Brisbane City Council has started its preparations for a cracker Australia Day, with thousands expected to flock to the city’s parks and pools this Friday.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said there was no better place to celebrate Australia than in Brisbane, with a raft of events and activities planned across the city for Australia Day.

“Australia Day is about celebrating everything we love about our country and its people, and there’s no place better than Brisbane to do so,” Cr Quirk said.

“Brisbane is a diverse community and one of the most important parts of this Friday’s celebrations will be welcoming nearly 600 new citizens at Brisbane City Hall’s annual Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony,” Cr Quirk said.

“We live in a vibrant, New World City and there’ll be a wide range of events, activities and facilities on offer providing families with plenty of options to celebrate Australia Day.

“Council’s preparations are already full steam ahead with nearly 1000 barbeques, 2000 parks and 22 pools to prep ahead of our National Day.

“South Bank will come alive with festivities, with an afternoon of live music leading into a fireworks spectacular at 7:30pm.

“The Story Bridge will also light our city’s night sky in green and gold, providing a vibrant spectacle for people venturing out into the city to celebrate.”

Cr Quirk said there was also plenty of space for residents looking to enjoy a more laid back celebration outdoors, with nearly 1000 barbeques situated at Council’s parks across the city.

“Having a barbeque or a picnic at one of the 2000 plus parks we have around Brisbane is an affordable and easy way to get together with mates to celebrate our national day,” he said.

“Council pools will also be open on the public holiday from 9am to 5pm, or residents could cool off at South Bank’s Streets Beach or the water play area at Rocks Riverside Park.

“Residents can also take a trip out to Brisbane’s iconic bayside, with the bayside breeze sure to keep them cool along the Wynnum Esplanade or Shorncliffe Pier.

“For those looking to make the most of a day off tidying up the house, our Resource Recovery Centres will be open from 6.30am to 5.45pm and rubbish collections will still occur as normal.”

Residents attending events at the South Bank Parklands are reminded to leave alcoholic beverages at home as it will be a strictly no-alcohol zone for Australia Day.

For a full list of Council’s parks and facilities visit Council’s website at www.brisbane.qld.gov.au.