Brisbane River, 2009
It was a challenging 20-minute climb for our three-man crew… lugging enough camera gear and equipment for a live weather broadcast, to the top of the Story Bridge. Attached by wire to the steal frame, we took it slowly, step by step. Oh - and did I mention the cameraman's scared of heights?!!
But it was certainly worth every single one of those steps. Standing 80 metres above the Brisbane River gives you a true sense of our sprawling city. It's a spectacular sight, and I couldn't help but wonder just how much the view has changed since Queensland first became a state, 150 years ago.
What would the Brisbanites of 1859 think of our magnificent city today? And if I had a chance to describe it to them, what would I say?
First, I'd tell them about the ever-expanding skyline of skyscrapers. Buildings that reach 250 metres into the sky! The lights sparkle over the city as the sun drifts low in the sky - the colours of Brisbane constantly changing.
Then there's the Story Bridge, in itself a brilliant sight resting across the river, the connection between north and south. Cars whiz below us, trucks, buses, taxis too. The Gateway's clearly in view as well – in fact we can see all the way down to the Port of Brisbane - a facility that sees thousands of boats transport more than 30 million tonnes of cargo in and out of the wharves every year.
The river meanders past Hamilton – mansions high on the hill gaze over the rest of the Brisbane. Imagine explaining the value of the property there now! Even those workers’ cottages, with such humble beginnings, have come so far – with their manicured gardens, lap-pools and European kitchens!
Speaking of property – we can see the river continue its journeys past the woolstores at Teneriffe. River facilities that have witnessed decades of hard yakka, sweat and callused hands – now transformed to house inner-city dwellers.
The river itself hasn't altered its journey though – and two days later we're on the water, taking Ten News viewers on a boat ride. We start at the Gallery of Modern Art and travel past South Bank. It's a hot day and kids are still playing in the city beach at this favourite family playground.
The lights have just gone on at the Kangaroo Point cliffs, illuminating rock climbers on their daredevil descents. Joggers are hard at work pounding the pavements on the river walk. And already we're back at the Story Bridge – this time beneath it, as those cars, trucks, buses and taxis continue on their busy missions.
The weather broadcast over, our trip on the river has to come to an end, and once again I find myself thinking of our Brisbanites of 1859. The city's come so far and we have so much to be proud of… let the Q150 celebrations begin!
Last reviewed 6 March 2009
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