Regional, world city
From metropolis to technopolis – still a friendly, civil society.
The sTOry sO far
Brisbane is no longer a ‘big country town’. It sits high on several Association General Assembly – an international conference
international scorecards. As well as being the centre of South bringing together the science and technology community
East Queensland, Brisbane is in the top 10 fastest-growing OECD from around the world.
regions in the world. It is the second-fastest growing city in the
We are also reshaping the way we tackle issues of regional and
western world, and, with a population of almost one million
local concern. For example, Council works with the Council of
people, is Australia’s largest municipality. Each year, almost
Mayors (SEQ) to advocate the region’s needs and priorities to
16,000 people move here. While most people are coming from
the state and federal governments. Apart from our leadership
regional areas of Queensland, some are also migrating from other
in hosting world events, staging international conferences on
states and overseas.
topics ranging from the arts to science, and taking the lead on
Despite these impressive rankings, Brisbane retains its friendly governance reforms, Brisbane is also progressive in applying
spirit of collaborative leadership, locally and globally. We information and technology advances. In 2003, Brisbane Airport
understand that, as the world grows more complex, so do its was the first in Australia to offer laptop computer users free wireless
challenges. When planning a city, it’s easy to think about how internet access. More recently the world’s first fully-automated
various issues will affect us individually, but we must also consider container terminal was opened at the Port of Brisbane.
the needs of others – people who are older or younger than us,
In 2026, Brisbane will continue to be a city that is open to the
people who have a disability or have less money or who don’t
world, generous in sharing knowledge and enthusiastic about
have a place to call home. We must work with others to share our
embracing new ideas from other regions and cultures. It will be
ideas, showcase our achievements and create opportunities for
the education heart of Australia, the national centre of excellence
cross-cultural strategies, networks and friendships.
in environmental sustainability, a world leader in tropical science,
Brisbane has enjoyed enviable success in hosting global events, biotechnology and health research, and an exemplar of regional
including the Commonwealth Games in 1982 and World Expo governance and democracy with the highest level of citizen
in 1988. In 2005, Council partnered with the City of Chongqing participation in the nation.
in China to host the AsiaPacific Cities Summit, and in July 2006,
Brisbane hosted the fifth meeting of the World Technopolis
0
Settlement of Brisbane established. Brisbane City Council and Brisbane Development Association
collaborated to produce “Brisbane: city in the sun”, targeting potential
Two Aborigines, Dalinkua and Dalpie, from the Breakfast Creek area
migrants and investors.
wrote letters to the Moreton Bay Courier protesting about the treatment
their people received at the hands of the white settlers. Queensland centenary celebrations marking 100 years of
self-government.
0 Queensland women granted the right to vote in State elections.
Brisbane hosted World Expo, attracting 15,760,447 visits.
0 Brisbane celebrates its Jubilee of the City, proud of its transformation
into an Edwardian city boasting a water supply, fire protection, public The South East Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils
transport systems, lighting and power, and building by-laws with a well (SEQROC) established.
established commercial business precinct and extensive wharves.
00 South East Queensland Regional Plan 2005-2026, the first-ever
Brisbane’s population is 139,480. statutory plan for the region, launched.
The first elections for the Greater Brisbane Council. 00 Fifth World Technopolis Association (WTA) General Assembly held in
Brisbane – the first time the WTA General Assembly has been held in the
-0 Brisbane City Hall formally opened during the Great Depression.
Southern Hemisphere.
“Brisbane is new, brawny, uneven,
and half finished. One thinks of
Topeka, Kansas, in considering it;
and that is to suggest a greatness
which is yet to come.”
Gilbert Parker, Round the Compass in Australia, 1892.
Bold aspirations for a regional
and world city in 2026
Outstanding city profile
Brisbane has been marketed successfully interstate and overseas and is a leading destination for Our key task for 0 is to
business, tourism, conventions and events. Brisbane is a leading destination for visitors, regularly
position Brisbane as the
hosting large high-profile conventions and offering a range of diverse tourism experiences including
world-class events. Our target for 2026 is for Brisbane visitor numbers and the share of all tourism national leader in governance,
markets to continue to climb.
regional partnerships, and civic
healthy economy participation. Brisbane will be
Brisbane has become an export-oriented city and has achieved year-on-year intrastate, interstate and
an exemplar of lively democracy.
overseas export growth of 4% per annum. Brisbane is active in developing export opportunities through
targeted trade missions, international events and world-standard procurement practices. It has built on its It will be a city that has ‘got
international capabilities in industries such as mining services and technologies to achieve export growth. the balance right’ by achieving
Connected and engaged communities high environmental standards
In 2026, Brisbane people will be connected to the world, through the ever-expanding marvels of alongside high standards of
technology and our innovative business connections, and also through embracing world cultures.
The city’s cultural activities, facilities and public spaces are recognised nationally and internationally. living. Its residents will be
Cooperative city governance
pleased to live here. students,
In 2026, Brisbane will be the centre of a collaborative South East Queensland regional approach to businesses, researchers,
managing issues and priorities through excellent governance arrangements, built on the strength of the innovators and entrepreneurs
peak advocacy body for local government in the region – the Council of Mayors (SEQ). Brisbane will
from all over the world will want
continue to work collectively with the Australian Capital Cities through the Council of Capital City Lord
Mayors (CCCLM) sharing expertise, establishing priorities and performing a united advocacy role for the to live, study and work here.
needs of the capital cities to the other spheres of government.
Samantha
“Brisbane will be a
place that is peaceful
but has still got
Inclusive and caring communities
buildings, shops and
Brisbane will have a strong relationship with
its neighbouring rural communities in South
companies. it will
East Queensland. The competition for land
and natural resources within the region will
be environmentally
Breanne
have been balanced by a strong, positive
focus on rural futures. The rural towns, villages
friendly with the use
and communities, and rural production areas
are viable and well serviced. Their distinct of all the alternative
local characters and identities have made
them desirable destinations. power sources.”
Green and biodiverse city Beatrix
In 2026, South East Queensland will have a
well-protected system of wildlife habitats and
open space. Brisbane will have contributed
to the good health of the region’s green
space – the lungs of the city – through
restoring its waterway corridors and linking
urban bushland corridors to regional green
Brittany space. In return, nature will have provided
an abundance of natural systems to the
people of Brisbane, such as cleaner air and
waterways, healthy soil, carbon sinks, insect
and pest control, and emotional well-being
to name only a few.
Nathan & Claire