Brisbane Commerce, Construction and Controversy

he first section looks at public and private construction and considers:
* the many changes to the area now known as the Roma Street precinct
* the failure of a grand plan, which was before its time, to reinvigorate
a neglected part of the city
* the beginnings and construction of Brisbane's first drive-in shopping centre
* the working conditions in 19th century Brisbane drapery stores
* the reasons behind the construction of Brisbane's first public bathing pool and its changing role
* the building of Brisbane's second public bathing pool and the ongoing work of repair, additions and finally reconstruction
* the home builders, E. Chapman and Son, and their builder-designed houses of the post- World War II era

The second section looks at the construction of road and rail and
examines:
* the travails of Brisbane's first Main Roads engineer who struggled with the elements, his workforce and a few of his superiors during his brief stay in Moreton Bay
* the construction of Brisbane's roads including the ill-fated and ultimately expensive wood paving episode
* the development of rail transport from its beginnings to the current suburban system
* the somewhat imperfect preparations and celebration of Queensland Railways jubilee

Overall, the book, which has numerous illustrations, offers insights into various aspects of Brisbane's development from a frontier town to a modern, bustling city.