bandstands

The site of the Kiosk and Bandstand (former) Flinders Parade, between Fourth and Fifth Avenue Designed by Brisbane-based architect Mr HGO Thomas as part of the Sandgate Municipal Council's foreshore scheme in mid-1900. Source: www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/things-to-see-and-do/outdoor-acti...

To benefit the numerous visitors to our beaches the Sandgate Town Council decided to construct two kiosks one in Moora Park and another on Flinders Parade. Both were similar and designed by T R Hall and built by Sandgate builder Samuel Drew. The Moora Park Kiosk was built in the late 1890s and the Flinders Parade Kiosk in about 1902. The Flinders Parade Kiosk was positioned on the foreshore in the vicinity of Fourth Avenue. Mangroves were still growing on the foreshore, and a jetty was built across the rocky ground to access the beach and seawater. The existing rock wall was built during the depression years of the 1930s by relief workers. The Sandgate Town Band played at both kiosks on alternate Sundays. Teas and locally made soft drinks and ice cream (Kreamco) were served. Also, lollies were sold, costing about one penny, and a vending machine dispensed 'three pence' Nestles chocolates. An open-air theatre was built on the seaward side of the kiosk. Gas lamps were installed for lighting and a water tank was installed until town water and electricity were established in the district in the 1920s. In 1927, saltwater baths were built just to the north of the kiosk. The council-owned and maintained the kiosk and over the years, there were several different tenants. For many years the tea rooms were well patronized and popular for functions. By the 1940s, visitors to the area had decreased considerably mainly because of the increase in motor transport and the opening of the Hornibrook Highway which made access to northern beaches more accessible. At this stage, the council renovated the kiosk and added another tea room. The rotunda (bandstand) was removed and placed on a brick base. The larger tea room was built on the seaward side closer to the saltwater baths. To enhance the building, the entire structure was enclosed with brick and cement. As the popularity of the Sandgate seaside reduced, patronage died off and the tenants found the tea rooms unprofitable. The Brisbane City Council called tenders to purchase and demolish the building. Despite efforts from concerned citizens requesting the council to preserve the building as a local landmark, the kiosk was demolished in July 1962. Story supplied by Sandgate & District Historical Society & Museum Inc. www.sandgateguide.com.au/news/475-remembering-sandgate-kiosk

Built around a tidal river, some 20 km from Moreton Bay, Brisbane often floods, usually in conjunction with La Niña events bringing heavy wet conditions and cyclonic activity across the state. ‘Surviving the river’ has subsequently become an integral part of the city’s history and people’s experience of living in Brisbane. In the aftermath of floods, communities have pulled together while governments have sometimes rallied behind ambitious schemes aimed at modifying, controlling, and predicting the river. Brisbane may experience a variety of different floods throughout the year. Flash flooding in creeks is not uncommon and results from high rainfall over the Brisbane metropolitan area. Because the Brisbane River is tidal, storm surges may contribute to flooding particularly if it coincides with a high tide. River floods are less frequent though potentially more damaging. Following heavy rainfall across the catchment, water may remain above flood height for several days causing extensive backwater flooding along smaller tributaries such as the Bremer River and Oxley Creek. Throughout Brisbane’s history, the flood has repeatedly brought challenges and demanded a response, however, they have also continued to raise important questions regarding the settlement of the floodplain, where the persistent threat of flood has often been ignored and the lessons of the past easily forgotten. Source: www.qhatlas.com.au/brisbane-floods-1893-summer-sorrow

Mount Isa