Brisbane Commerce, Construction and Controversy

Brisbane History Group

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Brisbane History Group Papers No. 28, Brisbane: Commerce, Construction and Controversy ~ 1840–2018 looks at the growth of the city’s built environment, some of its recreational facilities and the construction of its road and rail network. Not all was successful and there were many hurdles to be overcome along the way. The first section looks at public and private construction and considers:
• the many changes to the area now known as the Roma Street precinct
• the failure of a grand plan, which was before its time, to reinvigorate
a neglected part of the city
• the beginnings and construction of Brisbane’s first drive-in shopping centre
• the working conditions in 19th century Brisbane drapery stores
• the reasons behind the construction of Brisbane’s first public bathing pool and its changing role
• the building of Brisbane’s second public bathing pool and the ongoing work of repair, additions and finally reconstruction
• the home builders, E. Chapman and Son, and their builder-designed houses of the post- World War II era

The second section looks at the construction of road and rail and
examines:
• the travails of Brisbane’s first Main Roads engineer who struggled with the elements, his workforce and a few of his superiors during his brief stay in Moreton Bay
• the construction of Brisbane’s roads including the ill-fated and ultimately expensive wood paving episode
• the development of rail transport from its beginnings to the current suburban system
• the somewhat imperfect preparations and celebration of Queensland Railways jubilee

Overall, the book, which has numerous illustrations, offers insights into various aspects of Brisbane’s development from a frontier town to a modern, bustling city.

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