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Queensland A Brief History

The following is a short extract from http://www.qld.gov.au/about_queensland/history/

"In 1851 a public meeting was held to consider Queensland's separation from New South Wales. Queen Victoria gave her approval and signed Letters Patent on June 6 1859 to establish the new colony of Queensland. On the same day an Order-in-Council gave Queensland its own Constitution. Queensland became a self-governing colony with its own Governor, a nominated Legislative Council and an elected Legislative Assembly. June 6 is now celebrated by Queenslanders as the day acknowledging the birth of Queensland. On December 10, Queensland's first Governor, Sir George Ferguson Bowen, officially proclaimed Queensland to be a separate colony from New South Wales.

After separation, towns outside Brisbane began to develop. In 1860 Ipswich and Rockhampton were officially declared towns. Maryborough and Warwick followed in the next year.

Queensland's first elections were held in 1860. Robert George Wyndham Herbert led the first elected government as Premier. On May 29 of that year, Queensland Parliament opened for the first time. Immigration, communications and development issues broadly occupied Queensland's early politics. The railway network extended as towns demanded their own link. "

Ipswich the Heritage City ?

Ipswich often referred to as the Heritage City is renowned for its numerous historic homes and churches as well as a few of the surviving stately old commercial and government buildings such as the Bendigo Bank (previously the West Moreton Building Society, Ipswich Art Gallery formerly the School of Arts and the Old Courthouse that still remain in the CBD.

Unfortunately we have lost many of our old icons due to near sightedness, many being lost in the redevelopment of the of the Central Business District in the 1980's.

In 2004 Ipswich City celebrates 100 years as a City. The Heiner Road Precinct would have celebrated 140 years. Our leaders have learnt nothing from the mistakes of the past as they march to the beat of the drum Jobs, Jobs, Jobs, at any cost.

It is ironic that in the same year that we will unnecessarily destroy the surviving elements at the birth place of Queensland Railways in North Ipswich we are going to spend millions of dollars of public money to fix the mistakes we made in South Ipswich during the 1980's,

Are we so blinded by the push for Jobs, Jobs, Jobs that we are unable or unwilling to admit that we are making the same mistakes today.

We should take the advice from our Premier and be smart in the way we design new developments so that they may co-exist with our historic past and enhance our environment for the benifit of not just us but our future generations.

We are the decision makers of today, let us make the right choices for tomorrow and not leave another legacy that will cost our children dearly.

2004 - Year of the Built Environment

The year will be a collaborative celebration by government, industry, environmental and community groups to raise awareness in the Australian community about the built environment.

A message from Peter Beattie, Premier of Queensland

"The Queensland Government proudly supports the Year of the Built Environment.

This year gives Queenslanders a unique opportunity to consider their surrounds from the bitumen and boardwalks to the roof tops and everything in between.

Living in the most decentralised state demands careful planning, considered appropriate design and environmental sustainability.

By understanding our built environment, we can make smarter choices to build a better future."

A message from Senator Campbell, Commonwealth Government

16 July 2004

Many of Australia's outstanding heritage places are being given priority consideration for inclusion on Australia's new National Heritage List, the incoming Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell announced today.

Senator Campbell said that Australia had a brilliant palette of natural and cultural heritage places that deserved the highest recognition the nation could offer.

"We have a new National Heritage List which is the perfect vehicle for not only recognising our prized places, but for offering them better protection than ever before," he said.

Our Built Heritage

This category invites nominations that demonstrate an appreciation for the importance of Australia's built heritage, including the legacy being built today for the future.

The nomination may involve an important site of cultural significance and include any aspect of our built heritage such as buildings, engineering structures, infrastructure, landscapes and subdivisions.

The nominee may:

contribute towards the recognition of important sites as a cultural record;
have involvement in the rehabilitation or restoration of heritage sites; and/or
understand the long-term benefits of restoring and maintaining our built heritage in terms of social and economic benefits

Message From The Australian Government's Department of the Environment and Heritage

It is important all Australians work with their communities during the Year of the Built Environment and join forces in preserving and enhancing Australia's built environment for the enjoyment of future generations.