Southbank Parklands

The Beach

South Bank Beach is 2000 square metres of free-formed concrete construction. Nearly half of the lagoon area sits on reclaimed land that was once the Brisbane River. The 4000 cubic metres of sand surrounding the beach is sourced from Rous Channel in Moreton Bay. Every year the beach is topped up with an additional 70 tonnes of sand to ensure that it is kept in its pristine condition. A favourite with families and children, the beach is one of Brisbane's best loved and most recognised attractions. Over 5 million people visit the parklands each year to enjoy enviable climate and recreational pleasures. South Bank Beach facts: Designed by: Desmond Brookes International Landscape Architect: Media 5 Constructed by: Fletcher Jennings Construction and Water and Industrial Engineering Construction Commenced: February 1991 Construction Completed: April 1992 Awards: 1999 Moreton Bay region's cleanest beach in the Keep Australia Beautiful Council's Clean Beach Challenge. 2001 Environmental Protection Agency’s Keep Australia Beautiful Clean Beach Challenge, Friendliest Beach Award

South Bank Beach is a unique man made swimming beach overlooking the brilliant Brisbane River and Central Business District. Conceived as a major piece of landscape, the beach comprises a crystal clear lagoon with enough water to fill five Olympic swimming pools, sparkling, clean white sand beaches, palm trees, rocky creeks and shady hallows thick with sub-tropical trees and exotic plantings. The beach is patrolled seven days a week by experienced, professional lifeguards.

The lagoon contains chlorinated fresh water that is recirculated every six hours at up to 125 litres per second. Water for the beach is pumped through two large sand filters and chemically treated before being pumped back into the pools. Dredge pump and self-propelled sifting machines clean the adjoining pools.

Goodwill Bridge

Two main components of The Goodwill Bridge are the pavilion and the arch. The pavilion is located in the middle of the Brisbane River between the arch and the city approach. It is a fundamental component of the pedestrian and cycle bridge and supports one end of the arch. The arch is 102 m in length, 10 m wide and 15 m high and weighs 360 tonnes. This mammoth structure was built off site at Hemmant and took three months to construct. On completion two barges floated the arch upstream. At low tide it was floated under the Captain Cook Bridge then lifted as a single structure into its final resting position by two heavy lift towers. Four strategically positioned platforms and the pavilion-viewing platform provide rest points for pedestrians and cyclists. All materials utilised in the construction of the arch and the pavilion, except for the cables were sourced from local suppliers. Over 40,000 pedestrians and cyclists utilise the bridge each week and is clearly establishing itself as a major access point between South Bank and the city. Spanning the Brisbane River between the Southern end of South Bank and the CBD via the Queensland University of Technology campus and Botanical Gardens this architecturally impressive structure provides a vital link for pedestrians and cyclists. The Goodwill Bridge is the latest addition to the facilities being put in place to enhance Brisbane's status as one of the world's most liveable and attractive cities. It is a dominating feature of the Brisbane River landscape set to become another great architectural and engineering achievement for the modern city of Brisbane. Width: 6.5 metres allowing pedestrians and cyclists plenty of room and access for emergency vehicles Height: Clearance for River Vessels 11.4 to 12.7 from high water level to the bridge deck (same height as Victoria and Captain Cook bridges) Arch: 102m in length, 10m wide and 15m high Bridge Deck: The bridge deck wearing surface is concrete with a broom finish to provide a safe foothold. It incorporates coloured concrete and applied finish bandings that signify areas where caution is required. Security: Six closed circuit TV cameras are spread across the bridge and are monitored from the South Bank Security Control Room. Architects: Cox Rayner Design preparation:Ove Arup and Partners Construction Company: John Holland Pty Ltd Officially Opened: The Premier of Queensland, The Honourable Peter Beattie, officially opened The Goodwill Bridge on 21 October 2001. The Goodwill Bridge Facts: Total length: 450 metres Bridge Foundations: The bridge's 45 foundation piles range in diameter from 500mm to 1500mm and are reinforced with 350-grade steel and 60 cubic metres of concrete. Central Arch span: 102 metres