NATO Modelling & Simulation Group Workshop. Exploiting Commercial Games for Military Use MSG-059

Transcription

1 North Atlantic Treaty Organization Research and Technology Agency NATO Modelling & Simulation Group Workshop on Exploiting Commercial Games for Military Use MSG-059 to be held at the Monash Center, Enoggera Barracks Brisbane Australia June 2007 Note: If attending the SimTecT 2007 conference please go to for registration and further information. 1

2 1. LOCATION The NMSG Workshop on Exploiting Commercial for Military Use (MSG-059) will take place on June 2007 at: ***************************************************** Monash Centre Enoggera Barracks Brisbane, Queensland Australia Tel: +61 (7) 3 Fax: +61(7) 3 **************************************************** Located 15 minutes from the city of Brisbane Enoggera is the home of the Army s 1 st Division headquarters, the 7 th Brigade, the 16 th Aviation Brigade and numerous divisional support forces. Enoggera is one of the Army s main bases. From a simulation perspective the Battle Simulation Centre in Arnison Hall provides a simulation facility that supports joint task force and coalition warfighting command post exercises, down to sub unit training on desktop simulators. The Monash centre is a multi user facility with a 100 seat formal lecture theatre and a number of break out rooms. It is located an easy walk from the main gate at Enoggera. 2. ACCESS AND SECURITY Access to Enoggera is security controlled and non Australian Defence Force members will have to present photographic ID (Passports for non residents) each time they enter the base. Each morning we will provide guides from the gate to the Monash Centre. 3. SHORT INTRODUCTION TO BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA Brisbane. Population: 1.8 million (official estimate 2004). Geography Two-and-a-half times the size of Texas or seven times the size of the United Kingdom, Queensland, more than half of which lies above the Tropic of Capricorn, is known as the Sunshine State. Within its borders are the Great Barrier Reef, numerous resort islands, kilometres of golden sandy beaches, national park forests, vast plains, lush rainforests, forested mountains and extensive wilderness areas. As Queensland's capital, Brisbane has its very own savvy downtown precinct, which serves as a destination in its own right or as the perfect hub for exploring spectacular Moreton Bay, beaches, or many regional hinterland attractions located inside a leisurely 60 minute drive. Brisbane's active yet relaxed way of life fits perfectly with the plethora of things to see and do in and around the city. There's simply no better place in Queensland to indulge in some serious retail therapy. Start in the Queen Street Mall - almost a kilometre of shoppers' paradise. Then stroll along 2

3 to the City's chic shopping strips and arcades before heading to The Valley where you'll find the edgiest young designs around. South Bank's new Arbour on Grey should be next on your shopping list. Downtown's outdoor markets are a weekend pleasure not to be missed. If you can't find what you're shopping for in downtown Brisbane, it simply doesn't exist! You'll need at least a month to check out all of downtown's nightlife options, from bars and pubs to nightclubs and live music venues. The city isn't known as 'Brisvegas' for nothing! The downtown dining menu is hearty and satisfying and some of Australia's most awarded chefs can be found in the kitchens downtown. Just choose your cuisine, budget, view, pace, style and flavour. When it comes to culture, it's all in a day's play - musicals, live theatre, galleries, museums, even guided walking tours of downtown's historical sites. And while there's plenty to keep you going in downtown Brisbane, you should also spread your wings a little. Within 60 minutes, so much is so close: from beaches and islands, to hinterland and country, to parks and wildlife just to name a few. Beyond Brisbane Southbank beach, Brisbane Probably the best beach area in the country, the Gold Coast region, 80km (50 miles) south of Brisbane, comprises 42km (25 miles) of white surf beaches, theme parks (Sea World, Movie World and Dreamworld), a casino, hotels and restaurants. It has year-round sunshine and lively tourist facilities. The partying never stops at Surfers Paradise, a Miamistyle high-rise strip overlooking a crowded beach. Inland are lush green mountains, rainforests, walking trails and scenic villages. Nature lovers will also appreciate the Lamington National Park in the McPherson Mountains and the Currumbin Bird Sanctuary. An hour s drive north from Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast offers miles of untouched wilderness, lakes, mountains and unspoilt beaches with surf ranging in condition from mild to wild. Arts and crafts trails, nature walks and awe-inspiring views can be found in the hinterland, where the Glasshouse Mountains can be found. 3

4 3. TRAVELING TO BRISBANE Brisbane Airport Brisbane s airports (both international and domestic) are situated next to each other, less than 20 km from Brisbane's CBD. They are 75 minutes from the Gold Coast and 105 minutes from the Sunshine Coast. The city is easily accessible by car, taxi and train upon arrival. Options to get from the airport: Shuttle buses Depart regularly. Call Coachtrans on Airtrain Operates every 30 minutes from approximately 6am to 7pm every day. It is a 22 minute train trip to Central station (and you won t get stuck in traffic jams!). A one-way single adult ticket costs just $12 between the airport and the city centre. Airtrain then connects to CityTrain suburban network. Taxi At Brisbane s Domestic Terminal, taxi ranks are located at both the Qantas and Virgin Blue ends of the terminal. The taxi rank at the International Terminal is on Arrivals level 2. All Brisbane taxis have standard taxi meters. A trip to Brisbane's CBD is approximately $26 plus a $2 fee for departing taxis only. Hire car - The airports have the major hire car companies and some are based close to the airport. Contact your preferred hire car company for more information on rates and conditions.. 4. ACCOMMODATION There are a range of Hotels available in the Brisbane area. will give you a good guide. We recommend a hotel on the north side of the Brisbane river to help minimize traffic delays. A visit to the SimTecT website ( will also yield some useful hotels. Serviced apartments are also well supported and are more affordable for delegations of 2 or more people. 5. PLANNED SOCIAL EVENTS AND EXCURSIONS As there is a long weekend in Australia prior to the workshop we are planning a bus trip to the Noosa area. During the workshop itself we will organise a night out. Both of these will need to be self funded. 6. MONEY EXCHANGE Local currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). Foreign currency can be exchanged at all international airports on arrival. Otherwise, banks are readily found and offer the best exchange rates. Money may also be changed at bureaux de change in the state capital cities as well as some hotels. Foreign currency is not generally accepted at local merchants, hotels, etc. and should be changed into local currency first. The exceptions are the larger "international" hotels and 4

5 shops specifically targeting tourists. In each case better exchange rates are likely to be found at a bank. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are located in most banks, shopping centers, and tourist areas. Check with your bank to ensure that your linked credit card can be used to access your foreign account. Otherwise, cash advances from a credit card can be obtained at any bank. Travelers' checks, in Australian dollars, are generally accepted in larger hotels and stores, but may not be accepted in smaller stores or restaurants. Checks in foreign currencies should be changed into local currency first. Credit cards, notably Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diner's Club are widely accepted and often offer the best exchange rate available. Some small stores and cafes, however, particularly in more remote regions, may not accept them. 8. WEATHER AND TIME CHANGE One thing you can almost be guaranteed of when you visit Brisbane is some fantastic weather! As Australia s largest sub-tropical city Brisbane has more sunny days than Florida and warmer winter days than the Bahamas. Average high 21degrees Celsius. Average low 11 degrees Celsius. Time: GMT ELECTRICITY SUPPLY 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are in use, however sockets are different from those found in most countries and an adaptor socket may be needed. Outlets for 110 volts for small appliances are found in most hotels. 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Language The official language is English. Many other languages are retained by minorities, including Italian, German, Greek, Vietnamese, Chinese dialects and Aboriginal languages. Calling Codes The country code for Australia is 61. Within Australia, there are numerous area codes. Sydney: 02 Melbourne: 03 Brisbane: 07 Adelaide: 08 Hobart: 03 Perth: 08 To make a long-distance call outside of Australia, dial 0011 followed by the country code, the area code, and the phone number. 5

6 Tipping Service charges are not added to hotel or restaurant accounts, and Australians, who pride themselves on their egalitarian nature, are not accustomed to tipping. While not expected, however, a small gratuity for good service is becoming more common; although completely optional, the following guidelines often apply. Restaurants: Up to 10 percent of the bill in a better restaurant Bars: No tipping, although small change may be left Airport Skycap/Porter: No tipping Taxis: No tipping, although small change may be left Hotel Bell Desk: No tipping Hotel Housekeeping: No tipping Hotel Room Service: No tipping Parking Attendant/Valet: No tipping Haircare/Personal Services: No tipping Safety Precautions Australia is a safe tourist destination with a low crime rate. Travelers should, however, take the usual precautions they would take in any city to protect themselves and their property such as avoiding parks and badly lit areas at night. Public transport is safe, even at night, and there are very few areas considered off-limits to the tourist. Hotels are safe for both solo travelers and travelers with children. For further information contact either: Mr Rob Carpenter Army Simulation Wing Ph: Robert.Carpenter@defence.gov.au Mr Darren Mc Farlane Australian Defence Simulation Office Ph: darren.mcfarlane@defence.gov.au 6

7 Brisbane City Map 7

8 Brisbane City Rail Network 8