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A Short History of Brisbane |
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Page 2 of 2
After World War IAfter World War I, Brisbane became the largest local authority in Australia, the council governing 1,220 square kilometres.
The early thirties brought high unemployment and poverty. Landmark
buildings like City Hall and the Masonic Temple were built in 1930 just
as the Great Depression took hold and construction of the Story Bridge was the city's biggest Depression-time project. 'Tent cities' sprang up around Brisbane to house the homeless.
World War IIWorld War II saw General Douglas MacArthur directing the Pacific
campaign from the AMP building (now MacArthur Chambers) in Queen
Street. Thousands of United States servicemen were stationed in
Brisbane, boosting the population to over 750,000. Tensions mounted
between American and Australian servicemen as the city strained with
the burden of the extra population.
Those tensions erupted on 26 and 27 November 1942, into the infamous
street fight that is now remembered as the 'Battle of Brisbane'.
1950's - Influx of Migrants and Refugees
In the 1950's, migrants and refugees added greatly to the
population. Migrants from all over Europe quickly became central to the
cultural, academic and business life of Brisbane.
In May 1957, Australia's first drive-in shopping centre was opened at Chermside.
Brisbane's wide river was utilised well for the subsequent increase
in trade, with produce coming down the river from Ipswich, as well as
from the islands of Moreton Bay
and nearby areas. The fruit and vegetable markets were near the river
between Mary and Charlotte Streets, close to the wharves. With a
successful shipbuilding industry also in place by this time, Brisbane
was thriving.
1967 - Australian Aborigines receive democratic rights
In 1967, the city saw an important cultural progression, when
Australian Aborigines achieved the same democratic rights as all other
Australians. Brisbane was also maturing.
1974 - Floods
In 1974, Cyclone Wanda wreaked havoc, causing floods which
devastated Brisbane. Fourteen people lost their lives and 14,000 houses
were flooded.
1982 - Commonwealth Games
The 1982 Commonwealth Games and World Expo in 1988 heralded Brisbane's true coming of age, bringing new sports and cultural facilities to Brisbane, as well as a renewed identity.
1985 - Southbank and QPAC opened
A few years after that, the site became South Bank Parklands right across the river from Brisbane's central business district. Today, you can walk along South Bank to see the Queensland Performing Arts Complex, opened in 1985, with its three theatres, a concert hall and a conservatorium next door.
Updated 27.3.06
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Brisbane's Story Bridge is a major Brisbane landmark, one that helps define Brisbane as a river city, almost as much as the Sydney Harbour Bridge defines Sydney down south.