Brisbane declared capital of the new colony of Queensland

Background. The Colony of Queensland was a self-governing Crown colony within the British Empire, existing from 1859 until 1901. It separated from New South Wales on 6 June 1859, when Queen Victoria signed letters patent to establish it as a distinct entity with responsible government. This separation created the administrative framework for the new colony.

Establishment of Capital. Brisbane, located on the banks of the Brisbane River, was chosen as the capital of Queensland in 1859. The river had earlier been the site of the Moreton Bay penal settlement, which moved to North Quay on its banks in May 1825 after being established at Redcliffe in 1824. Brisbane's selection as capital coincided with the formal separation of the colony from New South Wales.

Formal Proclamation. The formal separation of Queensland from New South Wales was proclaimed on 10 December 1859. George Bowen, the first Governor of Queensland, read the proclamation, officially establishing the colony. This date marks the operational beginning of Queensland as a distinct political entity, with Brisbane serving as its capital.