Moreton Bay development By kbunch Oct 16, 1823 Sir Thomas Brisbane directs John Oxley to find new suitable convict settlement site. Jan 1, 1824 The Moreton Bay convict settlement is transferred to further up the Brisbane River. Oct 16, 1824 John Oxley establishes Moreton Bay convict settlement as part of the New South Wales colony in Redcliffe. Nov 10, 1824 Governor Brisbane visits Moreton Bay settlement. Jan 1, 1830 The Old Windmill is built by convicts in Brisbane. 1828 - 1830 May 4, 1842 Moreton Bay is opened to free settlers. Jan 1, 1846 First newspaper is published. Dec 10, 1859 Queensland’s first governor, Sir George Ferguson Bowen arrives in Brisbane. May 22, 1860 The first elections are held Jan 10, 2017 The Old Windmill is built by convicts in Brisbane.