When we first came to Brisbane about three years ago for Hubbell’s interview, we stayed downtown for a few days (CBD). I was frequently found at the nearby McDonald’s because it was the only place in Australia to provide free Internet.

I didn’t eat much.

The McDonald’s restaurant at the entrance to the Myer Centre near the corner of Albert and Elizabeth streets, is just one of 21 traders, establishments and individuals fined almost a combined $370,000 this year, after successful prosecutions as part of Brisbane City Council’s Eat Safe program.

As well as finding cockroaches in parts of the premises, inspectors recorded a build-up of grime and grease on the floor near a washing-up area, while food waste was found on a slicer.

Court documents show McDonald’s Australia Limited was charged with the Food Act breaches after an inspection last year.

In a prepared statement, a McDonald’s spokeswoman said the chain was “disappointed with these occurrences” and that food safety was a “top priority”.

The restaurant was owned and operated by McDonald’s but has since been taken over by a new franchisee.