General Information

BANKS
Banks in Australia are generally open from 0930 - 1600 Monday to Thursday and 0930 - 1700 on Fridays. Exchange facilities are available throughout the city as are Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)

CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE
A certificate of attendance will be available to all registered delegates. These will be available for collection on the last day of the congress (Thursday 27th September). If you are attending as a day delegate, your certificate will be available after lunch on the day you attend.

CLIMATE
The temperature in Brisbane at this time of year varies between 16 to 25 degrees Celsius. Lightweight clothing is recommended plus a light coat for the evenings. If walking out during the day don't forget your hat, sunglasses and sun screen.

CURRENCY
Decimal currency is used in Australia - the units are dollars ($) and cents (c). Current exchange rates are available from your bank. All major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia. The conference organisers do not have facilities to process Diners or Amex cards.

DISCLAIMER
In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the organisers do not accept responsibility for loss of monies incurred by delay. The program is correct at the time of publishing and may change. The organisers accept no liability for any speakers' published material or presentations at the conference. In the event of industrial disruptions or service provider failures, neither the Australian Water Association, International Water Association, Advanced Wastewater Management Centre or The University of Queensland accept any responsibility for losses incurred by delegates and partners.

DRESS
The dress for the conference is smart casual. Speakers are asked to wear business attire for their presentation.

ELECTRICITY
The electrical supply in Australia is 240 Volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3-pin plug of unique design.

INSURANCE
Delegates are strongly advised to arrange for Travel Insurance to cover unforseen circumstances that may preclude travel to the conference.

LANGUAGE
English is spoken in Australia and is the official language of the conference. No translation services will be provided.

SHOPPING
In the city of Brisbane shops are generally open from 0900 - 1730 during the week except Friday when they are open until 2100. Saturday 0900 - 1700 and 1000 - 1600 on Sundays.

SMOKING
We would like to advise visitors to the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre that in accordance with Queensland State Government Legislation, smoking is not permitted anywhere within the Centre building. In addition, smoking is not permitted within four metres of any building entry or door and is not permitted at any external catering area.

TAXES
Australian Goods and Service Tax (GST) is included in all prices where applicable. The registration form is considered a "Tax Invoice" for Australian tax purposes. Receipts will be issued on-site at the conference if required. Organisations and firms registered for Australian GST may claim the tax as an input credit on their GST return.

TIME
Queensland local time in September is Greenwich Mean Time plus 10 hours

TIPPING
Tipping is not the general custom in Australia and service charges are not added to accounts by restaurants and hotels. However, you may tip hotel porters and restaurant waiters (up to 10% of the bill) for special services. Tipping is always your choice.

TRANSPORT AND PARKING

From Airport to City

• Taxi $40 (approx) - 30 minutes approximately from the Airport to the City depending on traffic conditions
• Airport Shuttle $11 each way - will take you to your accommodation
• Air Train $10 each way - 30 minutes airport to the city

VISA ADVICE AND INVITATION LETTERS
For those travelling to Australia, please note that there are strict Visa requirements. Please check with your travel agent or Australian consulate in your country, as immigration laws are very strict. Allow plenty of time, at least 6 weeks, to obtain your visa. Further information can be obtained from the Australian Government's official website for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (www.immi.gov.au). If you need a letter of invitation to the conference to facilitate your visa application, please contact Jenny Marsden at the following e-mail address: ad11@eventsolutions.com.au - please use the following heading in the subject line of your e-mail. AD11 Letter of Invitation