What is the value of a flag?

National flags are evocative symbols of patriotism. Flags on boats or in battlefields are vital signals. And according to flag expert Tony Burton, a good civic flag is both festive and dignified.

The rarely seen flag of Brisbane.

With that in mind, consider the Brisbane city banner. Dating back to 1947, flown outside City Hall and variously displayed around town, the standard of the city is all at once familiar and strange.

The blue and yellow chequered border is commonly used in BCC paraphernalia, not excluding advertising material related to the forthcoming city elections. But what about the rest of the design? What does that say about the city?