Brisbane’s dining and party precincts empty as city lockdown begins

In one hour two police cars and two ambulances – plus eternally hopeful cab drivers and bus drivers watched by security guards – were the only ones on the streets.

In the city there was the normally present group of homeless men and women on George Street under the balcony beside the suit shop opposite the main Brisbane City Council building near Reddacliff Place.

Nearby, the Brisbane Casino at the top of the Queen Street Mall was empty of the traditional 24-hour party people looking for a big night on the town and usually one of the busiest places in central Brisbane.

With its green lights it appeared like a scene from a surreal movie as rain lightly…