 Brisbane's rapid expansion following its opening to free settlement in 1842 was such that the Paddington Cemetery, was now in the heart of a prime inner residential area and was being challenged by the residents who feared for their health.The first progress to establish a new cemetery were made in 1861 when of land was set aside for cemetery purposes at Toowong, south-west of the North Brisbane Burial Ground.The land however, was chosen by default rather than by design.