Queensland’s capital shows it is ready to host the G20 World Leader’s Summit
Former prime minister Julia Gillard cited Brisbane’s world-class facilities and infrastructure – namely the newly expanded Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) and Brisbane airport – as major factors in the selection processes. The airport is well-equipped to deal with the arrival of many world leaders in a short time.
Anticipating a rise in annual passenger traffic to 51 million in 2030 from its current 19 million, the airport has started work on a second runway. According to the Brisbane Airport Corporation, once operational in 2020, it will give Brisbane the same capacity as Singapore and Hong Kong’s airports. Brisbane is not new to hosting large international events. In 2003, the city welcomed 15,000 delegates to the Rotary International Convention, and last year’s 34th International Geological Congress attracted more than 6,000 delegates.