of
whom worked throughout the weekend to assist with the clean up, we are
working towards a gradual return to business by the end of the week
(Friday January 21st) and to be fully operational shortly after that.
The Centre has heavy bookings throughout the year and we look forward to returning to “business as usual”.
You
would undoubtedly have seen the magnificent support of the wider
Brisbane community for the areas extensively damaged in the flooding
under the inspirational leadership of Premier Anna Bligh and Lord Mayor
Campbell Newman, to both of whom we extend our congratulations and
thanks.
Brisbane is back to work today and it is business
as usual for those unaffected by the flood. Brisbane’s Lord Mayor
Campbell Newman says Brisbane’s heart is beating again with workers
headed back to the CBD and the city's main fruit and vegetable market,
which was swamped by floodwaters, has reopened its vital supply chain.
Power has been restored to more than 80% of businesses and main access
roads reopened.
The Centre certainly benefited from the
effort of the Brisbane City Council in promptly clearing the streets of
flooding and debris allowing access to the Centre.
We also
appreciate the support of our parent venue management group, AEG Ogden
and the Centre’s owners, South Bank Corporation, and we thank our many
colleagues and friends in the industry for their concerns and good
wishes.
As a significant contributor to the economy, the
public face and the attractions of Brisbane, the Centre will work
closely with the City Council and State Government to ensure that
Brisbane deservedly retains its position as Australia’s new world city.