The inaugural Oceania Ecosystem Services Forum (27th – 31st March 2017) was held in the river city of Brisbane (Australia).

  • Location

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The city of Brisbane is the gateway to the South East Queensland (SEQ) region. SEQ stretches from the beautiful Sunshine Coast  in the North, to the world famous Gold Coast and world heritage hinterland in the South; and West from Toowoomba and the glorious escarpment of the Great Dividing Range to the sandy beaches and majestic wildlife and landscape of the Moreton Bay Islands. The SEQ region is rich in natural and managed landscapes and Indigenous and local culture, making it the perfect location for sharing knowledge on ecosystem services and for you to explore.

The average temperature in Brisbane at the time of the Forum is 24C (74F). Further information on average weather in the region is here. Get ready to enjoy yourself because you will be in Queensland, where it is beautiful one day and perfect the next!

  • Venue

The venue for the Forum was the Novotel Brisbane.

Located in the Brisbane CBD, the Novotel Brisbane has comprehensive conference facilities, 4.5 star accommodation in 296 rooms, 24 hour reception, a restaurant, café and bar, a swimming pool, sauna and gym. The Pantry Restaurant prides itself on fresh ingredients and aims to support local farmers by purchasing produce within a 100km radius (hence putting money back into the local community and economy). With easy access to the Queen Street Mall shopping district (600m), Southbank Parklands (2.2km), Exhibition Centre (2.2km) and Central Train station (200m), the Novotel provides a great destination for us to meet, and for you to explore in your leisure the best Brisbane and the region has to offer.

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The Novotel Brisbane is supported by Accor Hotels global commitment to environmental sustainability and reduction of their carbon footprint. Their Planet 21 program consists of seven pillars: health, nature, carbon, employment, dialogue, local and innovation. Planet 21 was created in 1994 and identified guests four main areas of concern related to the environment, these being; water, energy, waste and child protection. The initiative is based around these concerns and extends to other community interests, such as: investment in the Indigenous Job Ready Program; and working with Mission Australia to raise funds to help improve the lives of those less fortunate (e.g. combating homelessness, providing employment and training opportunities for disengaged Australians).

Click here for special accommodation rates for Forum participants. There are also many other accommodation options around Brisbane from 5 star hotels to backpacker lodges. To find alternative accommodation outside the Forum venue, visit travel websites such as TripAdvisor or Trivago for the best available deals.

  • Travel

Airports

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The Novotel Brisbane is approximately 16km or 20 minutes from both Brisbane International and Domestic Airports. The following ground transport to and from both airports to the Novotel  are available:

  • Air train: this is the easiest and cheapest option. The Airtrain departs and arrives at the front of Brisbane Domestic and International Airports.Trains depart every 15 – 30 minutes. Bookings are cheaper if purchased online, but prior booking is not necessary.
    Once you have boarded the Airtrain, you ride non-stop to Central Station. The Novotel Brisbane is approximately 200m (up hill) from Central Station.
  • Taxi: two taxi services are available – Black & White Cabs (Ph: 133 222) and Yellow Cab (Ph: 131 924). Calculate an approximate taxi fare here.
  • Shuttle bus:there are a number of shuttle buses out the front of the airport that travel into Brisbane City.

Visas

All participants are responsible for obtaining their own visas. Information on visas can be found here. Should you require an invitation letter to support your visa please contact the Forum Coordinators: oceaniaesforum@gmail.com

Driving Directions