Town of Brisbane

[1] The Municipality of Brisbane was gazetted on 25 May 1859 and proclaimed by the Governor of New South Wales on 7 September 1859.

[2] After the passing of the Municipal Institutions Act 1864 the area could establish a municipal council to administer the district – with powers relating to by-laws, to rating, to borrowings, to the control or regulation of public infrastructure and utilities, and to the provision of public amenities such as gardens and hospitals.

Most of the early aldermen and mayors of the Municipality of Brisbane were prominent local men rather than representatives of political parties.

The foundation stone of Brisbane's first town hall in Queen Street was laid on 28 January 1864 by Queensland Governor George Bowen.

Brisbane's first sewerage treatment plant was officially opened at Luggage Point on 23 November 1923.

Brisbane's first Town Hall, ca. 1870
Front facade of the first Brisbane Town Hall at 66-76 Queen Street, circa 1885
Early street scene featuring Brisbane's first Town Hall, circa 1895
Map of Borough of Brisbane and adjacent local government areas, March 1902.