Some historical Firsts for Brisbane

Please note... This interesting information has been extracted from the 2000 issue of "This is our Brisbane" published by 4BH and edited by Robyn Buchanan of Buchanan Media. Regrettably, this has been the only issue published. If you have any questions about the publication, please contact Robyn on (07) 3812 1328 or email Buchanan Media

First Census

In 1846, the first census showed the population of North Brisbane was 614 while South Brisbane was 346. The most common occupation was "mechanic" or "artisan" both meaning a skilled labourer.
(The current population of Brisbane is approx. 1,500,000)

First Bridge

The first bridge across the Brisbane River was a wooden bridge built in 1865. It was only intended as a temporary structure and this proved to be the case- it was washed away in a flood in 1869. The first Victoria Bridge was built in 1872, an iron bridge. It was meant to be permanent but was washed away in the massive floods of 1893.

First Golf Course

The first golf club in Brisbane was the Brisbane Golf Club which opened officially in December 1896. The course was then situated in Chelmer and was the third in Queensland- the first was in Townsville and the second in Toowoomba.

First Use of Gas

In 1865, gas was used to light business premises for the first time. An arch with the words "Advance Brisbane" in gas was placed across Queen Street with a smaller arch across each footpath.

First Use of Electricity

This was in December 1882 when Queen Street was illuminated by electricity as a demonstration. The following year, the Edison Company demonstrated the use of electricity to power machinery at the Government Printing Office.

First Newspaper

The first newspaper in Brisbane was published in 1846. It was called the Moreton Bay Courier and is now published as The Courier Mail.

First Telegram

Telegrams were introduced to Brisbane in 1861. On April 13, the first telegraph line opened between Brisbane and Ipswich. By the end of that year, a telegram could also be sent from Brisbane to Sydney.

First Tram Line

The first tram line in Brisbane opened in 1885 and ran from the Fiveways at Woolloongabba to the Valley.