BRISBANE: A GROWING CITY

Press, 9 October 1982, Page 25

BRISBANE: A GROWING CITY

Pictures by

ROD DEW,

Illustrations Editor

Brisbane, the venue for the 1982 Commonwealth Games, is the fastest-growing city in Australia. It has an official population of 717,000, but is certainly much closer to a million. And this figure is increasing every month by up to 5000, largely through the drift across the border from the southern states. The sub-tropical climate, and a business and building boom are proving big attractions. At the same time, the city is visually attractive with a splendid blending of historical and modern architecture. The setting is particularly pleasant. The wide Brisbane River meanders through the centre of the built-up area, which has a backdrop of low hills. The pictures show: TOP LEFT: One of many new buildings, Charlotte Towers, under construction in Charlotte Street. The building has 15 floors. TOP RIGHT: The Story Bridge, one of a number crossing the Brisbane River, linking the outer suburbs with the city centre. Built in 1940, the Story Bridge carries traffic between Kangaroo Point, right, and Bowen Terrace. MIDDLE LEFT: The oldest building in Brisbane, the Government Stores building, which was constructed in 1829. Close to the waterfront, the building has been completely renovated. MIDDLE RIGHT: The Albert Street Methodist Church, dwarfed by adjacent high-rise buildings, overlooks King George Square. A Gothic Revival church in red brick and Oamaru sandstone, it was opened in 1889. BOTTOM LEFT: Pleasure craft tied up on the Brisbane River, just a few metres from the boundary of the Botanic Gardens. Part of the business area of Brisbane is in the background. BOTTOM RIGHT: Brisbane City Hall, in King George Square, is regarded as the centre of the city, in much the same way as the Cathedral and Cathedral Square are in Christchurch. Once the home of the Brisbane City Council, the grand old stone building has now' been developed as a community and cultural centre.