Howard Smith Wharves - A look into the cultural heritage significance

The Howard Smith Wharves are located in Boundary Street, Brisbane 4000. It was constructed in the 1930's and play a major part of illustrating the development of the Queensland history. It also demonstrates a range or employment generating and infrastructure building project which commenced by the Forgan-Smith government.

Unlike any other known surviving air-raid shelters in Brisbane, the Second World War air-raid shelters on the site are important as the most intact group of shelters surviving in Brisbane. These shelters were located adjacent to the Howard Smith Wharves and Story Bridge portraying the significant importance of the wharves and bridge during the period of 1941-1942. The site still shows the impact of the war upon the Brisbane workers.

As the last surviving wharfage in the central city, the Howard Smith Wharves illustrate how the port of Brisbane was before 1940's. The practicality of the site is demonstrated by the series of sheds, and former air-raid shelters. The former Howard Smith Company offices in the hierarchy of structures on the site portray the well-mannered structures on the site.

 Today, the various sturctures provide asethetic significance as well as contributing to the site as a whole. The overgrown cliff face provides a dramatic backdrop to the site and act as support for the northern end of the Story Bridge. The site has links with Howard Smith Co. Ltd, one of Australia's principle coastal shipping companies during 19th and early 20th century.

  

Image1:  of Howard Smith Wharves taken during 1996. The State of Queensland (2009)

Image2:  of Howard Smith Wharves taken during 1996. The State of Queensland (2009)

Reference:

The state of Queensland (Department of Environment and Resource Management).2009. Howard Smith Wharves. http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/chims/placeDetail.html?siteId=16518. (accessed March 5, 2011)