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.
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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.