Brisbane locals told to stay for G20
Brisbane residents are being urged to come into the city for this weekend's G20 summit amid fears the CBD will resemble a ghost town.
The Queensland government and Brisbane City Council say the city is open for business despite the numerous road closures and barricades in place for the leaders' forum.
By 7pm (AEST) Thursday the final road blocks and fences will be in position ready for the arrival of the bulk of the world leaders on Friday.
Assistant Minister to the Queensland Premier Deb Frecklington urged locals to ignore the inconvenience of public transport changes and head into the city.
"We're still hoping for as many people as possible to come into the city and enjoy this amazing spectacle that is this G20 weekend," she told reporters on Thursday.
Brisbane City Council's G20 chair Julian Simmonds encouraged people to visit South Bank, the botanic gardens or the city mall.
"Please don't sit at home and watch the G20 pass by on the TV," he said.
As many as 4000 delegates and 3000 reporters from around the globe are expected to attend the two-day gathering, which is costing half a billion dollars.
The summit has been criticised as an expensive talkfest but Queensland's Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey says it will generate more than $100 million for Brisbane's economy.
Ms Stuckey said the forum will also bring long-term benefits to the city and state by exposing it to an international audience.
