Building Brisbane

Since 1903 Council has been keeping formal records of building applications receieved. Unfortantely our collection our building plans is much smaller. The earliest submitted commercial building we hold is for the new Finney Isles Building ( now David Jones) in Queen Street. We also hold a copy of a ninety year anniversary booklet published in 1954.

Arise, then, ye Brisbanites

Ever wondered about the origins of the term Brisbanite? A quick search of the newly digitalised Moreton Bay Courier newspapers reveals an interesting editorial for November 14 1846. Complaining about the funds from the ever increasing government taxes on everything from land sales to ferry charges, heading to Sydney for the benefit of every other district in the colony, the paper issued the following challenge to the inhabitants : "Government seldom give to those who ask ; oh, says the Colonial Secretary, you have never asked, and, therefore, you don't want." True 'tis a pity, and pity 'tis 'tis true. They are both right, and between the two stools we have fallen to the ground. Arise, then, ye Brisbanites, shake off the languor that has prostrated your energies. It is high time that you should understand your real position demand your rights" And so, it might be said, began the campaign for political independence.
To view this particular article and other articles tagged with "Brisbane" go to:
http://ndpbeta.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/tag?name=Brisbane. feel free to do your own searching on the site and tag any relevant articles. ( you will need to register to do this) Tell us about about any interesting articles you find.....
To go to the site home page click on
http://ndpbeta.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/home

Our Founding Documents

In case you are wondering about the background image in the heading to this blog - it is part of one of the original residents petitions that led to the creation of Brisbane Municipal Council in September 1859. The NSW Municipalities Act of 1858 required the signatures of a certain number of residents of a town in order to approve its application to be declared a municipality and hold elections and collect rates the first steps towards self government. Brisbane supporters held a meeting in December1859 and gather 181 signatures in support of municipality. As the Moreton Bay Courier of Dec 22 noted: "The petition to his Excellency the Governor-General,praying for the incorporation of the town of Brisbane, under the Municipalities' Act, will be, we understand, forwarded this steamer, about 200 signatures, consisting of house and freeholders, having been attached." Unfortunately a counter petition was drawn up in March 1859 opposing the request. This resulted in a hasty town meeting at which these petitioners fears were soon allayed and all agreed to support a third and final petition which was signed in April 1859. Two of the original petitions will be on loan from State Records in NSW next year and be on display at the Museum of Brisbane from June.

Tramway Treasures

A new treasure has just come to light in our Archives - some wonderful early contract plans for the Brisbane Tramways Company dating back to 1888 when the first extensions were applied for to the initial horse drawn tram service which was started in 1885. These plans, which appear to be an updated version of the initial plans, include detail drawings of what the actual track looked like. We have many other wonderful tram records in our holdings.

our audiovisual heritage

http://australianscreen.com.au/
The Australian Sound and Film archives now actively acquires clips from you tube and other web sources it believes are of value to our culture heritage - visit their web site at the attached link and view some of their historical footage online - enjoy!

Bridges

Cross River bridges are a integral part of the history of Brisbane. Our earliest item in the Archives collection is a plan of a bridge over breakfast creek It replaced an earlier convict built Log Bridge. The bridge was known as "Bowen Bridge". Construction of the Bridge started in June 1850. Almost half the 150 pound cost of the bridge was raised through public subscription. The bridge was demolished around 1889. In May 1925 Council created the Cross River Bridge Commission to report on "'what further facilities for crossing the Brisbane River are necessary for the future development of the greater City of Brisbane." The Commission chaired by Professor Hawken from the University of Queensland accepted public submission and much-heated debate took place in the papers. Suggestions included tunnels, a tube for a high-speed railway and transporter bridges, which would carry both vehicles and passengers in "transporter cars". Sites considered for new bridges included Merthyr Road New Farm to Bulimba, Balmoral to Bulimba and a duplicate bridge adjacent to Victoria Bridge.

View the First minutes!

The first minute book of Council 1859 - 1863 has been digitalised. Click on the link at the left - First Minute book of Council and the select the catalogue tab from the record on screen. Then scroll down the record until you find the following field and then click on it:
Electronic access: View digital copy of First Minutes Book 1859 - 1863.