Brisbane

Brisbane was initially established as a penal settlement under the command of Sir Thomas Brisbane, Governor of New South Wales. The Moreton Bay penal settlement disbanded in 1839, and the region was opened to free settlers in 1842. The area was chosen because it was remote and offered an opportunity for secondary offenders to be isolated from Sydney. The penal colony was established to alleviate overcrowding in the Sydney convict settlement.

On December 10, 1859, Brisbane was proclaimed the capital of Queensland at a ceremony held at Queen Street. Queensland was granted its colony status by Queen Victoria, separating it from the New South Wales territory. Over the next few decades, Brisbane grew rapidly, establishing itself as an important cultural and economic hub. With its newly acquired position, the city underwent significant development, with infrastructure being built and population increases due to immigration.

The 1893 Brisbane floods were among the most severe ever recorded in Brisbane, occurring as a result of heavy rain brought by a tropical cyclone crossing the coast. The Brisbane River flooded three times in February, reaching its peak on February 5th. This led to widespread devastation across Brisbane and Ipswich, with significant loss of life and property damage. This event led to heightened awareness and subsequent flood mitigation strategies, although it took years to implement significant controls.

Brisbane City Hall was officially opened on December 24, 1927, becoming a major landmark in the city. Known for its striking architecture and the iconic clock tower, it became the seat of the Brisbane City Council. Brisbane City Hall has since been a venue for countless cultural and civic events, playing a central role in the city's history. The building reflects the ambition of the city at that time, aspiring to create a cultural center for the community.

The 1982 Commonwealth Games were held in Brisbane, marking the first time the event was hosted in Queensland. Officially opened by the Duke of Edinburgh, the games showcased the city's facilities and hospitality. The event was a great success, involving thousands of athletes from around the Commonwealth, and it played a significant role in shaping Brisbane as a city capable of hosting international events. The $100 million budget for facilities brought significant upgrades and attention to the city.

World Expo 88 was held in Brisbane from April 30 to October 30, with the theme 'Leisure in the Age of Technology'. The event was one of its kind for Brisbane, with 35 countries participating, celebrating and showcasing cultural and technological advancements. The Expo transformed the South Bank area, which was previously industrial land, into a vibrant cultural precinct. It contributed to Brisbane's development, establishing it as a key destination for tourists and global business.

In 2001, Australia celebrated its Centenary of Federation, marking 100 years since the nation's independent states became united under one federal government. Brisbane played a key role in the celebrations, hosting numerous events that highlighted its history and contributions to the federation. The celebrations included parades, cultural demonstrations, and educational events to engage the public. This milestone allowed Australians to reflect on their shared history and envision the future of the nation.

The 2011 Brisbane floods were part of a series of severe flood events that struck Queensland, known as 'the summer of sorrow'. After weeks of heavy rainfall linked to a La Niña event, the Brisbane River broke its banks, causing extensive flooding across Brisbane and surrounding areas. Thousands of people were affected, with homes and businesses submerged, and the damage bill costing billions. The event led to significant improvements in flood response and planning by local and state authorities.

In November 2014, Brisbane hosted the G20 Summit, gathering world leaders to discuss global political and economic issues. The summit was significant for the city, resulting in a large security presence and global media coverage. Major decisions and discussions held at the G20 affected international diplomacy and relations. Brisbane's hosting of the summit demonstrated its capability to organize and facilitate high-profile international events, boosting its reputation on the world stage.

The Brisbane Metro is a major public transport project announced to transform the city’s public transportation network by providing high-frequency services to tackle congestion. The project includes new high-capacity, high-frequency services to improve the connection between key precincts across Brisbane. Announced in early 2020, the development will add two new high-capacity Metro lines and integrate into the existing busway network, addressing growing public transport needs and future-proofing public infrastructure.