Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

TUESDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 1960

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

1438 Mossman Tramway Bill [ASSEMBLY] Questions

TUESDAY, 15 NOVEMBER, 1960

Mr. SPEAKER (Hon. D. E. Nicholson, Murrumba) took the chair at 11 a.m. ASSENT TO BILLS Assent to the following Bills reported by Mr. Speaker:- City of Brisbane Acts Amendment Bill. Treasury Funds Investment Act Amend­ ment Bill. Senate Elections Bill. Evidence and Discovery Acts and Other Acts Amendment Bill. All Saints Church Lands Bill.

QUESTIONS TRANSFER OF CROWN LAND TO HOUSING COMMISSION, METROPOLITAN AREA Mr. LLOYD (Kedron) asked the Minister for Public Lands and Irrigation- "(!) With reference to the report that an area of land of 3 acres 16.2 perches at Greer Road, Bardon, was sold to E. A. Knowles Estates Pty. Ltd. for £3,800 and another area of 3 roods 12.2 perches at Holland Park to Georges Freeholders Pty. Ltd. for £1,400 and in view of the recent statement by the Treasurer that Crown land was to be made available by the Queensland Housing Commission for home builders and that the Commission had in fact recently purchased land for this purpose, will he explain why these particular areas of land were not made available for sub-division by the Queens­ land Housing Commission?" Questions [15 NoVEMBER] Questions 1439

"(2) Has his Department any other land MISSING PAY ENVELOPES, TOWNSVILLE in Brisbane which may be suitable for GENERAL HosPITAL home building purposes and which might assist the Housing Commission in its Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) asked efforts to make cheaper land available to the Minister for Health and Home Affairs- prospective home builders?" "As the Auditor-General stated on page 194 of his Annual Report for the year Hon. A. R. FLETCHER (Cunningham) ended June 30, 1960, that pay envelopes replied- valued at £211 2s. 5d. were missing from "(1) The first area referred to is very the Townsville General Hospital,- steep and broken with a slope ranging from 1 in 2 to 1 in 4. The second area is (!) Were these envelopes empty and, likewise unattractive due to seepage caused if so, how many would be missing to by a spring of water located thereon. be valued at £211 2s. 5d.? For these reasons the land in its present (2) If they were full, how many state was considered unsuitable for sub­ envelopes were involved? division by the Crown into residential blocks. Due to their unsuitability and (3) What action, if any, has been complaints received concerning noxious taken or is contemplated to trace the weeds and rubbish thereon, the two blocks missing articles?" were offered at auction, as one parcel of land in each case, with the idea that Hon. H. W. NOBLE (Y eronga) replied­ some person <>r company may have been "(!) On April 22 last, pay envelopes interested in developing them." containing £211 2s. 5d. were found to be "(2) There are other areas in the hands missing at the Townsville Hospital." of the Crown and these are located at "(2) Six envelopes were involved." Monash Road, Ekibin and Sandgate North which areas are considered to be suitable "(3) The matter was placed in the hands for sale in subdivision. Allotments at of the Criminal Investigation Branch, Sandgate North are to be offered for Townsville, immediately the loss was sale at auction on Tuesday 22nd instant discovered, but that Department has been and allotments at Monash Road, Ekibin unable to locate the missing money or will be offered at auction when surveys establish the identity of the offender." and subdivisional road construction are completed. In addition there are already areas of Crown land located in Brisbane SITE FOR NEW STATE SCHOOL, AITKENVALE, which have been set apart for the purpose ToWNSVILLE of the State Housing Acts." Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) asked the Minister for Education and Migration- TRANSFER OF CROWN LAND TO HOUSING "Has land been acquired or is in the COMMISSION, ROWES BAY, TOWNSVILLE process of acquisition as a site for a new Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) asked school in the Aitkenvale area of Towns­ the Treasurer and Minister for Housing- ville and, if so, (a) what is the area of "As the Minister for Public Lands in the land, (b) where is it situated, (c) from his reply to a question directed to him whom was it acquired, and (d) for what by the Honourable Member for Townsville price?" North on Thursday, November 10, intimated that he was contemplating the Hon. J. C. A. PIZZEY (lsis) replied- development of a substantial area of land "Action is proceeding for the acquisition at Rowes Bay, Townsville, for residential of a site for a new Primary School in usage, will he consider the transfer of the Aitkenvale area of Townsville. Notice this land to the Housing Commission for of intention to resume the area in question the purpose of development and sale by was contained in the 'Government Gazette' the Commission to genuine home builders?" of October 15, 1960. (a) Twenty (20) acres. (b) The land has frontages to Albert and Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth) Alice Streets and Bergin Road. (c) The replied- site is being acquired from:-Jane "There is splendid co-operation between Catherine Mary Phillips, wife of Peter the Lands Department and the Housing Phillips; John Alfred Sterritt and Ivy Commission and as a result, unoccupied Myrtle Sterritt, his wife, as joint tenants; Crown Lands are regularly handed over Kee Wing Lun; Edna Florence Hobson, to the Commission for residential develop­ wife of Robert Francis Hobson. (d) Claims ment. The proposal at Rowes Bay has a great deal to be done before any land for compensation will be lodged by the will be ready for such transfer. The former owners with the Land Adminis­ Commission did, in November, 1959, tration Commission after the land has indicate its interest in land at Rowes Bay. actually been taken by the Crown. Failing It must await agreement with the Council an amicable agreement, the amount will and development of the area." be determined by the Land Court." 1440 Papers [ASSEMBLY] Canals Acts Amendment Bill

UNDERGROUND WATER SUPPLY, LOWER GIFT DUTY ACTS AMENDMENT BILL BURDEKIN AREA INITIATION Mr. COBURN (Burdekin) asked the Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth­ Minister for Public Lands and Irrigation- Treasurer and Minister for Housing) I "In view of the fact that the Home Hill move- Engineering Company who last year con­ "That the House will, at its present sit­ ducted tests in connection with the under­ ting, resolve itself into a Committee of ground water supply at Ayr and Home the Whole to consider of the desirableness Hill for the Irrigation and Water Supply of introducing a Bill to amend the Gift Commission by putting down bores to Duty Acts, 1926 to 1958, in certain bed-rock found at Koolkuna and Kalamia particulars." within the productive areas of the Lower Motion agreed to. Burdekin water to a depth of Ninety feet before reaching rock bottom and had negative results in so far as fresh water MOSSMAN TRAMWAY BILL is concerned at Phillips Camp and Alva THIRD READING Beach, outside the productive areas, will he arrange to have a deep well-boring Bill, on motion of Mr. Roberts, read a plant despatched to the Lower Burdekin third time. to make tests to a substantial depth to determine whether there is any water at METROPOLITAN FIRE BRIGADES the lower levels?" BOARD (LANDS)' BILL Hon. A. R. FLETCHER (Cunningham) THIRD READING replied- Bill, on motion of Mr. Fletcher, read a "The availability of underground water third time. in the Burdekin Delta for present irriga­ tion development is under examination CANALS ACTS AMENDMENT BILL by the Irrigation and Water Supply Com­ mission. This examination will include INITIATION IN COMMITTEE the possibility of obtaining supplies at (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Taylor, lower levels, and the extent of salt water Clayfield, in the chair) intrusion under various conditions. The desirability of further boring as suggested Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth­ by the Honourable Member is being con­ Treasurer and Minister for Housing) (11.24 sidered in conjunction with the investiga­ a.m.): I move- tion work being carried out this year." "That it is desirable that a Bill be intro­ duced to amend the Canals Acts, 1958 to 1959, in certain particulars." PAPERS The purpose of the Bill is to meet special The following paper was laid on the circumstances arising in the development of table, and ordered to be printed:- an estate known as Mermaid Bays Estate, situated immediately to the west of the Report of the Department of Harbours Pacific Highway behind Mermaid Beach. and Marine for the year 1959-1960. The company concerned proposes to develop The following papers were laid on the the land with canals in accordance with a table:- master plan prepared by the Albert Shire Council and approved by the Department of Order in Council under the Co-operative Harbours and Marine. It is at present pre­ Housing Societies Act of 1958. cluded from a complete development of Proclamation under the Queensland canals connected to the existing canal sys­ Marine Act of 1958. tem, as there are three parcels of land, yet to be developed, between the subject land Regulations under the Queensland Marine and the existing canal system. Act of 1958. The land is, however, served by an exist­ Regulations under the State Government ing watercourse, known as "Dunlop's Insurance Office (Queensland) Act of Drain," running in a northerly direction to 1960. Little Tallebudgera Creek. To enable the company to proceed immediately with the Regulations under the Primary Producers' development of portion of its land it has Organisation and Marketing Acts, been authorised to build some of its canals 1926 to 1957. and connect them by a temporary canal to Orders in Council under the Medical Acts, this watercourse, "Dunlop's Drain." 1939 to 1958. As the full canal system is provided by Regulations under the Hospitals Acts, 1936 the landowners to the immediate north, the to 1955. company is bound to reclaim the temporary canal and build the balance of its canals in Order in Council under the River Improve­ accordance with the master plan. The ment Trust Acts, 1940 to 1959. Albert Shire Council is in agreement with Pollution of Waters [15 NOVEMBER] by Oil Bill 1441 this development and my engineering advis­ days and the last evidence of the propulsion ers in the Department of Harbours and of vessels by sail for commercial purposes. Marine have also reported favourably We have also seen the hey-day of the thereon. employment of coal-fired steam vessels and Whilst "Dunlop's Drain" is subject to tidal the eclipse of the use of coal as a fuel for influence, there is some doubt whether it steam vessels, and its supplantation by oil. constitu~es tidal waters for the purposes of There appears to be little doubt, again within connectmg a canal thereto. The Bill places the experience of many of the younger men the issue beyond doubt. who are now in this Chamber, that it may Those hon. members who were in the well be that the use of oil for the firing of Chamber when the Canals Act was passed boilers and the generation of steam may will know that we were concerned firstly become completely outmoded, and that some about ensuring that these canals would not future Parliament of the State will be ~ecome refuse pits; that they would be sub­ aJdressing its mind as to how to protect both JeCt to the scouring influence of the tide­ the land of Queensland and the waters that the cleansing influence of the tide-and surround it from pollution by atomic wastes. that when sullage and stormwater got into However, at this stage of the development them there would be a clear outlet; in effect, of marine propulsion the use of oil as a fuel that there would be no ponding of stag­ has become the dominant feature, and the nant water, creating a health nuisance. We result is that it is considered necessary to ~PJ?r'?ached the construction of canals by pass a special law dealing with the pollution ms1stmg that they must be connected to tidal of waters by oil and oily mixtures. water. For many years world-wide concern has "Dunlop's Drain" has a moderate tidal been expressed at oil pollution of navigable rise and fall. It is connected to tidal waters. Ever since the introduction of fuel water. I am told that the tidal rise and oil the pollution by oily discharge has fall is about 2 feet, compared with the rise caused the destruction of fish and sea-bird on occasions in the Nerang River proper life, and within harbours it has caused the of from 2 feet 6 inches to 3 feet 6 inches. fouling of small ships, river banks and The tide therefore will not have the same bathing beaches. scouring effect in "Dunlop's Drain" as it As early as 1935 this matter was raised ~as in _the Ner~ng River, but the proposal 1s an mtermed1ate measure to allow the in the League of Nations, but it was not work to proceed. The Albert Shire Council until April, 1954, that the United Kingdom is :rery keen about it and my engineering convened an international conference to con­ adv1sers have reported favourably. As sider what protective steps might be taken. soon as the other connecting canals are The United Kingdom had then hoped that built this link will be filled in and the it would have been possible to arrive at a canals will be connected with the ordinary draft convention entirely prohibiting the dis­ canal system in accordance with the master charge into the sea of oily mixtures, but plan. agreement on this basis could not be reached. That is the sole purpose of the Bill, and I submit it to the Committee. A draft convention was finally settled, pro­ Motion (Mr. Hiley) agreed to. viding for the setting-up of zones of varying widths, both for tankers and dry-cargo ships, Resolution reported. within which the discharge of oil residues would be prohibited. The Australian zone FIRST READING was 50 miles from the coast in the case of Bill presented and, on motion of Mr. dry-cargo ships, and, in the case of tankers, Hiley, read a first time. a 50-mile zone from Thursday Island along the north and west coasts to latitude POLLUTION OF WATERS BY OIL BILL 20 degrees south, thence some 150 miles from the coast, around the west, south and INITIATION IN COMMITTEE east coasts, as far as Thursday Island. (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Taylor, A special committee comprising repre­ Clayfield, in the chair.) sentatives of the Commonwealth and States Hon. T. A. HILEY (Chatsworth­ was appointed to consider this convention Treasurer and Minister for Housing) (11.30 and its implementation in Australia. It was a.m.): I move- realised that if Australia adopted the con­ vention, legislative action would be necessary "That it is desirable that a Bill be intro­ by both the Commonwealth and the States. duced relating to the prevention of the The Commonwealth would need to legislate pollution of the territorial waters and to deal with waters outside the jurisdiction inland navigable waters of Queensland by of the States. It weuld also require to deal oil." with interstate shipping. Each State, for its This Bill is designed and aimed at the pur­ part, would require to legislate to deal with poses narrowly set out in its definition. I waters inside its jurisdiction and also intra­ remind the Committee that within the state shipping. The Commonwealth legis­ memory of men presently serving in this lation would essentially derive its authority Chamber, marine transport has seen the last from the External Affairs power in the 1442 Pollution of Waters [ASSEMBLY] by Oil Bill

Commonwealth Constitution. Legislation Mr. HILEY: That is a reverse application under this power, if it is to be intra vires, of it. That is a product not so much of must correspond precisely with the terms of the coral insect itself as of some other the treaty to which it gives effect. organism that lives on the coral reef. That Consequently, the Commonwealth law is the one that produces the brown scum. follows almost precisely the terms of the convention. In other words, by its legis­ Mr. Burrows: Yes. It can be very offensive. lation it gives an Australian ramification to Mr. HILEY: Very bad. I think it is as the treaty that had been entered into giving bad this year as I have ever seen it. In one effect to the terms expressed by the con­ case countless square miles of it were coming vention. in. The way that it swept in is a good Apart from questions of legality, it is highly illustration of the way oily wastes would desirable that uniformity with the Common­ come in. wealth be maintained as far as possible in any The Bill will become law on a date to be State legislation. Consequently, a draft Bill proclaimed. Its provisions will be in addition was prepared for the guidance of the States, to, but not in derogation of, other legislation. after close consultation with all parties. We Provision is made that an offender cannot are now following the draft in this Bill. be punished twice under different Acts for Mr. Duggan: Has similar legislation been the same offence. I remind the Committee introduced in other States yet? that we have at the present time various provisions giving a general and vague control Mr. HILEY: I could not tell the hon. gentle­ over pollution. We have that control under man whether it has actually been introduced, the Water Act, the Harbours Act, and the but there has been an all-Australian agree­ Fisheries Act. This Bill will give a particular ment. This was done through the conference power to supplement the vague and general of the Harbour Boards Association, and I am powers contained in those several existing assured by my officers that every State pro­ laws. poses to take parallel action. Generally speaking, each harbour board Mr. Duggan: An identical Bill, too? will administer the Bill in the waters within its jurisdiction, whilst the Marine Board Mr. HILEY: That is the hope. I will be will undertake the administration outside concerned if any State departs from the Com­ harbour limits. monwealth draft. When pollution occurs, the owner or At present, pollution of waters by oil is not master of the ship, or the occupier of the a serious problem in Queensland. It perhaps land installation or the person in charge of would not have become a serious problem had the apparatus, as the case may be, from the direct importation of oils from overseas which the oil escaped shall be held respon­ continued. However, with the establishment sible for the offence. The penalties pro­ of refineries in Australia and the transport posed are high, the maximum being £1,000. by sea of oil cargoes between the various This figure is the same as that included ports, the matter is bound to assume some in the relevant legislation of the importance. The prevailing winds in Queens­ Commonwealth. land are from the east and oily wastes dis­ However, the discharge of oil in certain charged at sea in any quantity adjacent to our circumstances will be a defence in case of coast must eventually reach our shores, despoil prosecution. It is quite well understood, I our beaches, possibly destroy fish-breeding and think, that there are occasions when oil feeding grounds, and cause other damage. It has to be discharged for either the safety is quite possible, too, that they could of the ship or the saving of life. If the adversely affect our coral reefs because the ship has been involved in a collision, it coral polyp is an extremely sensitive animal. is obvious that oil will escape irrespective It will thrive under conditions that suit it but of what the master might or might not be it is very quickly discouraged by conditions able to do. In the case of saving life, foreign to its ordinary liking. The best although I have not heard of any particular example of that is the great cuts in the Barrier example of its being used in Australian Reef where the polyp has refused to live waters, the realms of fiction are full of illus­ in waters that are periodically affected by trations of where a lifeboat has made a the coloured waste water coming down from perilous crossing after the master of a ship the coastal rivers in flood. Because the coral has hung oiled bags all round the side of animal just does not like to have any dirt his ship to provide an area in which the in the water in which it lives, we have these sea will not break and thus allowed the great gaps, which fortunately give us a means lifeboat to make its rescue journey. of entrance and exit from the open ocean to the area behind the reef. It is expected that In addition to that, realising that these were oily wastes to be deposited on the surface things can be made too drastic, the Bill of the coral, very soon we should have a lot of provides that the discharge of an oily mix­ dead coral and the live coral animal would ture of a ratio of less than 100 parts of be discouraged. oil to 1,000,000 parts of mixture will not be deemed under the Bill to be pollution. Mr. Burrows: The coral insect is an Here I might anticipate what hon. members offender itself in that regard when it spawns are certain to say-"Why accept a compli­ periodically. cated formula of 100 parts of oil to Pollution of Waters [15 NOVEMBER] by Oil Bill 1443

1,000,000 parts of mixture? Why not say, them available for tankers or for the recep­ 'One part of oil to 10,000 parts of mix­ tion of oil residues disposed of to enable ture'?" I must confess that had it not been a ship to undergo repairs. Also, a harbour that I prepared this Bill exactly to the design board is not compelled to allow untreated laid down elsewhere, I should have done ballast water to be disposed of in such that. facilities. Mr. Duggan: I think what has happened Harbour boards may make by-laws under is that the Commonwealth Government are the Harbours Acts, 1955 to 1959, requiring so accustomed to talking in millions that owners or occupiers of oil installations and they want to preserve that phrase. dockyards to provide facilities for the dis­ posal of oil residues from tanke:s and ships Mr. HILEY: That could be, but they are undergoing repairs, respectively. only repeating what is stated in the inter­ national convention. Mr. Burrows: Is that for the disposal on land? Expenses of removing oil pollution may be recovered against the responsible party. Mr. HILEY: Yes. When you have collected The obtaining of such costs will not pre­ what you are forbidden to discharge you judice the recovery of a penalty or · affect have to get rid of it. Almost always that any claim for damages caused by the would be done by burning. The Bill covers pollution. the provision of suitable installations in ~hich oily residues can be consumed by burmng. It will be necessary for owners of intra­ state ships to fit them with equipment for Oil cannot be transferred between sunset and sunrise to or from any ships in any the prevention of oil pollution, and waters within the jurisdiction without per­ requirements in that regard may be pre­ mission of the respective harbour board, if scribed by regulation. These particular within a harbour, or the local harbour­ requirements will be administered by the master or some other authorised person, or Marine Board. the Marine Board where the transfer is to Regulations may be made to provide for take place outside harbour limits. the inspection of intrastate ships, a testing Any person appointed by the Marine Board and approving of equipment to prevent oil or a harbour board, as the .::ase may be, pollution, and the fixing of inspection and may board an intrastate ship for the pu~pose testing fees. The Marine Board may appoint of inspection and report as to compliance inspectors and testers. In the case of a with requirements. Also, he may test any breach of requirements as regards equip­ equipment required to be mstalled under the ment, both the owner and the master of Bill. the ship are liable. Under certain circumstances the Marine Provision is made for regulations requir­ Board is empowered to grant dispensations ing masters of intrastate ships or occupiers wholly or in part from the provisions of of land installations to keep oil records the Bill, but such dispensations may be showing the movement (including dis­ revoked at any time. charge, transfer, or leakage) of oil or oily I think that fairly outlines rhe provisions mixtures. If the required records are not of the Bill. I ask the Committee to observe kept, both the owner and the master of the particularly that it applies to the pollution ship, or the occupier of the land instal­ by oil of the territorial waters of the State, lation involved, are guilty of an offence. and of the inland navigable waters. The Any discharge of oil or oily mixture from Bill does not deal with other than navigable a ship or land installation within the juris­ waters, and it deals only with pollution by diction must be reported by those concerned oil and oily mixtures. When the Bill was to the respective harbour board or marine being drafted I considered whether we should board respectively. Anyone failing to do so overhaul our control of the pollution of is guilty of an offence. streams by industrial wastes. That is a pro h­ lem that has been giving increasing concern For the purpose of investigating any pol­ in the densely-populated manufacturing coun­ lution, the local harbour-master or anyone tries where what used to be l>Weet-running, appointed by the Marine Board or the clear streams containing useful fish have respective harbour board may board and become polluted, noisome wastes because of inspect any ship within the jurisdiction and the effluent from various manufacturing indus­ examine oil records. He may also inspect tries. The Bill does not attempt to deal any land installations. There is also the with that. I cannot see that there is as usual provision that any person assaulting or yet any general problem caused by indus­ otherwise obstructing an investigator is trial wastes, even though one or two cases guilty of an offence. may give a little concern. A harbour board may provide, or join Mr. Houston: You have not been down to with some other person or the Crown in pro­ Wynnum lately. viding, facilities for the disposal of oil residues. Generally speaking, subject to the Mr. HILEY: That is probably the worst payment of fees and observance of condi­ case. If the hon. member means Wynnum tions, any ship may use such facilities; but Creek-- a harbour board is not compelled to make Mr. Houston: Doboy Creek. 1444 Pollution of Waters [ASSEMBLY] by Oil Bill

Mr. HILEY: That is the only one that I that he does not regard this merely as an know of in the State. Although I am con­ opportunity to avoid the opening up of scious of the problem that will gradually that subject. I should like to see it dealt develop because of the discharge of indus­ with at some reasonably early future date. trial wastes, I do not think this Bill is the It is a problem that is becoming serious in vehicle with which to deal with it. It is a industrial cities and in certain provincial standard Bill that has arisen out of the inter­ cities, particularly in the inland areas. national convention, and we have endeavoured Toowoomba is one case in point. There is to make it fit in with local conditions becaust) only a small creek to take away the indus­ of our own terminology and control. For trial waste from the bacon factory, the example, we have vested authority in harbour butter factory and other manufacturing boards and the Marine Board, whereas in undertakings, and the offence is a nuisance other countries they may have different orga­ that is accentuated in all areas that have nisations. With the exception of meeting not the volume of water necessary to local conditions of that order we have adhered clear it. rigidly to the decisions of the international convention. We hope that when the Bill is I remember reading some time ago about assented to by Parliament we shall have an industrial consultant who came out from legislation identical in term, expression and England to deal with pollution of our meaning with similar Bills being passed in streams. It has apparently become quite a all the other States of the Commonwealth. science in some parts of the world, particu­ larly highly-industrialised countries, and this Mr. DUGGAN (Toowoomba West­ may well be an appropriate occasion on Leader of the Opposition) (11.50 a.m.): I which to examine the problem. suppose the Minister has covered sufficiently the reasons for the introduction of this One point that occurs to me is what measure. That being so, there is no occasion powers the Government have to take action to engage in debate, for a prolonged period against some of these people who offend anyway, on the matter. It was because of against the proposed Bill. I presume action that that I did not speak on the previous would have to be taken fairly quickly if an Bill; I felt that all that could be adequately offence was committed in order to prove said had been said and that no disputation that a particular ship was responsible for a arose. Nor is there any point of disputation nuisance that had been created. I was also particularly arising on this Bill because it wondering what would happen if the nuisance would seem extremely odd if Queensland was not detected before the ship left Aus­ did not fall into line with the other States tralia. Claim could possibly be made on the in implementing the agreement that has been owner or the master of the vessel concerned, reached on the problems arising as a result but a problem might arise if the extent of of vessels using our seaways. the pollution was serious and the vessel had left Australia. It might be diverted to One result of the Industrial Revolution another country and not come back to Aus­ has been the provision of amenities of a tralian waters. widespread character and an improved standard of living but, concomitant with There are cases in which pollution occurs that, of course, is the disadvantage of not deliberately. I think it occurred recently modern industry in the pollution that results at the Kurnell refinery in New South Wales from its effluent. It is a great pity indeed. in circumstances beyond the control of both We are all familiar with the eff!uxion of the owner and the master of the ship. The industrial waste which has been referred to master was compelled to discharge into the today. At least we seem to have reached harbour at Kurnell a tremendous amount of the stage of becoming aware of the danger oil. I suppose a lesser penalty would be of pollution from vessels at sea and the imposed in a case of that nature. extent to which that pollution can spread. Mr. Hiley: If a person is compelled to It is evident from the Minister's statement release oil for the safety of a vessel or the that it extends, in some cases, up to 150 saving of life, he is excused. miles from the coastline. It shows that the penetration is even greater than I thought Mr. DUGGAN: That is reasonable, because because of the influence of winds and tides. there is a great distinction between the It is quite obvious that 150 miles is con­ release for that purpose and for other sidered to be the safe limit, otherwise that purposes. figure would not have been introduced. I have not had sufficient experience to say There is, however, one point for debate how easy it is to effect prosecutions for and I hope that the Minister might consider, such offences. The tremendous length of and indicate in the second-reading stage, coastline in Australia may make the posi­ that the subject of industrial waste might tion here more difficult than it is in other be treated as a matter of some moment to countries. the Government and that he will ask his I have been on a ship on only one officers to see if some justifiable steps cannot occasion, but it appeared to me that the be taken to prepare a Bill in this regard. people responsible for the discharge of that I think it is a serious matter. waste did not wait very long after the ship Surveys of air pollution, and so on, have left harbour before getting rid of it. I sup­ been carried out. I ask the Minister to say pose the same desire to get rid of waste Pollution of Waters, &c., Bill [15 NoVEMBER] Supply 1445 as soon as possible would actuate the owner lane between the reef and the shore is of an oil tanker or a dry cargo vessel using naturally much narrower than it would be oil-fired power. I noticed while on the vessel if the Barrier Reef did not run along the that every time we left port immediate coast. My remarks are pertinent to the action was taken to throw overboard the 150-mile limit set by the Bill. Hon. mem­ garbage and so on that had accumulated bers can appreciate the temptation to which while the vessel was in port. Apparently the master of a coastal vessel would be the desire was to get rid of it as quickly as subject. Take the case of a ship that called possible. at Gladstone and was then going to Port Alma. It would not go outside the Barrier Mr. Hiley: Sometimes they do it as they Reef, and therefore would never get 150 pass Gibson Island. miles from the shore. The same could be Mr. DUGGAN: That happened in the said of all vessels proceeding up the coast vessel of which I have experience-round other than vessels of greater draught than about that point. the depth of the channel. Those vessels, naturally, would have to go outside the I suppose some interesting contributions reef. could be made on this subject by hon. mem­ bers. I think it is a very interesting one. Progress reported. The Minister has given adequate reasons why At 12 noon in accordance with Standing we should take action in common with the Order No. 307, the House went into Com­ other States. The Bill is supplementary to mittee of Supply. legislation passed by the Commonwealth Parliament. It seems to be a sensible measure. SUPPLY This is the type of subject on which some RESUMPTION OF COMMITTEE-ESTIMATES­ very informative and interesting submissions NINTH AND TENTH ALLOTTED DAYS could be made. The Minister has clearly set out the purpose of the Bill. I do not (The Chairman of Committees, Mr. Taylor, think the passage of the Bill through its Clayfield, in the chair.) various stages should be unduly delayed, ESTIMATES-IN-CHIEF, 1960-1961 unless some hon. member wishes to speak particularly of pollution in a certain area. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WoRKS AND LOCAL I do not think it calls for a lengthy debate. GovERNMENT I agree with the Treasurer that the finding CHIEF OFFICE of oil in areas adjacent to Queensland would Debate resumed from 10 November (see probably bring much closer the time when p. 1403) on Mr. Roberts's motion- it will be necessary to use the provisions of the Bill. I have spoken to men in the "That £233,243 be granted for 'Depart­ oil industry in years gone by regarding the ment of Public Works and Local Govern­ establishment of an oil refinery in Queens­ ment-Chief Office'." land. The consensus of opinion was that Mr. RAMSDEN (Merthyr): I should like unless oil was found in New Guinea or in at this juncture to join with those who have Queensland itself it would be a long time spoken before me in congratulating the before a refinery was built in Queensland. Minister for Public Works and Local Gov­ But with the impact of competition between ernment on the occasion of the presentation various established refineries, including the of his first Estimates, and join with everyone refinery built in Adelaide-apart altogether in the Chamber, on both sides, in wishing from considerations of prestige and intense him a long and useful occupancy of his office. competition between oil companies-it is quite possible that the establishing of a I should like to draw the Committee's refinery may be done a little earlier than attention to Appendix 3 on page 13 of the was contemplated three or four years ago. annual report of the Department of Public In that event the problem no doubt would Works for the year ended 30 June, 1960. become more serious. If we study that appendix we will see that the expenditure on public buildings for every The measure is timely. The problem of department during the last seven years of pollution of beaches and navigable rivers Labour's office amounted to £17,808,955 is one of tremendous importance, and one 4s. 6d., and for the first three years of which I think has to be dealt with in an the Country-Liberal Party Government the intelligent and scientific way. It appears expenditure on the same items amounted to that much time and thought have been given £15,689,874 4s. 8d. In other words, Labour to determining the best way of dealing with spent on State buildings only £2,119,081 it, and that those ideas have been incor­ more than this Government, although the porated in the Bill. period was four years longer. Mr. BURROWS (Port Curtis) (11.58 a.m.): Mr. Bennett: We spent it more efficiently On the spur of the moment I should say than your crowd. that some aspects of the problem peculiar to Queensland are not experienced in other Mr. RAMSDEN: Taking the last seven places, peculiarities that arise through the years of Labour's administration-! think existence of the Barrier Reef. The shipping this answers the interjection by the hon. 1446 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply member for South Brisbane-the average of its members, who followed their ordinary annual expenditure on State public buildings pursuits. In these modern days, Parlia­ was £2,544,136, whilst the average annual mentary government has changed and there expenditure on public buildings under the is a greater call on the time and energies Nicklin-Morris Government for the last of members. three financial years average £5,229,958. When this Government have been in office To want to preserve the historical beauty for only another three years, at the present of the Parliament, as the editorial writer rate of expenditure the State public buildings pointed out, is a very natural desire and I will have had nearly twice as much spent personally would resist to the utmost any on them in six years as Labour spent in attempt to destroy the historical significance seven years. of the Chamber or of the House, but, again, might I add to the words that have already That will not be due to the inflationary been spoken by others here my plea for the monetary values, but to this Government's building of a new wing to Parliament House aim to provide the State with buildings fit as an urgent necessity. In saying that, might for their employees. I might mention as an I ask "The Courier-Mail" to notice that that example the establishment of the Hughenden is a necessity not because members of Public Service Hostel at a cost of some Parliament must have better conditions of £25,000. work and not only to ensure the privacy of I should like to make a few comments now constituents, which privacy must be protected, on Parliament House. I was reading but because of the vastly expanding demands through a booklet called "The Capitol," of the Parliamentary Library. If I am to which is described as "An Omnibus of the be criticised for asking for a new and Capitol," a magazine of the House of Repre­ additional wing on this building to satisfy the sentatives of the U.S.A. The volume I was 1equirements of the Parliamentary Library, reading was that of the 85th Congress of the for one reason alone let my critics come with Second Session, House Document No. 412. me to see the crowded conditions under which That document commences an article entitled books have to be stored in the second-storey "Congress enlarges the Capitol" with these library room of this wing and in the con­ words- verted horse stable building and a small "The Capitol as an architectural struc­ periodical room of some 459 sq. ft. situated ture, like the form of Government it near the kitchen. houses, was never intended by its origin­ Mr. Walsh: You would not find anything ators to remain as fixed and unchanged as like that in "The Courier-Mail" building, the Pyramids." would you? I want to apply those words to this House of Parliament because, in spite of the opinions Mr. RAMSDEN: I should not think so. I of the editor of "The Courier-Mail," who have never been through their library but obviously disagrees with me, I believe that the I certainly would not expect them to tolerate House should not be considered to be as the conditions that the Parliamentary Library fixed and as unchanged as the Pyramids of has to put up with. In fact, on several Egypt. The last time I made some reference occasions much damage has been done to to this subject in the Chamber, the editor, books of the Parliamentary Library by white or the editorial writer, of "The Courier-Mail" ants and other pests and dampness. This came up with a sub-leader in which he used House possesses one of the finest libraries in rather extravagant terms of a derogatory Australia. At the last count it contained nature describing the Chamber as "the best 87,653 books and magazines and, in addition, club in Queensland" and pointing out that many volumes that are almost priceless. Just those of us who had asked for improvements to cite a few-there is a set of "The Times" were in fact asking for more amenities for dating back to 1860, valued at £4,000, and the members of that "club." a complete set of "The Annual Register," valued at £2,000. Mr. Walsh: Who said that? Libraries are not static; good ones grow. Mr. RAMSDEN: The editorial writer of As a matter of fact, our library is growing 'The Courier-Mail." at the rate of approximately 1,100 books Mr. Walsh: I still don't know who he is. per annum. So I urge the Government, the Minister for Public Works, and the Mr. RAMSDEN: Unfortunately, neither Co-ordinator-General of Public Works, to do I. build in these grounds at least a three-storey wing to meet the expanding needs of the Mr. Walsh: He probably comes from the library and the expanding Parliamentary University. needs of the State. I suggest that a temporary building is not enough. It need not neces­ Mr. RAMSDEN: The George Street wing­ sarily be of stone, as this building is, but it the wing we are now sitting in-was com­ certainly must be of fire-resistant material. pleted in August 1868, and in June 1891, Brick walls and concrete floors would be the the Alice Street wing was completed and best. At least an extra 6,000 square feet are occupied. Since then no additions have been needed to meet the expanding requirements made. This building was erected when Parlia­ of the library alone, and this area must be ment was a supernumerary function of most filled with adjustable steel shelves. Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1447

Mr. Walsh: Have you heard anything of constituents for work that has been done in the proposal that the Government are going my electorate. When I was elected as mem­ to buy the Bellevue Hotel and the Queens­ ber for Merthyr, in spite of the fact that the land Club? electorate had been represented by a Minister of the Crown for many years, the public Mr. RAMSDEN: I am afraid I do not buildings had been neglected. In the last mix in the same circles as the hon. member three years, particularly in the last 12 months, for Bundaberg, so I would not care to express the Department of Public Works has done an opinion. much to improve the working conditions of Architects in the Department of Public those employed in public offices in the elec­ Works need not distort the ideas of earlier torate of Merthyr. For example, according architects; they could implement them. By to the records the Breakfast Creek Police way of illustration, I point out that the Station has had the first work done on it, United States Capitol is adding 100,000 other than painting, since 1929. The staff gross feet of space, making room for 54 addi­ have asked me to express their personal tional offices, eight rooms for House and appreciation for the work that has been done. Senate documents, and two further dining­ Prior to the alterations five men were sitting rooms, at a cost of approximately 10,000,000 side by side, shoulder to shoulder, in an office dollars, or roughly £5,000,000 in Australian only 15 feet by 8 feet. Each man would take currency. The architects of America, for the up 3 feet, so without even taking cupboard most part, approve of this extension. I space and typewriters into account it will be believe that we in Queensland must face up realised how cramped they were. A new sooner or later-the sooner the better, for it office, 12 feet by 16 feet, has been built and will be cheaper now than in 10 years' time­ the old office has been converted for the to the need for a new wing on Parliament sole use of the sergeant-in-charge. The House to meet the growing demands of this residence has been renovated for the first Parliament. time in many years; the sergeant's family now enjoy up-to-date plumbing installations, Mr. Aikens: Did you know that the photo­ and at the moment the garage building is grapher had to stand outside the window of being raised so that a modern wash-house Uncle Tom's cabin to take that picture that can be provided underneath it. In addition, appeared in the paper? a waiting room has been provided under the Mr. RAMSDEN: I did not know that, but house for the use of those who come to the I do know that the tables were all bunched police station on business. It serves to give together to make it look more crowded. I them a degree of privacy from the traffic do know that the hon. member would never passing along Breakfast Creek Road. On be happy, no matter what one did for him. behalf of the people in the Breakfast Creek I am trying to make a serious contribution area, I thank the Minister for the work that to this debate, and I do not want to be led has been done. aside by frivolous comments. Mr. Low: A tribute well deserved. I believe that we must have the vision to see the requirements of this Parliament not Mr. RAMSDEN: I think it is, particularly only for the present but for the future. It as it is the first work to be carried out since is an amazing thing that the newspapers 1929. seem to single out Parliament House and On behalf of the staff and the Parents' and members of Parliament for special attack. Citizens' Committee of the Ascot State School For instance, there is no criticism from the I thank the Minister for the work done to Press when a luxury hotel is being built, but relieve overcrowding by the building of a there is criticism of the Minister for Transport block of new classrooms, for the provision and of the broken-down condition of waiting­ of better natural and electric lighting in the rooms and the broken-down and dirty condi­ old buildings, and for the approval of new tion of railway stations because no improve­ galvanised fencing, drainage and road work ments are made. For some reason, there that is to be done. is also criticism when it is suggested that something be done to add to the beauty, For the first time for many years the old dignity and usefulness of this Chamber. New Farm State School has received a coat of paint to make it look more presentable. Mr. Aikens: You are not as important as Marilyn Monroe. You cannot get onto the Mr. Aikens: Have you done anything about front page of "The Courier-Mail." the smog nuisance from the New Farm power house? Mr. RAMSDEN: I quite realise that. That is one of the anomalies of our time. Mr. RAMSDEN: I shall not wait for you to rule me out of order, Mr. Taylor, I shall The CHAIRMAN: Order! let that remark go until another debate. Mr. RAMSDEN: Having made those few Finally, I should like to tell the Minister remarks about the important concept of a that the people of Merthyr join with me in new wing for Parliament House, I hope that wishing him many successful years in office the Minister, the Co-ordinator General, and as Minister for Public Works and Local Cabinet, will take some heed of them. Government. I should now like to come down to the Mr. DONALD (Ipswich East) (12.19 p.m.): level of the parish pump and thank the As this is the first occasion on which the Minister and his department on behalf of my present Minister has introduced the Estimates 1960-2z 1448 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply for the Department of Public Works I should Mr. Aikens: Are they used? like to congratulate him sincerely on his elevation to Cabinet rank, and wish him well Mr. DONALD: They are used. I had the in his work. I was very pleased with the privilege, with members of the Government manner in which he spoke of his depart­ and Opposition members, of visiting Eventide, mental employees and the value of the work Sandgate, some years ago and participating that they have performed, particularly those in a game of bowls. The old people at employed in the construction section. His Sandgate conduct the bowling green in the decision to push on with the erection of same manner as ordinary, outside bowling residences for school teachers throughout the greens are run. They have their officers; State is to be commended. The programme there is a greenkeeper, a secretary, a presi­ could be pushed even further to cater for dent and a committee. They have a games public servants generally. I hold the very committee and, on the green at Eventide, firm view that any employer-the Govern­ Sandgate, a game can be enjoyed in the ment or anyone else-has a social obligation same manner and on the same basis as it to erect residences for his workers who from would be in any bowling club in Queensland. time to time are transferred from their home districts. The advance that Queensland Mr. Aikens: Have they a liquor bar like has made over the years, not only in the last the outside bowling clubs? three years, in the installation of water sup­ plies and septic and sewerage systems is Mr. DONALD: The Government were very nothing less than remarkable and, despite wise in that they did not provide a liquor comments to the contrary, I feel that in no bar, and I compliment them for it. I do other State in the Commonwealth do so many not want to pursue a subject outside the people enjoy these amenities which I consider scope of the debate, Mr. Taylor. as essential. The CHAIRMAN: The hon. member is The Minister's decision to have septic, not obliged to take notice of interjections. sewerage and electric light supplied to people working for the Government is one on which Mr. DONALD: The establishment of an I commend him because, in the past, we architectural office at Rockhampton and have been rather neglectful in this respect. Townsville is a step in the right direction In has been quite true that the last houses and will, I feel, facilitate the work of in a district to be supplied with electric light, planning and the work in general in the water supply or sewerage have been the northern and central divisions by eliminating residences occupied by officers of the Govern­ delay and rendering promptly technical assis­ ment. The position has been no different in tance when required, particularly by work­ Ipswich. men constructing large buildings. The work that has been performed by the In all new buildings, where practicable, Department of Public Works on the mental and particularly in the northern, central and hospital at Ipswich is a striking example of !western portions of the State, provision the efficiency of the workers of that depart­ should be made for the installation of air­ ment, particularly when their work is com­ conditioning plant and, where possible, in pared with that performed by private con­ existing Government buildings. Therefore, it tractors for the department. That is evident is pleasing to note that the Minister has in the ward that was opened a few months decided upon such a policy, and his decision ago by the Minister for Health and Home to give priority to the far northern and Affairs after it was handed over to him by western areas of the State will meet with the Minister for Public Works and Local the approval of everybody. When discomfort Government. I defy anybody who wants is experienced, it should be remedied, and it to be inquisitive and make an impartial should be remedied first wher!'! it is greatest. examination of the value of the work done I do not think anyone could argue success­ by men employed directly by the depart­ fully against the decision of the Minister to ment and that done by those working for give priority to work in the Far West, Far private contractors to disprove my claim that North and Central portions of the State over the work done by employees of the depart­ similar work in departmental offices in the ment is not only superior to the contract metropolitan and near-metropolitan areas. work, but also cheaper. Full marks must be It is also pleasing to learn that improved given to Mr. Worley and the men under his facilities such as gas and electric stoves, control for the excellent service the depart­ hot-water systems, wash boilers, refrigerators, ment has given, and is giving, to the com­ munity. etc., are to be provided in departmental residences, and that special provision is to be One particular point in Mr. Longland's made to supply those amenities in homes in report that is worthy of special comment is isolated areas. Perhaps we could go further the provision of a bowling green at the and provide the amenities where possible for Wacol Repatriation Pavilion. This is due main-road construction gangs and employees to the wisdom, initiative and foresight of the of the Department of Irrigation and Water Hon. Arthur Jones when he was Minister Supply. I know from experience that to some for Health and Home Affairs. He decided extent amenities have been provided over the that these bowling greens be established, not years for these employees, but we could give only at Eventide, Sandgate, but at other them more and I think the Government Government institutions throughout the State. should attempt to do so. Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1449

It is a great pity that the department had they do not get any variety of work or to dispense with the services of 219 employees training different from that in their second or during the year, particularly when so much third year, whereas an apprentice with the work remains to be done and when experience Department of Public Works gets a variety has shown that employees of the department of work. He is employed on the building of perform the work so much better and so cottages as well as large buildings. He has much cheaper than outside contractors. If the advantage of being employed and trained money can be found to pay contractors for on some of the biggest undertakings in the the work, it could and should have been State. Any lad is very fortunate to be appren­ found t~ continue the classroom programme, ticed to a section of the building industry in to provide employment for the employees the Department of Public Works. who have been dismissed by the department. The department is to be commended for Th~ Minister, in the report, has drawn the vital part it played in the State centenary attentiOn to the fact that he would like to celebrations. We must all agree with the have done much more work, and that he general public, who were loud in their praise regretted having to dispense with 219 and admiration of the iiiumination and employees. He said he would have done decoration of the public buildings. This much more if he had been able to get the work was performed by employees of money to do it. I am not laying any blame the Department of Public Works, and it on the Minister for his inability to keep these set an excellent example to be followed men in employment and for not doing all the by other sections of the community. It is work he would like to have done. I think we a sad state of affairs that in the majority can agree with him, sympathise with him and of cases this example was not followed by join in his sorrow at not being able to keep many wealthy firms. these men in employment and not being able I have a few words to say on Public to get all the money to do what he thinks is Works expenditure in the Ipswich East necessary and that we think is necessary, not electorate. At the Bundamba State School only for the welfare of the employees of his there have been additions costing £4,764, and department, but also for the continuous at the Ipswich East State School there have development of Queensland. been additions costing £6,302. I should The department is to be congratulated on like to emphasise that the Ipswich East its policy of providing work for the maximum State School is comparatively new. It was number of apprentices in the building trades. erected only a few years ago after much In this direction the Government have agitation by the residents in the locality for followed the policy of Labour Governments extra accommodation for their children, so over. the years. For a long period the that they would not have to go long distances maximum number of apprentices have been to school. The school has been erected only employed by the Department of Public two or three years, and to meet the growing Works. I doubt if the department has ever demand the Government have already found been criticised adversely for accepting its it necessary to extend it at a cost of £6,302. responsibility in this matter. Unfortunately I thank the department for doing that, because far too many private builders have not it was essential. It emphasises the need for accepted their responsibility to train trades­ a new school in North Booval, for which men for the future with the result that there we have been agitating over the years. I is a shortage of skilled tradesmen in the am sure that similar results would be forth­ building industry. Instead of young Aus­ coming at North Booval. We want a school tralians being trained in one of the trades there as soon as we can get it to relieve the associated with the building industry, they overcrowding in the existing schools. have to be content with being builders' I go once a month to a meeting at the labourers, waiting on tradesmen brought in Blackstone State School. In spite of all the from overseas. That state of affairs is wrong. work done by the school committee to keep We have lads who want to be trained. They the furniture intact, and trying to make it are qualified academically as well as physic­ attractive by painting it and repairing it, there ally and they want to be apprenticed to one is a need for a completely new set of of the building trades. The best avenue of furniture. I do not know how the children employment, of course, is the Department of can do their work there. The desks are Public Works, but unfortunately through lack rough, and the seats are rough. But for of finance the department has not been able the excellent voluntary effort being made by to employ more tradesmen and consequently the members of the school committee, much has not been able to engage additional of the furniture there would not be worth apprentices. It must be admitted by everyone chopping up for firewood. I have made that apprentices are given excellent training representations again and again, but unfor­ in the department and consequently at the tunately they have not borne fruit. end of their apprenticeship they are first-class At the Dinmore State School there is a tradesmen. very great need for some attention. Some Apprentices to outside contractors in a years ago a new property was bought on the great number of instances are engaged almost northern side of the Ipswich-Brisbane railway exclusively during their apprenticeship period line so that the existing school could be on home construction or on buildings of a shifted there, or a new school built. I go to particular style. In their fourth or fifth years this school once a month too, and anyone 1450 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

who goes there will find that it is almost codes of football, by athletics and other impossible to make himself heard in the sports, he has carried out as far as practic­ schoolrooms due to the noise on the main able the idea of dividing the playing area Ipswich-Brisbane highway, and the traffic on into a Soccer and Rugby League ground, a the railway line to Brisbane. The school is cricket oval, a basket-ball area, an athletics sandwiched between these two thoroughfares, area, and all the rest of it. with the road on the southern side and the railway on the northern side. The railway The CHAIRMAN: Order! The hon. mem­ has encroached on the playing area due to ber is wandering on to matters that come the work being carried out on the quadru­ under the Department of Education. plication scheme. The playing field is very Mr. DONALD: No, Mr. Taylor. The narrow and is not at all adequate. Here, Department of Education may control the too, the teaching staff has its work made policy but the Department of Public Works very difficult. I believe the Minister said carries out the work and I am appealing he was going to shift that school to a new for it to be authorised to do this work. site or erect a new building in the very near There is scope for tremendously good future. I hope I heard him correctly because work to be done not only for the children it is a crying need in the interests of the attending the school but also for the children of the community and in the interests Department of Education. I urge the of the teachers working there, who are trying Department of Public Works to help make to give the best tuition possible under very the school-ground an ideal one, as it can be adverse conditions. made with the expenditure of very little The people of Ipswich are very pleased money, by using a grader to level the ground that £5,765 was spent on remodelling the so as to make first-class playing fields. Seven plumbing workshops at the Ipswich Technical or eight years ago ground was bought at College. The college has a very good repu­ Brassall for the erection of a new secondary tation. It has turned out many lads who school. It was bought at the same time as have subsequently become excellent trades­ the ground at Silkstone where the Bremer men, and have helped materially in the High School now stands, and I trust that in work of the State. the near future a second high school will be built at Brassal! to meet the growing demand The need for separating the Ipswich High for secondary education in the Ipswich district. School from the technical college, which has been apparent for many years, is now a The installation of air conditioning in the matter or urgency and I trust that the Gov­ State Government Insurance Office at Ipswich ernment will give it favourable consideration is estimated to cost £5,000. This office is in the near future. It was advocated while now housed in premises that are in keeping I was a member of the technical college with the prestige of the organisation, and committee in Ipswich even before I entered this is greatly appreciated by the staff and Parliament. We still have the one principal the general public. Without doubt, it is a and the one building and that is not in big improvement on the premises occupied by the best interests of the youth of the district. the office for so many years on the opposite side of the street. The estimated cost of the Bremer High School was £80,653. The school has been in The department is building offices to operation for two years, but the building accommodate the Drilling Branch of the is still not completed. I think workmen of Department of Mines at Redbank at a cost the Department of Public Works had to of £4,920. Incidentally, this branch of the come to the assistance of the original con­ Department of Mines is doing excellent work tractor to get him out of the mess he in the West Moreton district. was in and to make the school habitable for Much adverse criticism has been levelled the children to move in when they did. At at the Valuer-General's Department, and I the end of the first year there were 104 think much of it is unfair. The officers of students enrolled, while at the commence­ that department are doing a very good job ment of this year there were 168 boys and under extremely difficult conditions. Unlike 119 girls, a total of 287 students, attending valuers outside the Public Service, the valuers the school. The school has for its principal employed by the department have nothing to Mr. W. Napier, B.A., B.Ed., and a gain personally in making their valuations, very competent staff of 11 teachers, three and I think they value the properties very part-time manual training instructors and two conscientiously and fairly. They may make part-time physical education instructors. mistakes at times, but which one of us has The school ground is of a fair size but it never made a mistake. None can say that they could be made very much better at no great have valued a property at too high or too low cost if it was levelled with a grader. I hope a figure because they will get some gain out this will be done before the department of it? leaves the project. The principal is a very Mr. Dufficy: The hon. member for Balonne worthy gentleman, as enthusiastic in sporting agrees with that. activities as he is on the academic side. He has organised the recreational area into vari­ Mr. DONALD: I am pleased I get support ous playing fields and I think his idea is a in some directions. very sensible one. Instead of concentrating In speaking on this section of the Estimates, on one oval to be shared by the different I wish to pay tribute to Mr. Richardson, who Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1451 was Valuer-General for a number of years. The Department of Public Works and the During that time, I think he won the respect Department of Education more or less work of all those with whom he had dealings. together. Education is so important to youth I also commend the department for the good today that the two departments go hand in work it is doing in training cadets. hand. The Deparment of Education may plan The Director of Local Government, Mr. the educational programme but it remains for Sewell, is recognised throughout the State as the Department of Public Works to provide a highly efficient officer. I have always found the school buildings and necessary amenities. him to be very courteous, approachable, and I congratulate the Department of Public Works on what it has done in this field. The helpful. However, it seems odd to me that figures leave no doubt about the beneficial the Director of Local Government, a high­ programme that has been completed by the ranking officer of a department under the Government in the Balonne electorate in the control of the Minister for Public Works short period of a little over three years. The and Local Government, should be attached high school building now under construction to and on the payroll of a department under at St. George wiii be available for occupation the control of the Treasurer. I realise that in the next school year. there may be a very good reason for it, and perhaps the Minister could tell us why. If the Committee will bear with me I should like to read a list of the public works I wanted to say something about the Par­ that have been completed in my electorate in liamentary building, but time will not permit the past three years. me to say very much. I agree with the hon member for Merthyr. that the library Mr. Aikens: Have you got a newspaper in accommodation is very limited and needs St. George? enlarging. Something should be done in the Mr. BEARDMORE: Yes, we have. very near future to remove the disability under which it works at present. Mr. Aikens: You'll be right. While there may be some criticism of the Mr. BEARDMORE: Here is the list- Parliamentary building, its appearance and £ the workmanship both inside and outside, Bollon State School 3,921 are a distinct tribute to the people who Bollon Police Station 1,096 built it. Bungunya State School 317 Cabawin State School 445 (Time expired.) Daymar State School 289 Mr. BEARDMORE (Balonne) (12.44 p.m.): Dirranbandi State School (re- I wish to extend my congratulations to the placement of school build­ Minister on his presentation of the Estimates ings destroyed by fire, for his department and the very fine works teachers' room, asphalt, programme he has been able to carry out painting, etc.) 3,899 during his short term of office. I had some I think it cost more than that. doubt in my mind, and I think other hon. Dirranbandi Police Station 570 members may have had doubts in their minds, Dirranbandi Court House 361 also, about the Minister's ability to stand up Glenmorgan State School 551 to the strain of his Ministerial office, because Glenmorgan Police Station 515 only two years ago he underwent a very Hannaford State School 2,794 serious operation that could well have affected Hebel State School (Repairs, his future. external and internal paint­ Mr. Aikens: It has made him look better ing) 696 than ever. Hebel Police Station 2,292 Meandarra State School 1,780 Mr. BEARDMORE: Perhaps it has. How­ Mungindi State School 527 ever, he has demonstrated great stamina and Mungindi Court House 141 shown a lot of good judgment. It is very Mungindi Police Station 632 gratifying to know that he has not only made St. George State School 26,636 a remarkable recovery but also has vigorously St. George Court House carried out a heavy works programme with (internal and external paint­ efficiency and great credit to himself. It ing) 2,208 would have done considerable credit to a St. George Police Station 1,839 Minister with greater ministerial experience. Surat State School 7,655 The fact that he followed a very efficient Surat Court House 320 Minister in the person of Mr. Jim Heading Surat Police Station 1,900 did not make his job any easier. Talwood State School 472 A very important works programme has Talwood Court House 47 been carried out in the Balonne electorate in Talwood Police Station 870 the last three years. It is a remarkable Tara State School (general programme in view of the fact that there was repairs, etc.) 3,581 such a Jag, which was the legacy of the Tara Police Station 769 previous Government. But the Jag was over­ Thallon Police Station 1,408 taken and I am very grateful for the work The Gums State School 1,065 that has been done. That makes a grand total of £69,596. 1452 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. Duffi.cy: Over what period? good and bad quality land, and it is easy to realise that a completely honest assessment Mr. BEARDMORE: Over the term of may be made with totally different ideas of office of this Government. Other works that values, resulting in anomalies that would be will be undertaken during the current year include- avoided if one man took his time and valued the whole of the shire instead of having, as I say, three or more different points of view as Place Building Work ------·1------1------at present. Tara State School High school accommodation, Mr. Aikens: You may not get justice but one classroom.. one staff at least you will get uniformity. room, Primary Meandarra State School One classroom, health service, staff and store Mr. BEARDMORE: The present practice rooms results in extraordinary discrepancies, how­ Sura! . . State School One classroom, staff, health ever honest the individual ideas of values may service and store rooms Glenmorgan State School School residence be. Appeals against the Valuer-General's St. George . . Court House Improvements and connec~ valuations can be lodged in, and heard by, tion to s~werage the Land Court, but that takes time. In the Police Sewerage installation, Station additional cell and shower meantime, what happens to the ratepayer who room does not wish to g6 to the court and therefore Hospital Secretary's Residence State School Sewerage connection does not appeal? Should the Valuer-General Dirranbandi State School One classroom, office and by arrangement or the Land Appeal Court health service room decide to reduce the higher valuations the Police Connection to sewerage man who did not appeal is left holding the Station I Thal!on State School Septic, store and staff rooms. baby-and what a baby it can be! As an instance of what I am pointing out, That is quite a feather in the cap of the I mention that the first valuations by the department and I thank them personally for Valuer-General in the Balonne shire took the wonderful assistance given to the district place in 1958 and were adopted by the and me as member. council for rating purposes from 1 July of Mr. Aikens: Was that Vote all on your that year, with the result that for the two personal representation? years to 30 June, 1960, because of a reduc­ tion in some valuations the council will have Mr. BEARDMORE: That Vote was. to find £45,000 from revenue in order to Mr. Aikens: You may as well get that in. refund the amount it was forced to over­ charge ratepayers-based on an overall Mr. BEARDMORE: I am not so happy on reduction of 16.06 per cent.; and if the same matters pertaining to the Valuer-General's position arises in 1960-1961 it could well Department. There is much heart-burning and be that the council's liability for refunds will dissatisfaction in country areas over what reach £67,000, based on existing reduced appear to be anomalies in the overall results valuations-I repeat, through no fault of the of shire valuations. council. As hon. members may already know, Balonne shire, of which I have the honour to If the Land Appeal Court should decide on be deputy chairman, had a very distressing a greater reduction than 16.06 per cent., the and unenviable experience in the valuation of council could well find itself in serious land by the Valuer-General for rating financial trouble-again, through no fault of purposes. It is obligatory that a local auth­ its own. I am speaking of one of the most ority be valued every five or eight years, financial local authorities and one of the even though it may be done tentatively by a most valuable primary-producing areas in the valuer employed by the local authority until State. To emphasise my point, it should be the Valuer-General's Department can grad­ necessary to mention only that the Balonne ually cover every local authority in Queens­ shire depastures one-tenth of Queensland's land. Some shires have been valued several sheep numbers. In the ordinary course of times by the Valuer-General, whilst quite a events financial difficulties would not occur, number still await a first valuation. Their but we could find ourselves in a very serious worries have not yet started. position owing to the fact that valuation adjustments have dragged on from year to For the purpose of shire rating it should year and are still not resolved. make no difference if values are kept on an equal basis from property to property because, A local authority has no option but to in cases where values have been increased, adopt the valuations of the Valuer-General's say, 100 per cent., when the rate had been, Department, and rates are collected on that say, 6d. in the £1, it would simply mean that basis. the same amount of revenue would be Mr. Hilton: Did they reduce the rates available from a rate of 3d. in the £1. To my there? mind, where the Valuer-General's Department falls down-in the country areas anyway, and Mr. BEARDMORE: There has been some that is what interests me-is that usually reductions, but a number of ratepayers did perhaps three or four men from the depart­ not appeal. Only those in the higher bracket ment set out to value a shire, each concentrat­ appealed against valuations; the holders of ing on a different portion. All shires comprise property of low value with a low rating, Supply (15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1453

where not a great deal of money was installing septic systems in primary schools involved, decided to wait and see what hap­ where the ground will lend itself to the pened. Those people, who have had to absorption of the effluent. If I may digress accept the original valuation, are now in a a little, it is rather strange that there is one very bad position. policy for secondary schools and another for Mr. Armstrong: Were the rates reduced primary schools. When a secondary school proportionately with the increase in valua­ is erected in a non-sewered area, a septic tions? system is installed more or less automatically. However, when a primary school is built in Mr. BEARDMORE: Only the rates of a non-sewered area there is no provision­ those who appealed. The Valuer-General except in extraordinary circumstances-for has a prerogative, and valuations may be the installation of a septic system. In the reduced by the appeal court. outlying suburbs of Townsville we have some very big primary schools at Kurrajong, Mr. Armstrong: You mentioned a reduc­ Aitkenvale, Oonoonba, Wulguru and Stuart. tion of 16 per cent. Would the whole area The Minister for Education and Migration get that? mentioned this morning that another area in Mr. BEARDMORE: No, only those who the Aitkenvale district had been obtained, appealed. or was in process of being obtained, for the erection of a primary school. Anyone who A local authority has no option: it must knows anything about developmental trends adopt the valuations of the Valuer-General's in Townsville must realise that another school Department. Rates are collected on that must be erected very shortly between Kurra­ basis. But when a local authority finds jong and Mt. Louise to provide for the itself financially embarrassed by the Valuer­ tremendous increase in population that will General's valuations and subsequent success­ take place in that area. ful appeals against them, should it not have some protection, particularly as the circum­ There is sewerage in only a very limited stances are not of its making? Where section of Townsville. I should say at a local authorities find themselves financially rough guess that there is a greater percentage embarrassed by the Valuer-General's valua­ of unsewered premises in Townsville than in tions and the embarrassment will be accen­ any other provincial city in Queensland where tuated by subsequent successful appeals­ a sewerage system is in operation, and it is some protection should be available to them not likely in my lifetime that big schools such in a situation that is not of their own making. as Kurrajong, Aitkenvale, Oonoonba, Wulguru I suggest that legislation should be con­ and Stuart will be sewered unless, of course, sidered to prevent the Valuer-General from there is a radical change in the personnel of forcing local authorities to adopt a new the council. overall valuation before anomalies and appeals are adjusted, and they should be I suggest to the Minister that, just as the adjusted quickly and not be allowed to drag Queensland Housing Commission at Wul­ on for years to the disadvantage of the local guru decided to install its own septic system authorities and the ratepayers generally. for all the houses constructed at Wulguru­ and there are nearly 200 of them-so also I commend these valuation problems to would it be a relatively simple matter for the Minister in the hope that he will look the Department of Public Works to install further into this undoubtedly serious prob­ septic systems at the schools I have men­ lem for local authorities, one that is causing tioned and, in fact, at all schools, particularly them much trouble. I hope that he will those in outlying suburbs of big provincial consider the advisability of enacting suitable legislation to overcome the difficulty. cities. Mr. Low: Don't you think we are doing a Mr. AIKENS (Townsville South) (2.17 better job than the previous Government did p.m.): I should like first to congratulate the in that regard? Minister for Public Works and Local Govern­ ment on the presentation of his first Mr. AIKENS: I have to answer that in the Estimates. I wish to congratulate him also affirmative. I think the Government are on the attitude he has adopted in that once doing a very fine job and I have no com­ a week he comes to Parliament House with plaint about the schools in my area. As his private secretary and sees personally all a matter of fact, I had very little complaint hon. members who are at Parliament House about the schools in my area when the so that he may take up with them any previous Government were in power. It is problems affecting his department that con­ just that I had to use a different method of cern their particular electorates. As a result approach to them. of that action by the Minister, much good Provision is being made for the estab­ has been done. lishment of a big new high school at Mon_key Much has been said about installing air­ lsland in Townsville. At the present ttme conditioning in public buildings in the west­ Monkey Island is nothing mo:re or less ern and northern areas of the State. It is than a big mangrove swamp wtth a small a particularly good idea. However it is area of land that is above the high-tide mark. about time the Department of Public 'works That small area of land is used by the adopted the policy, wherever possible, of Estate Football Club for training purposes 1454 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply and they have their clubhouse on it, too. That might be all right if all the allotments That land will have to be reclaimed by the in the block are uniform. But in this case, Department of Public Works before the in Derby Street, Pimlico, two of the allot­ new high school can be built, and I should ments at the bottom end of the street are in like-as a favour or, perhaps, if the Minis­ a gully. As a matter of fact, I doubt ter thinks there is nothing of a favour about whether the houses should ever have been it-to have him tell the Committee just built there. They are Housing Commission how it is proposed, and when it is proposed, homes, being purchased on time payment to go on with the reclamation of Monkey by their owners, and if the owners were to Island, whether the job will be done by do the right thing, they would fill in the contract or by the Department of Public allotments almost up to house level. Because Works, whether it will be done with spoil all the allotments in that street were valued from the harbour (which would be an excel­ on the basis of the good allotments at the lent idea if the harbour board could be got other end of the street, these unfortunate moving on it), or whether it is to be done owners down at the far end are paying top with spoil or soil from some other area in rates on allotments that are really the bed of the vicinity of Townsville, or even, as the a creek. Unfortunately, nothing much can Railway Department did when it reclaimed be done about that: I know one man lodged the large area of land over on the south an appeal against his valuation; I know that side where the workshops now stand, with he has been in touch with the Valuer­ mullock brought from Charters Towers. I General's Department. If valuers are to go know we are all anxious to hear just what round valuing various areas of the State, are the tentative proposals for the reclama­ particularly city areas, they should be pro­ tion of the Monkey Island site for the vided with a car. If they are not provided erection of a second high school in the with a car, I will lend them my bike so Townsville city area. that they can at least ride up and down the streets and see that the allotments at Mr. Low: What area does ~t involve? one end are not of the same high quality as the allotments at the other end. If they Mr. AIKENS: That is something we should followed that procedure, I am sure many like to know. I understand they have 20 of the errors that occur now would not occur acres in mind. I know that Monkey Island in future. extends over more than 20 acres. I should like to know just where the site will be­ I have very often expressed the view in whether it will be close to the Railway this Chamber that, except in the most extra­ Estate side of Monkey Island or close to ordinary circumstances, the Department of the Charters Towers Road side of Monkey Local Government should not interfere with Island. We should like to know something the work of a local authority. But I do about it. As a matter of fact, I think believe that those extraordinary circum­ some negotiations are still in progress between stances have arisen in the Townsville City the Department of Education and the Towns­ Council. I think things have gone on, and ville City Council. If those negotiations are going on in the Townsville City Council have been completed, the people of Towns­ today that warrant the most searching inquiry ville would like to know just what is going by the Minister for Public Works and Local to be done on the matter. Government and officers of his department. We have heard quite a lot of talk about I suppose you heard quite recently, Mr. the success or otherwise of the Department Taylor, of the fiasco that has resulted from of the Valuer-General. The hon. member the decision of the Townsville City Council to install parking meters in the streets. The for Balonne suggested that perhaps one man meters were installed on much the same should be responsible for the valuation of lines as they are installed in certain streets the whole of one particular area. If that in Brisbane, and after certain people-I were done, we might not get justice but at emphasis the words "certain people"-had least we would get uniformity. For instance, been fined £1 for having parked incorrectly a man might be in the habit of over-valuing. or for having overstayed the parking limit, We would then be in the position of having the Council decided to refund the fine of £1 a man going to Shire A and over-valuing to certain people only. They left it in the it while perhaps another would go to Shire hands of the Town Clerk, who is not a legal B and under-value it, whereas if both men man, to determine who should have the £1 went to the one shire one of them would refunded and who should have his claim for under-value a portion while the other would a refund rejected. I think once a council over-value a portion. Whichever way it begins to pick and choose, to make flesh goes, there will still be a little confusion and of one and fish of another, it is time an some anomalies. Later I will give the Minis­ investigation was made. ter a case. I will not mention the man's name in the Chamber, though there is no I think the Department of Local Govern­ secrecy about it. He lives in Pimlico, and ment shoul also investigate very fully the when one of the Valuer-General's officers action of the Townsville City Council in went along to value the Pimlico area, he bringing from Melbourne a barrister named has since admitted, he stood on the corner Gifford to fight an injunction before the of each street and looked down the street northern Supreme Court when there were and valued all the allotments as they appeared plenty of local barristers available, and to him from where he stood on the corner. when the public of Townsville were never Supply [15 NovEMBER] Supply 1455 told at the time, and have not been told buildings, or any other buildings they pro­ since, why he was brought from Melbourne pose to erect in Townsville, are in con­ to Townsville, and have never been told formity with the by-laws, and should be how much he was paid in fees and expenses. passed or rejected-with a clerk from his I am not going to labour the point, because own legal office formed a £20,000 front I have already dealt very fully and exhaus­ company for Booker & Co. I do not know tively with those matters, and I have already whether that is legal-it probably is, because told the Chamber what Gifford was paid. He I am certain that Alderman Roberts would was paid, I understand, 1,000 guineas, and protect himself so that nothing he did was the people of Townsville are entitled to know not strictly legal-but if a chairman of a why the Townsville City Council had to go works and building committee, which will not only outside the members of the Bar have the right to accept or reject plans sub­ in Townsville but also right outside the State, mitted by Booker & Co. for buildings they past New South Wales, and to Melbourne to proposed to erect, is ethically right in bring a barrister to Townsville in secret­ forming a £20,000 front company with one and I emphasise the words "in secret"­ of his clerks for that same Booker & Co., to fight a case for them before the northern then I know very little about ethics. I Supreme Court. know that they say that when these matters I think the Department of Local Govern­ come up Alderman Roberts shoves his chair ment should also investigate the leasing of back a couple of inches from the council City Council buildings in Townsville. Any­ table and says, "I will not vote on this one who has been to Townsville knows that because I am financially interested." But that the whole of the big block in Flinders Street is not good enough for the people of Towns­ from and including the Central Hotel down ville; it is not good enough for me. If to the Commonwealth Bank, is owned by an alderman in a responsible position such the Townsville City Council. It is all a as that occupied by Alderman Roberts is market reserve, and the buildings thereon asked by Booker & Co., or any other com­ are leased to various tenants. The depart­ pany, to become financially involved with ment should inquire why the City Council them, he should either resign as an alderman will give a lease to one tenant and refuse or make a complete and public statement to give a lease to another. The Local as to why he is doing this for a public Government Department should inquire why company that will have extensive dealings they write into the leases of some tenants with the council. I should like the Minister what they call "a business protection clause," to have a look at that angle. I repeat that and why some lessees are not allowed to it may be that it is quite legal; it may be that sell the same type of goods as that sold it is in conformity with the sections of the by other lessees. As a matter of fact the Local Government Act dealing with that whole subject of the leasing and renting of matter. But if I were the chairman of the all these revenue-producing buildings in Works and Buildings Committee, or even an Townsville should be brought under immedi­ ate review by the Local Government Depart­ alderman, and a man who was proposing to ment. I am making no accusations; I am build quite a lot of buildings in Townsville not making any charges but probably I shall and who would be submitting the plans to my do a great deal of it from the public committee, and later to the council, for platform. I do not want to take advantage approval, asked me would I form a £20,000 of my privileged position in the Chamber front company for him I would say, "No, sir, to launch charges here. But the people of not for me. Go and get someone else to do Townsville are very perturbed at the action it because when your proposals come before of the Townsville City Council, and they my committee or the council I do not want believe that something should be done about anyone to be in a position to say that I might it. be influenced even in the slightest degree in reaching my decision with regard to the Another matter to which I shall refer may approval or otherwise of your plans and be the most serious of them all; on the your specifications." other hand it may be the most innocent. However, on the face of it, to me it looks I think that the Department of Local the most serious of all. The big building Government should have a look at the firm of Booker & Co. moved into Towns­ work that is being done by the Townsville vi!le some time ago when they bought some City Council on contract. It would appear properties on the Strand. I understand now that we have many men and women that this company operates Australia-wide. working in the office of the Townsville City They bought the old Keyatta property of 23 Council-! have no quarrel with them; they perches for £5,300 and the Somer property are efficient-but they are not working for for £16,500. It is common knowledge in the people of Townsville. They are there Townsville that they propose to erect big employed preparing plans and estimates for blocks of unit flats on this land, as well all the various southern contractors, in the as other jobs. Not long ago Alderman main, who have moved into Townsville to G. Roberts, the Acting Mayor of Towns­ do Council work that should be done by ville, and the chairman of the Works and the city council itself. So we find ourselves Buildings Committee-the committee that in the position of ratepayers who are paying will have to decide whether or not the the salaries of many-and I repeat-good plans submitted by Booker & Co. for these men and women who are working not for 1456 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

the ratepayers of Townsville but for the Minister on his assumption of office as Minis­ contractors who have moved into the city ter for Public Works and Local Government like a swarm of locusts in order to do the and also to compliment him on the work that the Townsville City Council should enthusiasm and vigour with which he has itself be doing. tackled this task. In particular, I congratu­ late him on the readiness that he has shown I think anyone would agree that at least to listen to approaches and suggestions-and I have been quite impartial on this matter. indeed, complaints-that may have been I have not launched any personal charges; offered from time to time, and to co-operate I have merely laid the facts, as they appear to in the solution of problems that have arisen. me and to the citizens of Townsville, before the Minister for Public Works and Local I also join in tributes to the former Minis­ Government. ter. Mr. Heading has indeed left a mark on the public life of Queensland in many fields Mr. Wallace interjected. and I would say not the least enduring will be his achievements in the three years that Mr. AIKENS: If the hon. member for he occupied the position of Minister for Cairns wants me to become perscmal and Public Works and Local Government in this lay any charges, he knows me well enough to State. realise that I would not seek the protection I should like also, if I may, to place on of this coward's castle or dingo's den to do it. record my own personal obligation to the He knows me well enough to know that I officers of the department for their unfailing would do it from the platform of the Regent courtesy and co-operation on the numerous Theatre, or some other public platform in occasions on which I have had to approach Townsville, and not seek any privilege as a them, and for their readiness to advise and member of Parliament. help and to co-operate in the solution of any problem or difficulty that may be submitted to Mr. Davies: After you have said it in them. "Hansard". The most conspicuous feature of this Mr. AIKENS: That is a stupid tarradiddle. department's activities in the past year has I would be happy to see again a performance been the heavy emphasis on school buildings such as I saw when a former Premier sent and other educational establishments in six police shorthand-writers to one of my Queensland. This indeed is probably the meetings in the Regent Theatre in an most conspicuous feature of this Govern­ endeavour to prevent me from saying certain ment's administration, shown by the things. That sort of thing only makes me fact revealed in the annual report of the really "go to town," and if the hon. member department, that of all the classrooms built can get the present Premier to show him in Queensland in the last decade, over 41 those 17 pages of foolscap-! understand per cent. have been built in the last three they are typed on asbestos-he will realise years, the three years of administration of just what I can and will say from a public the County-Liberal Government; that is to say, in under 30 per cent. of the last decade platform without any protection whatever. over 40 per cent. of the classrooms have There are things going on in the Towns­ been erected. The success attendant upon ville City Council that in my opinion should be the efforts of the department in this field subjected to the closest scrutiny and examina­ not only bespeaks an efficient and streamlined tion of the Minister for Public Works and his organisation but also indicates the impetus Department of Local Government. I repeat and inspiration that have derived from the that only in extraordinary circumstances will I stimulating leadership of the Minister and suggest that any departmental inquiry be his predecessor, the forward-looking held into the affairs of the Townsville City policy of the Government and their deter­ Council because, being a true democrat­ mination to see that in this field of public not a half-baked democrat like some members administration priorities are given as they of the Government and some members of should be given. the Opposition-! believe that as the Towns­ It is right and proper to compliment the ville City Council aldermen were elected by Minister and his department during the con­ the people they should be responsible only sideration of these Estimates, but the discus­ to the people. But I repeat that one quali­ sion of the Estimates also affords an oppor­ fication: "only in the most extraordinary cir­ tunity to present to the Minister in open cumstances." I think those extraordinary session in Parliament an account of the circumstances have arisen and I hope the problems and needs of each particular dis­ Minister will see his way clear to send one trict that deserve his attention and sympa­ or more of his prominent officers to Towns­ thetic consideration. On this occasion I ville to conduct an investigation along the propose to do what I have not done since lines 1 have suggested and also into any other I have been in Parliament, that is, to take matters that he may pick up whilst he is a good, firm grip of the parish pump. there from the dissatisfied, perturbed and In the electorate of Ashgrove there are one deeply concerned citizens. or two urgent needs and a large number that are of lesser urgency and importance. Mr. TOOTH (Ashgrove) (2.38 p.m.): I wish to take this opportunity of joining in Mr. Aikens: Have you a local paper the general felicitations extended to the circulating in Ashgrove? Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1457

Mr. TOOTH: There is a small local paper, government and supervision for the principal but that, of course, does not come under and the staff. The drain on the principal's the jurisdiction of the Minister and therefore time-and indeed on his physical energy-in I would be out of order in discussing it. moving round the building must be consider­ I wish to say that in important matters able. When classes have to be moved from affecting my electorate I have hitherto one side of the playground to the other to received very kind attention from the Minis­ get from the academic wing to the manual­ ter, but there are a number of urgent matters training section, as they have to be at The to which I wish on this occasion specifically Gap, there is a further waste of that most to direct his attention. valuable commodity in a school-time. The new high school at The Gap, which It seems to me that some very definite serves the greater part of the southern end consideration should be given to a scheme for of the Ashgrove electorate, is only one year grouping the classroom blocks more effec­ old. The erection of the building under tively round a central administration block. extremely difficult conditions in the last few If this was done a great benefit would accrue weeks of 1959 and the first part of 1960- to the school, and the working conditions rain, problems of labour and so on over the would be infinitely easier. I know there are holiday period-was indeed an achievement. problems in this matter, problems of correct It was an example of the efficient work that is lighting and orientation for prevailing winds, to be expected from the department, but and all the fairly complicated problems that the layman rarely considers. It is possible since the school was opened at the beginning that these difficulties have been studied and of the year with an enrolment of 160 to 170 proved insoluble. Speaking as a layman, in students it has become obvious that at the architectural matters, but as a teacher of beginning of the next school year the enrol­ ment will more than double. It will increase some experience, I feel it is a matter that in 1961 to approximately 400 and, as far as should be continually kept before the the average onlooker can see, the provision designers of schools and, if possible, some of accommodation for this influx is as yet, solution effected. only in its initial stages. Judging by what I understand an idea is germinating in the occurred when the school was built and minds of the officers of the department at opened, I think we should have no anxiety present to initiate regular conferences with regarding this matter; nevertheless the people selected groups of teachers to discuss this of the electorate who are interested in the type of problem; to discuss school buildings welfare of the school and propose to send and their best use, and the best type of their children to it would be happy to know structure for those who have to use them. that the prospective needs of The Gap State If this is true, I strongly urge the Minister High School are fully realised by the depart­ to pursue the idea. If it is found possible to ment, and that the progress in providing implement it-I know there are difficulties; extra accommodation for next year is con­ indeed, there are difficulties in any new stantly under review. approach to old problems-I believe it is an extremely bright idea and that something The type of building at The Gap State High good will come out of it. However, I make School conforms with the newer concept of the very important proviso that the Minister an open elevated single-storey school with a ensures that the teachers represent a cross­ covered space underneath, as contrasted with section and includes class teachers of both the older and more conventional two-storey sexes as well as head teachers and adminis­ or three-storey brick and mortar structure. trators. With all respect to administrative The older, more conventional buildings are teachers, they, in common with all other more or less universal in Ashgrove and the administrators, tend to overlook or forget, as surrounding areas. The newer type has many they climb the ladder, the difficulties and advaRtages in the way of lighting, ventilation, problems that they encountered, problems and more sheltered space underneath the their subordinates are still encountering at building in proportion to the classroom area. ground level. In particular-and this is a feature that interests teachers-the newer type has a very Reverting to discussion of the new type great advantage over the older buildings in of building as exemplified in The Gap High the ease with which large groups of children School, there is another problem arising may be moved about. In the old buildings, that might at first sight seem trivial to hon. with two, or at the most, three staircases, members but it is by no means so. It con­ the movement of groups of children, cerns the vastly increased expanses of glass 30 to 40, and sometimes mon;, up and in these structures and the relative inaccessi­ down the staircases is a slow, time-wasting bility of most of it. This has created a process. In the new type of building, with cleaning problem that is beyond the capacity more stairways and greater facility for of the locally-employed cleaners to handle. moving along the balconies, time is saved; The time will come when consideration will and time in the school is the most precious have to be given to the employment of a commodity of all. However, there is one special window-cleaning gang to cover all disadvantage in the new type of building, and schools of this type and to do the job at it is a fairly grave one from the point of least once a year. Over and over again I view of administration and control. It con­ have seen this type of situation arise in cerns the arrangement of new blocks, which schools. Windows gradually become dusty, creates unusual and difficult problems of begrimed and ultimately quite opaque. The 1458 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply effect on children is very bad indeed, and I Education and to· the Minister for Public trust that some attention will be given to Works and I am sure that it will receive the the problem. attention it deserves. There are also problems with the At Oakleigh an even more serious problem primary schools serving the Ashgrove elec­ arises. The school has a very large playing torate-and I refer particularly to the Ash­ area and is isolated from surrounding residen­ grove school and the Oakleigh school­ tial areas by a wide expanse of playground concerning accommodation of a special on all sides, by streets and by clumps of trees. nature, namely, staff rooms, medical rooms, As a result, at week-ends it is regularly the sick bays and storage rooms: In each case object of attention by groups of vandals. It there is a relatively simple and inexpensive has been broken into continually. Indeed, solution. The original plan of each of these only a fortnight ago the headmaster's office two buildings provided for large hat-and-bag was entered and money was stolen. It appears porches, but, since the inauguration of the to be quite impossible for the police to new policy of building hat-and-cap racks that identify these people and deal with them. can be placed on the balconies next to the On other occasions rooms have been entered entrance to classrooms-and I commend the and fouled and left in a disgusting condition, Department of Education and the Depart­ to be found by the cleaner on Monday morn­ ment of Public Works and the Minister on ing. Spent matches have been found scattered the policy-these porches have become round the rooms. That may give a clue to redundant, and they are ideal for conversion recent events in other areas. into rooms for the special purposes I have mentioned. I therefore ask the Minister to Some remedy must be found for these draw the attention of his officers to those problems. The matter has been under consid­ needs at Ashgrove and at Oakleigh. eration by the headteacher and the com­ mittee, and it has been the subject of frequent At Ashgrove an additional staff room is correspondence with the department. I wish needed because the school is a practising on this occasion to support very strongly their one. At the present time the men on the staff suggestion for the enclosure of the open bays have surrendered their room to the use of along the balconies, through which entry is the female trainees. A medical room is probably gained, and also the installation of needed there, too, and both these rooms can moveable gratings and barricades along the be provided with a minimum of expense by sections of the buildings at ground level. closing in the now redundant porches. I believe that ultimately, with the bigger At Oakleigh there are four such porches. schools, it will be necessary to face the need The school urgently requires a medical room, for permanent caretakers or janitors, and a sick bay and two storage rooms. I trust possibly the erection in or near the schools that the Minister will be so good as to of small flats so that these people may reside give the matter some attention. there permanently. However, for the present There is also a very serious difficulty at I seek favourable consideration for the Ashgrove in the shape of an uncompleted suggestion made by the headmaster and stairway on the northern end of the school. committee at Oakleigh. It is a flight of stairs that has been in an Mr. Ramsden: What about part-time uncompleted stated for some considerable gardeners? time. At present there are 18 classes, over 700 children, using only two stairways to Mr. TOOTH: The hon. member for enter and leave the building. This, of course, Merthyr suggests that part-time gardeners results in a very serious time wastage, and could be employed. That is an excellent a third stairway is urgently needed. It is suggestion. Perhaps the two positions could there in an incomplete state. Worse still, it be combined. It is a matter for future con­ is barricaded with a few pipes and is a sideration. With these big city schools and the standing and constant temptation to the ever­ big schools in provincial areas, we must take adventurous young boy, to say nothing of some action other than this present method the occasional adventurous young tomboy, to of locking them up over the week-end and experiment and to take risks with it. It trusting to luck. therefore constitutes a real physical danger. Another method of overcoming the prob­ The second problem at Ashgrove concerns lem of isolation and providing proper super­ the need for really good library accommoda­ vision at schools such as Oakleigh would be tion. As all hon. members realise, the by building a school residence there. At library should be the very heart and core Oakleigh there is an ideal elevated site at the of a school. A school without a library north-western end of the playground that is like a powerhouse without a generator. would be excellent for a school residence At the Ashgrove State School the present and would enable the headmaster to be rela­ accommodation is so unsatisfactory, and the tively close to the school at all times. I know tenure of the accommodation they have is that the present headmaster would welcome so uncertain, that the committee is unwill­ the opportunity of being on the premises ing to incur the heavy expense that is neces­ because he is leading a very enthusiastic sary to create a library worthy of the school. group of people out there who have every I propose to make a detailed submission on hope and every intention of making the this matter both to the Department of Oakleigh school grounds one of the show Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1459 places of Brisbane. They have just completed a look at this old building. An inspection a magnificent project, a swimming pool with from the outside will indicate that it is a complete chlorinating plant. It is one of unsuitable for the town. Not only is it only three in the whole of Queensland, and dilapidated but the magistrate, the clerk of the expenditure on that project alone was petty sessions and the office staff are all considerably in excess of £10,000. cramped into a small area. The office I compliment the Minister on a recent accommodation is unsuited for the carrying reform in the procedure for dealing with out of efficient work. Only one or two minor repairs and defects in school buildings. members of the public can be attended to For many years head teachers and their staffs at a time at the front counter. People have been irritated and frustrated by the fact have to queue up on the veranda, waiting that when the lock on a door or a pane their turn to go inside. I ask the Minister of glass in a window was broken, they had either to sell the building for removal or to go through a series of time-wasting for­ pull it down and build a new one. malities before they could get the matter On several previous occasions I have attended to. referred to the building of teachers' residences with open verandas in the heavy rainfall Mr. Low: They almost had to get Executive areas of the State. In the North verandas Council approval. on the weather side of houses must be Mr. TOOTH: Yes. It has been one of the enclosed either with louvres or casements. most annoying things in the administration of I refer particularly to the teacher's residence a school. But the department have now at Redlynch. made an arrangement whereby the lengthy Mr. Pizzey: We are not building them procedure and red tape involved in securing with open verandas. You are referring to authority to get a lock fixed up or a window­ the old ones. pane replaced has been short-circuited. The headmaster is now authorised to get in touch Mr. ADAIR: The old ones, yes. I under­ directly with the District Supervisor of Works stand that at some residences the verandas on any urgent matter, and between them they have been enclosed with casements or attend to it and the department is advised in louvres. due course. Mr. Pizzey: You are referring to the old Mr. Graham: There is nothing new in type. that. Mr. ADAIR: It would not cost the depart­ Mr. TOOTH: If it is nothing new it is ment much to enclose the veranda of the surprising that so much difficulty has been residence at Redlynch. The schoolteacher experienced by teachers in the past. I can there had to buy blinds at his own expense speak from sad experience. The most trivial for protection from the weather, especially things had to be the subject of lengthy in the heavy wet seasons that prevail up correspondence before they could be attended there. In addition to that, in wet seasons w. the water lies on the veranda floorboards As the time available to hon. members and rots them. Louvres or casements would generally is limited, and I understand a fair protect the building. I should like the number still wish to speak, I shall not trespass Minister to look into that matter and have on the patience of the Chamber any it rectified as soon as possible. longer, other than to say once again that I remember the Minister, a few years ago, I believe the Minister will have the help, bringing a photograph into the Chamber co-operation and goodwill of all hon. members showing the condition of a school in his in the task he has undertaken. electorate. I could show him one that is Mr. ADAIR (Cook) (3.1 p.m.): First of probably worse-that at Bloomfield. Probably no other hon. member has seen it. It is all I congratulate the Minister on his elevation very dilapidated. I know plans are out to Cabinet rank. I compliment the previous for a new building. Land has been obtained Minister, Mr. Heading, for his good work throughout my electorate. I hope that the and a building will be constructed there. present Minister will carry out his duties in Mr. Pizzey: That was only a provisional the same way, particularly in the areas repre­ school. sented by me and other hon. members from the far North-West. I am not concerned Mr. ADAIR: It was a provisional school, about what happens in Brisbane. As long but 54 children were attending it and they as we get good treatment in the remote parts have been doing so under those conditions of the State I shall be happy. for at least the past three or four years. I should like the Minister to hurry the job Like other hon. members I wish to work and have a new school constructed there, the parish pump, and I shall devote part together with a teacher's residence. of my time to bringing before the Minister's notice the condition of the Mareeba Court There is also a matter at Mareeba State House. Mareeba is one of the most pros­ School that I have brought before the perous towns in Queensland at the present Minister's notice. There is no playing ground time, but the Court House is a disgrace to whatever-or, at least, very little-for the 700 the district. I ask the Minister to have pupils attending that school. The buildings 1460 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

have been extended onto the playing area, expanded to meet the demand for additional which has virtually disappeared. The Council school accommodation. It is somewhat has offered a strip of land that would be suit­ surprising to hear Government members able as a playing field for the children, but it claiming credit for what has been done by will entail considerable expense in bulldozing the Nicklin-Morris Government. I do not and levelling, and drainage for a septic detract in any way from what has been system. I ask the Minister to try to expedite done by the department in the building of the transfer of this land from the council to high schools, public buildings, hospitals and the Department of Education and to have so on, but it has to be remembered that much it levelled in time for the next school year. of the work carried out by the present Mr. Pizzey: Some relief has been given Government was planned by the Labour by the establishment of the high school. government. For instance, the Mackay High That has taken away all the bigger children. School had been planned for some years. Mr. ADAIR: Even so, there are 700 Mr. Low: They were in cold storage. children attending the school at present. Mr. GRAHAM: They were not in cold The Department of Education should obtain storage. and prepare this playing area. I do not think there should be any obligation at all on Mr. Pizzey: You did not have a site for the school committee or the people of the Mackay High School, so how can you Mareeba to bear any of the cost of levelling make that statement? or re-forming it. The entire cost should be Mr. GRAHAM: i think the previous borne by the department and it should be Minister had something to do with the done as soon as possible. erection of a new high school in Mackay. Another school of which the Minister It had been under investigation long before knows something is that at Port Douglas. the present minister took over his portfolio. The Minister for Education came with me Mr. Duggan: The hon. member for to Port Douglas and saw the urgent need Toowoomba East recently claimed credit in for a new school there. The present school "The Toowoomba Chronicle" for land pur­ was built many years ago. It would be one chased for schools in South and Ramsay of the oldest schools in Queensland. The Streets, Bridge and Gladstone Streets and children there have no playground at all. at Harristown, which I secured for the The Minister pointed out a piece of land Government ten years ago. that would be suitable for a school and he took the matter up with the officers of various Mr. Pizzey: I am talking about Mackay. departments with a view to taking it over as school land. But again, nothing more has Mr. GRAHAM: It was discussed long been done. I realise, of course, that it before the hon. gentleman became Minister takes some time to effect a transfer of land. for Education. Mr. Pizzey: You have a very good school Mr. Pizzey: Discussed. at Mossman. Mr. GRAHAM: It was being investigated. Mr. ADAm: That is a good job, and I give the Government credit for it, but I Mr. Pizzey: Where were the plans? represent the whole electorate and I am Mr. GRAHAM: It cannot be said that battling to get these other schools and Labour governments made no provision for improvements. I ask the Minister to have increased school enrolments. the land levelled and a building erected on it as soon as possible. Mr. Pizzey: They had not in Mackay. I stress the need for a new police station Mr. GRAHAM: While I am prepared to in Cairns. The existing structure is old and give the Government some credit, I cannot dilapidated and quite out of keeping with the give them all the credit for what has been other buildings of the city. I ask the done, because Labour Governments were just Minister to inspect it and see if it is not as mindful of their responsibility in the possible to erect a modern buidding there. construction of schools as the present Mr. GRAHAM (Mackay) (3.12 p.m.): It Government. was pleasing to hear the glowing references Mr. Tooth: There was no land in Ashgrove. to officials of the department by all hon. members who have taken part in the debate. Mr. GRAHAM: I can take the hon. mem­ We can say with all sincerity that the officers ber to Mackay and show him that there is of the department from the Under Secretary no land at Mackay unless the Government to the lowest-paid worker are giving great resume it. They had to do that for the high service to the Government. The Depart­ school. ment is doing very useful and necessary work I am prepared to give the present Govern­ in the erection and replacement of public ment certain credit for what they have done buildings, and in planning the public build­ there, but they are doing only what is ings of the future. expected of them. It is necessary for them It was pointed out that during the last to make provision for additional high schools 12 months the departmental programme was and primary schools, and for additions to Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1461 existing schools to meet the increased department. He said nothing in it that the attendances. We have seen the erection of a average employee of the department did not high school, and I am very pleased to see it already know. He made some statements that there because it is essential for the education call for comment, and the "Building Workers' of the children. Throughout Queensland we Journal" for July of this year took strong see schools being built that require increased exception to what he said. I believe the expenditure. Minister had no need to demand a greater The Minister has said that the expenditure effort of the employees of the Department of last year was 18 per cent. above that for Public Works; there was no occasion for it. 1958-1959. In all probability there wiii be a I could understand it if there had been a further increase next year because the reason. growing population must create an increased Mr. Low: I do. They wanted a good demand. gingering up. A very pleasant aspect of school construc­ tio.n today is the modern type of building Mr. GRAHAM: That is only your opinion. bemg erected. Greater consideration is now The time was when men of your calibre and being given to the architectural side of school past Governments of your political persua­ construction to provide better lighting facili­ sion used stockwhips to get the extra pound ties and improved ventilation. The time not of flesh out of their workers, and if you far distant when the Government will have to had your chance you would do the same. give very seri?u~ thought to air-conditioning Mr. Low: A fair day's work for a fair all school bmldmgs, more especially in the day's pay! n

on another job is not at the same cost. If Mr. LOW (Cooroora) (3.29 p.m.). I wish a man's value to the department is deter­ to place on record my thanks to the Minister mined purely on the cost value of the job, for a job well done. Since he has assumed the best men will not be retained. There office, he has certainly discharged his respon­ are some very good men in the Department sibilities very ably, and on behalf of of Public Works. I refer particularly to those hon. members who, because of the the work of the supervisor in Mackay, Mr. limited time, have not had an opportunity Boetcher, who has done very good work with of speaking in this debate, I assure the his staff on the high school and on other Minister that we all appreciate to the full works in Mackay. I assure the Minister the great efforts he has made in his that if he wants to retain in the department administration of the Department of Public the men he already has and if he wants to Works, the Department of Local Govern­ make them happy and contented he should ment, and the Department of the Valuer­ see that they have proper conditions and General. I am sure that everyone appreciates that they are properly paid. Those the time and energy he devotes to the who accept the responsibility of con­ representations made to him from time to trolling men should not be made to suffer time by hon. members and his work in the a reduction in wages simply because they interests of the people of Queensland are put on to work of lesser value. I generally. understand there is no provision for it in the award covering departmental employees. The Minister can also feel very proud Where a man has been, and is, receiving a that during his term of office and that of certain rate of wage for work he is doing, the former Minister, this Government have he should continue to receive that rate when endeavoured to lift the standard of accom­ he is taken to another job to do exactly the modation in Queensland for public servants same class of work. There is no difference and those who are associated with Govern­ in the job. He is still in control of men. ment activities generally. As a Government, we are regarded as the best employer Mr. Pizzey: Same responsibilities? Queensland public servants have ever had, Mr. GRAHAM: Yes, and he gets a lower and I say that without any apology or wage when the price structure is lower. It is reservation. a matter that is causing some concern not Mr. Aikens: You fell through the floor only to the men in Mackay but also through­ of a police station on one occasion. out the rest of the State. The matter has been referred to the Minister from the Bris­ Mr. LOW: That is quite true, and I am bane office; but as it applies throughout lucky I am here. That was in the early the State, I thought I should mention it. stages of my Parliamentary career. Naturally, that police station building was I have little complaint about the work attended to. done by the Department of Public Works. However, there is one job in Mackay that is Many public servants have stated openly really urgent, a job that has been passed over that they are now very pleased with the not only by this Government but by former class of accommodation that the Government Labour 'Governments of which I was a are making available to them. Previously member. I refer to the construction of a they worked in dark and drab rooms that new cell block for the Police Depart­ could only be regarded as dungeons or ment. The present one is in a bad kennels. They had no fresh air. There has position and in a bad state of repair, and been a new approach to the subject of I think the Minister will agree that some­ ventilation. In many instances public thing should be done about it immediately. A servants had to sit on boxes to do their building adjacent to it, which is occupied work. Even the drivers of ministerial cars by the watchhouse-keeper, has been listed for were compelled to sit on the steps of removal for many years. It know it provides Parliament House like so many crows. Now accommodation for a member of the Police they have comfortable seats to sit on, and Force, but I can see no reason why it should they are treated like human beings. not be removed. It is right on the footpath alignment and affords little or no privacy Mr. Davies interjected. to its occupants. I think a new building Mr. LOW: These things are very close to could be provided for the watchhouse keeper home. The hon. member for Maryborough in conjunction with the construction of a new knows that what I say is true. On many cell block. occasions he has seen the drivers sitting on In my opinion, consideration should be the steps of Parliament House like a lot of given, also, to the erection of more public crows. buildings in Mackay. Some of the present As the Minister wants to reply I shall refer buildings are overcrowded. For example, only briefly to a book issued this year titled I think there are 10 or 15 departments in "Achievements-The First Term of the the Court House alone, and more staff is Country-Liberal Party Government". It is being employed there because of the increase remarkable what we, as the Government, in work. If new Government offices can be have achieved in the past three years. I read erected in Rockhampton and Townsville, the book with great interest but I could more should also be built in Mackay. hardly believe that everything referred to in Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1463 it was carried out in such a short period. It think all hon. members on both sides of the is a book of which we can be justly proud. Committee will agree that at no time during In case any hon. member has not had an ,my lengthly introductory remarks did I opportunity to read it I should like to table endeavour to play party politics. I deliber­ it because it contains details of everything ately refrained from doing so and endeav­ that the Government have done and what oured to keep the proceedings on a reason­ they propose to do in the future. After ably high plane. In the main, I would say reading the book I say that it is understand­ that most other hon. members have done able that the Opposition have not been able likewise. to put up a case against the administration of Mr. Davies: Except the last one. the Country-Liberal Party Government. Mr. ROBERTS: Of course, there are one The Minister has dealt with the ramifica­ or two exceptions to the rule. Whilst the tions of the department and sub-departments hon. member for Mackay was very moderate under his control. Early in the New Year he on this occasion he could not avoid saying proposes to take a trip throughout Queens­ one or two things that were not factual, so laud-a fact-finding mission up the coast to I shall first refer to the Mackay High School. Townsvile, out to Mt. Isa, back to Longreach and Winton, through to Rockhampton, and The Mackay High School was a brain­ home again. In the course of that trip he will child of previous Governments for very many take local government to the people of those years, just as the Rockhampton railway areas and they certainly will appreciate his station has been for 30 or 40 years. The fine gesture and they will realise too that he hon. member for Mackay will no doubt does not spare himself. remember that on the Queen's Birthday in June, 1958, the previous Minister of this I am very pleased to see in the Under department and his Under Secretary were in Secretary's report-- Mackay and made an inspection of the police Mr. Davies interjected. station. I was with them, and so was the hon. member for Mackay. We inspected the Mr. LOW: I was trying to think of a police cells and had a look at land in South suitable name to call the hon. member but I Milton Street with a view to resumption. realised my Parliamentary responsibility-- Since the hon. member for Mackay spoke, The CHAffiMAN: Order! I have ascertained that the resumption pro­ ceedings first commenced on 6 November, Mr. LOW: I have not been insulting to 1958; so that immediately blows up that toy public servants at all. I paid a very high balloon. I should add that we are now tribute to Mr. Longland, who is the Under resuming land in North Mackay for the Secretary for Public Works, the Director of provision of a high school in that area. Local Government, and the Valuer-General and their staffs. I referred to their splendid It is well known that people in trouble co-operation with the Government ever since have a practice of swinging round and we took office. speaking in a strain diametrically opposed to their original thoughts. The hon. member I was very pleased to see that the Under for Mackay has apparently adopted that Secretary's report contained a photograph of practice. He spoke about the payment of the new maternity hospital at Nambour. I foremen. Under Labour Governments rates had asked for it a long time. I am pleased to of pay for foremen fluctuated according to see at last a picture of that building in the the size of the job, but today they are report. Realising that the Minister wishes to permanently graded and retain that grade reply to the very feeble attacks by the irrespective of the cost of the job. This Opposition on him and his department, I will policy was implemented by the Government conclude by once again thanking him for his in May, 1960. wonderful work and wishing him well in his I know the hon. member did not put for­ office. ward his personal views. The views he Hon. L. H. S. ROBERTS (Whitsunday­ expressed were put into his mouth by some­ Minister for Public Works and Local one else. I should have been bitterly dis­ Government) (3.35 p.m.): First of all, I appointed if my circular letter had not been should like to take the opportunity of thank­ referred to. I have here a copy of it and ing hon. members on both sides of the a copy of the Building Workers Journal to Chamber for the congratulations they which the hon. member referred containing bestowed upon me and the compliments an article by one of the hon. member's they paid me and the various officers of my Communistic cobbers, Jack Hanson, the head­ line of which reads, "New Minister calls for department. Already I have paid tribute Blood and Sweat." Anyone who read my here to the great work that has been done by circular letter would realise that he would the various officers of my department, and not be entitled to use the phrase "blood and I specifically said "right down to the last sweat" in dealing with it. I treated the labourer on the job." article in the Building Workers' Journal with On the introduction of these Estimates I the contempt it deserved. The authors of spoke at considerable length and I have the article had to find a stooge somewhere since consistently refrained from interjecting, to bring the matter forward in the Chamber. although there were really very few matters No-one would fall for the statements in the in the debate that called for an answer. I article, even on a late Saturday afternoon. 1464 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

I am not prepared to waste the time of hon. needs at the moment. I should like to members by reading the circular letter, but inform him that the council has advised my may I say that I received not one, but hun­ department that a preliminary report by dreds of replies from responsible people to its consulting engineers is being forwarded whom it was sent, and from parents of appren­ for examination. This report had not been tices who also were appreciative of the letter. received by my office yesterday. A number of people asked for an interview We had a wild statement the other night with me, and came to my office and discussed from the hon. member for Townsville North. the matter with me. From those discussions I have noted that he has not been averse to and the correspondence I have received, I making some wild statements. He made a should say that my circular letter was statement to the effect that Townsville has accepted in the spirit in which it was written been getting a bad spin. Let me tell him and was greatly appreciated. through you, Mr. Taylor, what happened in The Deputy Leader of the Opposition the three years prior to this Government referred to the construction of the dam on taking over, when a Government of his the North Pine River and said he desired "kidney" were in power. The total expendi­ some information on the matter. The ture on school buildings in the Townsville scheme envisages a major dam on the North North electorate from 1 Jnly, 1954 to Pine River. When first mooted it was a 30 June, 1957 was £116,256. Since we have possible major augmentation of Brisbane's been the Government-that is in the three water supply. The matter now has a different subsequent years-the figure jumped to complexion. The Pine Rivers Shire Council £142,329. Expenditure on other buildings in wants to take it over as a local water supply. the Townsville North electorate by the Its desires are governed by certain extra­ previous Government for the same period ordinary increases in the proposed consump­ was £23,472. Since we have been the tion of water by Australian Paper Mills Ltd. Government it has risen to £58,544. Australian Paper Mills Ltd. and the Red­ In the Townsville South electorate the cliffe City Council are supplied by an exist­ expenditure on school buildings in the earlier ing scheme in the Pine Rivers shire, which period to which I referred was £45,051, was based on their requirements at that time. and in the latter period it was £86,491. The If those requirements had not been exceeded, the existing scheme would have served for expenditure on other buildings in the many years. Townsville South electorate in the first period was £50,754, whereas in the latter period it Australian Paper Mills Ltd. now wants to was £64,164. That gives a total for the increase its consumption from 1.64 million Townsville area-Townsville North and gallons a day, the existing demand, to 5.18 Townsville South-of £235,533 for the period million gallons a day by 1966. By 1962 it from 1 July, 1954, to 30 June, 1957, compared wants a supply of 3.84 million gallons a day; with £351,528 for the three years that we thus the whole need to build this new dam have been the Government. That is an urgently and to reserve the water for the increase of £115,995, or approximately 49 per Pine Rivers shire arises from the require­ ments of Australian Paper Mills Ltd. There cent. is a minor increase in demand from the city Apart from additions and improvements to of Redcliffe and local shire needs. schools and other Government buildings, an The preliminary estimated cost of the new amount of £237,404 has been allocated for dam, that is, the first stage, is £2.2 million. expenditure on the following large projects Filtration additions will cost a further in Townsville during the current financial £250,000. year:- ;~: The Pine Rivers Shire Council has requested Hermit Park-New schoo1 building that it be made the constructing authority for infants 25,404 for the dam. In considering this request, Wulguru-New State school 10,000 it was decided that the Under Treasurer and Pimlico High School 55,000 Director of Local Government should cause Townsville University Centre 100,000 an immediate investigation to be undertaken Receiving depot-New building 5,000 as to the economic ability of the Pine Rivers Accommodation for Inspector of Shire Council to undertake the scheme. The Motor Vehicles 2,000 investigation has commenced and, among Her Majesty's Prison 35,000 other things, information is being sought as Oonoonba Animal Health Station 5,000 to the specific terms on which A.P.M. Ltd. and the Redcliffe City Council will agree The total estimated expenditure on these to purchase additional water produced by projects is £237,404. the scheme, and guarantee minimum annual I believe anybody would agree that either payments in the event of their demands not the hon. member does not know his facts or reaching the estimated figure on which the he deliberately endeavoured to mislead the scheme is designed. My department has people of the State. I prefer to suggest he undertaken the design and preparation of does not know his facts because I do not plans and specifications of the scheme, and think he would deliberately attempt to mis­ this work is proceeding. lead the public. The hon. member for Burke spoke about The hon. member for South Brisbane and the water supply in Cloncurry and its dire the hon. member for Kedron expressed great Supply (15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1465

concern over valuations. It shocks and sur­ Mr. ROBERTS: It makes absolutely no prises me to hear an hon. member with the difference whether an area has been valued qualifications of the hon. member for South once, three times, five times or 10 times. Brisbane make such foolish statements as a The only person concerned is the owner of child of 14 would not fall for half the time. the land in the shire. It has nothing to do The other night he made quite a mouthful of with Mackay whether Mirani has been valued the increase in valuations in Brisbane from once, twice, or three times, and it has £63,000,000 to £73,000,000 since 1956. He nothing to do with Proserpine. called it an astronomical increase. Since 1957, approximately 20,000 new valuations Mr. Hanlon: What about land tax? in the city of Brisbane have been issued. Mr. ROBERTS: That is a matter for the This would accoun~ for an increase in the total valuation of the city. It has not been Land Tax Office. It has nothing to do with revalued since. New valuations are the result the hon. member. The hon. member for of considerable development in the city. The Baroona showed his complete ignorance in reason for some areas being valued two or the matter but he is only a very young man three times is that the Act provides that they and perhaps lacks the balance of some of must be revalued every five years. In New his colleagues in the Assembly. He con­ South Wales they must be revalued every cocts a phrase that appeals at the time. He four years. However, though the Act has made some reference to the giving of valua­ been in existence since 1916, some areas of tion figures as from 1 June which he described New South Wales have not yet been valued. as being politically dishonest but I have I have already told hon. members that very some figures here to show just how ridiculous few areas remain to be valued in Queensland he was. He should get some advice. The and that we hope to do most of them during this financial year. At the end of this former hon. member for Hinchinbrook financial year there will be a total of nine would be the man to whom I would recom­ shires, with a total of about 8,000 valuations, mend him to go for advice. I am not going still to be done. to pick anybody else out at the moment. Mr. Hanlon: Why has Mackay been singled The figures showing overtime worked are out? as follows:- OVERTIME

Calendar Year Overtime Overtime First Rolls Last Rolls Towns and Total Total Commenced Concluded Issued Issued Shires Valuations Overtime £ 1954 .. .. 17-5-54 26-8-54 21-1-54 8-9-54 23 83,466 1,291 1955 .. .. 22-6-55 9-8-55 14-6-55 5-9-55 13 51,842 978 1956 .. .. 9-7-56 4-9-56 28-5-56 19-10-56 15 27,713 922 1960 .. .. 13-4-60 4-10-60 30-5-60 6-10-60 20 70,793 2,214

I ask hon. members to remember that 1956 the House on 13 October, I shall now proceed was the election year, and that in 1960 the to put the questions for the Vote ~n?er Balonne appeals were heard on 17 May, consideration and the balance remammg which caused a serious delay. Almost three unvoted for the Department of Public Works times as many valuations were done in 1960 and Local Government. as were done in 1956, and another five towns and shires were valued. The questions for the following Votes were put, and agreed to:- I am sorry that I have insufficient time to go through them all and give the full picture, Department of Public Works and Local but I assure hon. members that it is there for Government- everybody to see. Chief Office £233,243 I am pleased and proud to say that I can Balance of Department, tie a can to the tail of every question raised Consolidated Revenue by the Opposition, because I have no fear and and Loan Fund no doubt in saying that all sections of the Account £8,380,451 department that come under my control, whether the Department of Public Works, DEPARTMENTS OF PUBLIC LANDS AND the Department of Local Government, or the IRRIGATION Department of Valuer-General, have all done a wonderful job in the past 12 months; during CmEF OFFICE the five months that I have had control of them, they have done an excellent job, and Hon. A. R. FLETCHER (Cunningham­ I expect them to continue their good work. Minister for Public Lands and Irrigation) (4.1 p.m.): I move- At 4 p.m., "That £304.281 be granted for 'Depart­ The CHAmMAN: Order! Under the ments of Public Lands and Irrigation­ provisions of the Sessional Order agreed to by Chief Office'." 1466 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

The vote represents a decrease of £9,556 Another member of the Land Court who on the appropriation for the year 1959-60, had a long association with land administra­ and an increase of £127 on the sum actually tion in Queensland also retired this year. expended during that year. In previous I refer to Mr. McLean, another very worthy years the salaries for members of the Land and well-respected man who gave outstanding Administration Board were provided under service to Queensland during his term. To separate schedules. It will be noted that in both of these gentlemen I say for myself this Vote provision has been made to the and on behalf of all those who were extent of £9,270 for such salaries which are associated with them, "Thank you for a job now charged against this Vote. At the same well done." time the cost of the eradication of Harrisia cactus is now a charge against Loan Funds, Mr. Wright has been appointed President and the sum of £50,000 which has been of the Land Court in succession to Sir allocated for this work this year will not be William Payne. He is a man of high standing a charge against the Chief Office Vote. in the community and one who fills the high post of President of the Land Court with Taking into consideration the fact that distinction. The membership of the Land members of the Land Administration Com­ Court, including the President, has now been mission are now paid under the Chief Office increased to five. Vote, the actual increase in staff is only one in number. By and large the amounts In spite of adverse seasonal conditions required for 1960-61 under the various head­ considerable progress in closer settlement was ings are very similar to those appropriated achieved during the past year. A total area of 593,194 acres of sheep lands and 772,932 f

As a matter of fact, they are one of the Mr. FLETCHER: I do not think I should worrying aspects of the whole thing. We worry the hon. member with my thoughts do not doubt it can be done at a price, but or worries. whether that price is economical or practical, Mr. Dufficy: After all, you are the Minis­ we are hoping it will be worked out by these ter, and your thoughts are important. men. Mr. FLETCHER: Not my worries. I think it was a most sensible approach to the question and their advice has been Mr. Walsh: I know you are an optimist, adopted. Two blocks have been opened and but I do not think you are a super-optimist. more will follow. If we do not find some insuperable difficulty or are not persuaded Mr. FLETCHER: Thank you. that it is unwise, more will undoubtedly It is important to realise the relationship follow. My Government have now accepted between fattening and breeding areas. If my recommendation that I send a further cattle-fattening is to be embarked upon team of three into the North with the task to any appreciable degree it follows that of classifying the lands in this region so the demand for store cattle must increase. that the coastal North may have a clear The best place for increased production basis upon which to develop its rural lands. of store cattle is in the Gulf and Peninsula The task of that committee is to investi­ areas where such cattle are now being pro­ gate all lands suitable for cattle-fattening duced. The potential of these areas at the that at present are substantially unimproved. present time is not being fully realised, and State forests are not to be investigated as turn-off could be considerably increased. such, but lands that are more suited to the Apart from such ·things as rainfall, transport growth of timber than for cattle fattening facilities and more water improvements, the are to be classified accordingly and con­ essential requirement to boost production is sideration will be given to the inclusion of increased demand. There is no area in such areas within State forests. Areas set Australia perhaps where production can be aside as timber reserves will also be examined stepped up more easily and with more and likewise classified. certainty than the Gulf areas. Here, the annual monsoonal rain is more certain than This will be a tremendous job but when in any other part of the Commonwealth completed it will lay down for North Queens­ and simply by the provision of additional land a blueprint for future land usage and fencing and watering points, a great increase will permit of the further expansion of the in production could be easily obtained. The timber industry along sound and permanent demand is the key to the future development lines. of the area and therefore the development of successful coastal fattening areas will have This is something that I feel is most impgr­ a catalytic effect on the breeding areas. tant and I am sure hon. members represent­ ing northern electorates will agree with me While on this theme, I might mention that in this approach to the development of the experience with brigalow lands has North, tha:t is, taking due safeguards in undeniably shown by practical demonstration establishing industries, and making provision that large areas of this country are capable for their future development. of producing both winter and summer grains, hay and silage crops, and are also adaptable Mr. Lloyd: Will one of those three men to introduced pasture. Rainfall averages be a Forestry official? are suitable for these crops and yields Mr. FLETCHER: Yes. from the area are comparable in quantity and quality to the State's best. In my opinion A further point that cannot be overlooked some brigalow areas are an incomparable in discussing this subject is the fact that the beef-producing asset of the State. establishment of pastures in North Queens­ Mr. Walsh: Have you read that brochure land for cattle-fattening purposes is costly, that Charlie Russell circulated-"Why Land and I personally feel that Queensland can Settlement in Queensland is Lagging"? put forward a case to Federal authorities in this connection. I have already taken Mr. FLETCHER: Yes. steps in this matter. The assistance of the Mr. Haulou: Do you agree with it? Commonwealth in the provision of funds for the development of these lands will be Mr. FLETCHER: Not altogether. earnestly sought and the co-operation of members of the Food and Agricultural Com­ I am in the process of investigating avail­ mittee to which I previously referr!!d will able lands in the brigalow area with a be enlisted. view to securing the necessary funds to bring these lands into more intensive produc­ Mr. Dufficy: Do you really think it is a tion by way of closer settlement. This, too, possibility that you will get Federal assisi­ is a matter wherein the assistance of the ance for that? Federal resources will be sought. Mr. FLETCHER: In this world, anything Another most important aspect of land is possible. administration is the operation of the free­ holding laws introduced by this Govern­ Mr. Dufficy: Do you think it is probable? ment. To date over 4,000 lessees have made Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1469 application to have their holdings freeholded. completed in terms of lease conditions during 2,500 of which refer to town and suburban the year totalled 800 at a cost of approxi­ land and the balance to selections. The mately £500,000, but this represents only a Land Court has handed down 2,623 fraction of watering facilities provided during decisions upon these applications and in this period. 1,561 cases the lessees have elected to pro­ ceed with conversion. In respect of a It is pleasing, also, to see the excellent further 300 of these cases, the period during work being done in the pulling of thousands which the lessees may elect to accept the of acres of scrub to permit the growing of conversion has not expired. grain and fodder crops and the more inten­ sive utilisation of Crown lands, especially Mr. Dufficy: Have many applications come in the brigalow areas. During the year, from the brigalow area? approximately 550,000 acres were cleared in terms of lease conditions at a cost of over Mr. FLETCHER: I could not tell the £500,000; but, here again, this is only a hon. member the exact number but I fraction of the overall timber-treatment work could find out roughly how many came from carried out during this period. there; I know there are some. Undoubtedly there is scope for much more Mr. Dufficy: I should be grateful if you work in this field, and I would like to see could. much more effort on the part of some Crown Mr. FLETCHER: I will keep that in mind. tenants in the more favoured grazing and I have analysed the latest figures available, pastoral areas. It is irksome to see neglect which cover a period of 12 months ended in this matter in some of the more "handy" 30 June, 1960, and during that period the areas when regard is had to what good lessees of 292 selections had elected to con­ management and drive can achieve, and bear­ vert their holdings to freeholding tenure. The ing in mind the fact that others, if given the total area of the 292 selections was approxi­ opportunity, could use this asset to much mately 84,000 acres and the total annual better advantage. rental payable by the lessees was £2,861. Mr. Dufficy: Would they be people who The total unimproved capital value as deter­ enjoy leasehold or freehold? mined by the Land Court was £283,560 which would be payable over 20 years. I~ Mr. FLETCHER: I am talking of lease· respect of the 292 selections, therefore, pur­ holders at the moment. chase money to the extent of £13,091 will be paid each year for 20 years, when the Mr. Dufficy: How are you going to deal selections will become freehold. In 34 with the freeholders? Are you going to cases the lessees elected to make lump-sum compel them to undertake better utilisation, payments and conversion was effected too. immediately-of course, on the spot. Mr. FLETCHER: Very little freehold is During the same period 702 residential, underdeveloped in my area, anyway. There business and industrial sites were converted might be other areas that I should be glad to freeholding tenure. These represented a to hear about. total area of 1,367 acres and a total annual Mr. Dufficy: You might later. rental of £9,796. In respect of these leases the total unimproved capital value as deter­ Mr. FLETCHER: I personally feel that mined by the Land Court was £293,469. the lessee who will not, or cannot, clear his This purchase price is payable plus interest land of useless vegetation deserves appro­ at the rate of 5 per cent. over a period of priate consideration when his stewardship 10 years. In 284 cases the lessees elected comes up for review, as it does upon expira­ to convert to freehold immediately by pay­ tion of his lease. It is perhaps typical of ment of the capital value in a lump sum. human nature that we find these men are These lump sum payments total £107,028. the most· vocal and vociferous when the suggestion of a lesser area arises. Legislation introduced during 1958 which extended security to tenure to lessees who At the same time I intend to see that the operated bona-fide studs has functioned suc­ more enterprising and industrious Crown cessfully. This legislation has encouraged the tenant is rewarded for his efforts. Persistent establishment of the famous Faulkner claims have been put to me that good "Bonooke" stud in Queensland, and I have management has militated against lessees dur­ been informed that this company will in the ing past years in the practical application of near future establish a further stud for the closer settlement, which, if true, is a short­ purpose of producing poll merino sires for sighted approach and morally wrong. It the benefit of Queensland merino flocks. is my aim to encourage development, and in the exercise of my discretionary powers in Recent years have witnessed a tremendous dealing with expired leases, due consideration upsurge in the development of Crown hold­ will be extended, wherever possible, to the ings. No doubt the drastic demonstration tenant who develops and improves his hold­ during recent years of the harshness of dry ing. times is the direct cause of the demand for more water, particularly the harvesting of Mr. Dufficy: Irrespective of whether or not water on individual farms. Water facilities it exceeds a living area? 1470 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. FLETCHER: Within my Ministerial Main Roads will amount to approximately discretion, yes. £20,000. Provision for four waterways is During the year, legislation was introduced being attended to. The plans are being pre­ to deal with low-lying reclaimable lands or pared. It is expected that the work will other lands difficult or expensive to develop proceed on these structures soon. for tourist, residential, or business purposes. I have already mentioned in relation to the The object of the Act was to encourage development of the sheep and cattle industry the development of such existing waste areas the necessity for conservation of stock water by enlisting the assistance of private enter­ in holdings generally, but particularly in the prise. low rainfall areas in the West and Far-West One of the most forward of the develop­ regions. However, of equal importance is the mental schemes under this Act is the five­ provision of water on stock routes. To date part contract for the construction of the over 700 stock-route water facilities have North Coast highway from Caloundra to been established in Queensland. In the last Noosa. This road, which is already well financial year alone 39 jobs were completed, under way, will open up a large area of the including the reconditioning of existing North Coast beach lands and is paving the facilities. There were 24 projects in course of way for tremendous development in the pro­ completion, and contracts were let for the vision of residential and business sites. construction of a further 35 such facilities. After intensive investigations and negot­ In a State where movement of stock is iations this tremendous scheme of top-quality such a common and necessary phase of the works has resulted from pooling the resources industry, either in marketing or shifting stock of the State, the local authorities and private in times of drought to more favoured areas, enterprise. In this way we hope to provide these works are of tremendous importance. attractive holiday amenities in an area that Works undertaken last year included the previously was the home of mosquitoes and Hervey Range stock route, which provides sandflies. the main outlet for cattle from the Upper At the present time something like 300 men Burdekin to the Townsville meatworks. The are directly employed in this five-part plan, Co-ordinating Board proposes to continue and contracts already ratified at this, the with the maintenance of this stock route each embryo stage of development, exceed year. £1,000,000. Hon. members, particularly those represent­ The Near North Coast has been given the ing the outback, will hasten to agree with me advantage of properly-planned development. that any form of access to the highly­ The standard of subdivisional works, and the susceptible drought regions is virtually care and attention given to such things as nullified in its purpose unless stock water is parks, esplanades, reserves and shopping available at strategic points along the route. centres, are aimed at taking full advantage of modern town planning. Other schemes are A major undertaking in this State is, I am under consideration, notably in relation to happy to relate, well on the way to The Spit at Southport, Castle Hill and Rowe's completion. I refer to the dingo barrier Bay at Townsville, lands at Capalaba, Cairns fence, which will have a total length of reclamation scheme, Bribie and North 'itrad­ 3,500 miles. The remaining section of about broke Island, and several other areas. 150 miles is well on the way to completion. It might be of interest to hon. members to In connection with acess to the Barrier know that on a sheep number basis of Reef tourist islands, the present jetty site near 20,000,000, the amount of £65,000 raised Proserpine is exposed to rough seas, and annually to finance the barrier fence repre­ frequently its use is hazardous even when the sents a rating of approximately id. per sheep. conditions are not really very bad. The jetty was severely damaged two years ago and the Hon. members will be aware that some repairs effected, although they have made it people doubt the wisdom of constructing such usuable, would not ensure its survival if a fence. rough weather were to blow up in the near Mr. Walsh: I think you used to share that future. To provide a safe anchorage for small view when you were in Opposition. vessels going to the islands, a jetty is to be built at Shute Harbour, and this necessitates Mr. FLETCHER: Never! I have always the construction of a road from Airlie. The approved of it in principle, and I am on new road 5.4 miles long is now in course of record as having said so when the legislation construction. It commences from the Council was introduced. Some people contend that road about U miles south-east of Airlie, and it will never be sufficiently maintained to ends at the new jetty site. The road in itself ensure its full effectiveness. will provide an interesting tourist attraction At the present time it would appear in in addition to developing Shute Harbour. a some cases that little advantage is provided most attractive and picturesque part of North Queensland. in localities where dog numbers in the fenced­ in area are considerable, but, putting first A contract for £149,056 has been let to things first, it must be conceded that the Thiess Bros. for construction work, and this main barrier must be established if, in the is well advanced. In addition, the materials long run, we are going to effectively contain which will be supplied by the Department of and then destroy the dog. You have to Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1471 start somewhere and the main barrier fence been equipped with modern electronic is the only way it will ever be really well distance-measuring equipment to further the done. usefulness of this type of mapping. In this way the State will be able to tackle This work of the Survey Office is used in a practical manner the extermination-dog extensively by the Main Roads Department, by dog, if you like,-of the dogs in the the Department of Irrigation and Water protected area. In so far as inspection and Supply, the Department of Local Govern­ supervision of the fence is concerned, I point ment, the Department of Agriculture and out that under the Co-ordinating Board, Stock, the Co-ordinator-General, the Depart­ seven inspectors have been appointed to ment of Forestry, the Department of Public ensure that this aspect is well taken care of. Lands. and other authorities. In view of its Whilst an isolated few in the protected area importance, the Government have approved do not take kindly to their obligations under of the reorganisation and expansion of this the Barrier Fences Act it is heartening to branch of the Survey Office to meet com­ note-and I have personally noted this­ mitments for large-scale mapping, under that the vast majority of land-owners give arrangements between the State and thu to the project their unqualified support and Commonwealth, which were finalised last acclamation. Already there is evidence that, year, in relation to the development of east­ as the plan begins to materialise, sheep central and east-northern Queensland. numbers are on the increase. Lambings Already a field party is operating in the have increased in many areas due, quite Herbert River basin in connection with hydro­ obviously, to the influence that the fence electric and water-conservation potentialities has had on the ingress of the dingo to the in that area. An amount of £10,000 has rich wool-producing parts of the State. heen provided in this year's Estimates to recruit and equip a second survey party for The Co-ordinating Board, in collaboration this class of work. with the grazing industry, will give due attention to dealing with dingoes within the I make special mention of the photographic fence, piecemeal, as it is practicable to do section of the Survey Office, which is easily it. the largest photographic establishment main­ tained by the State. This section is doing Within the department the Survey Office a tremendous amount of work with equip­ activities have been expanded to keep pace ment that unfortunately is reaching the end with development and action has been taken of its useful life, and it is proposed pro­ to modernise in stages the equipment used gressively to make sufficient funds available by this office. In our Survey Office during to provide new and additional units. During recent years there has been an ever-increasing this year it is proposed to purchase a new demand for maps of a type that go further enlarger and a further contact-printer for than the usual four-mile, two-mile, and the processing of aerial photographs. It is 40-chain or parish series. The demand today also proposed to procure this year an is for maps showing the natural and artificial auxiliary ammonia printing machine and next features of the various localities. This infor­ year a large camera for precision reproduct­ mation is required for constructional projects tion work, which will involve the outlay of and for general developmental planning. Full approximately £30,000. advantage has been taken of the rapid advance in mapping from aerial photography. It will be seen from this brief outline that the Survey Office provides a high~y techn~cal Since 1950 the air-photograph require­ and specialised survey and mappmg serv1ce, ments of all State departments have been and, to keep pace with the rapid progress of co-ordinated and eo-related into one the State funds allotted to the Survey Office programme. This arrangement has not fully this yea; total £397,103 compared with an eliminated duplication and overlapping of actual expenditure of £312,512 last year. aerial survey work by the various authorities, but it has resulted in a substantial saving My other department, the D_epartment of of public funds. Irrigation and Water Supply, 1s under the capable leadership of the Commi~sioner, ~r. The total area flown under contract to Haigh, and to the extent of 1ts fin_anc1al 30 June last was 171,538 square miles, which capacity is continuing to play a part m the represents about one quarter of the State development of Queensland. I do not know of Queensland. Provision is made this year any officer who is more devoted to his work for the sum of £27,500, which will provide and service to the public of Queensland air-photo coverage of another 15,000 square than Mr. Haigh, and I pay him a tribute for miles. his unfailing courtesy, help, and devotion to The information available as a result of the job with which he is entrusted. I place this work is of tremendous advantage in that on record the fact that our relationship has it may be used for investigations associated been most helpful and to me a very happy with geological-mapping, timber and water one. resources, surveys, soil-erosion control, road Mr. Walsh: The Government have not location, and other purposes. To take full given him much to spend this year. advantage of this work modern stereo-plotting machines have been acquired at a cost of Mr. FLETCHER: What he has been given over £45,000, and the Survey Office has he has spent very well. 1472 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. Walsh: You know what the hon. any initial cost, information to guide them in member for Fassifern said-that the Govern­ any plan they wish to carry out for water ment are cutting the throat of the Irrigation storage, which is so vital to security for the Department. man who earns his living from the land. Having had the assessment made for him, he Mr. Burrows: The Liberals are doing that, can decide what type of storage he can not the Country Party. embark upon within his financial capacity, Mr. FLETCHER: Perhaps it is not as bearing in mind that advances are made only bad as the hon. member thinks. Perhaps for approved works. the efficiency of the department and the Loans approved in 1959-1960 amounted to significant work it does with the funds £123,026, but because of the time lag between available to it this year will mean that it approval of loans and actual construction will be endowed with additional funds next work as arranged by the landholders, and year. consequent payment to the contractor, only Votes for the Irrigation and Water Supply £76,965 was advanced. Commission are provided within the Con­ The popularity of the Farm Water Supplies solidated Revenue Fund, Trust Funds and Assistance Act has continued. A significant Loan Fund. Within the Consolidated number of 580 applications for technical Revenue Fund the total provision is £429,409, assistance was received during the past year, an increase of £29,643 on the expenditure and 112 applicants also requested financial during 1959-1960. The salaries Vote under assistance. Consolidated Revenue sets out the total pro­ Water is vital for the farmer and the vision for salaried officers of £496,430, of grazier, but regrettably many do not become which £270,030 is transferred to the Irriga­ really alive to the necessity to make provision tion and Water Supply Construction Trust for the future until times of drought are Fund in respect of officers engaged on upon them, which show up the problem in Commission works and investigation. The sharp relief. The recent dry spell is a clear total number of permanent officers provided indication of this. There has been a consider­ for is 322, a decrease of 18 permanent officers able increase during the past few months in in the number employed as at 30 June, 1960. the number of applications for assistance Three trust funds are provided for in con­ under the provisions of this Act. During nection with the operation of the Irrigation October alone, 114 applications came to hand. and Water Supply Commission- Much good work has been done since the (a) Artesian Bores Working Account; inception of the Act, and the Irrigation and (b) Farm Water Supplies Assistance Water Supply Commission deals with applic­ Fund; and ations with all the urgency and technical resources that it can dredge up in an urgent (c) Irrigation and Water Supply Con­ situation brought about by a drought such struction Fund. as we are now experiencing. The Artesian Bores Working Account is a fund established to cover financial transac­ Mr. Walsh: I see you gave the Bundaberg­ tions of the Commission in respect of artesian tobacco-growers the wipe-off. trust areas, which are administered by the Mr. FLETCHER: Not exactly. That inter­ Commission. There are 56 such areas. pretation would not be a fair interpretation Expenditure of £21,500 is provided to of what I said about the Bundaberg tobacco­ cover interest and redemption on Treasury growers. loans in respect of bore construction and for Mr. Walsh: That is what the local people general maintenance of the areas, including think about it. bore-drain delving. The whole of this amount will be recovered by rates levied on the lands Mr. Dufficy: The local people would be that are served in the areas. good judges, of course. Within the Farm Water Supplies Assistance Mr. FLETCHER: I think I would be the Fund an amount of £150,000 has been best judge of what I meant by what I said. provided for this year. We have reason to feel The Irrigation and Water Supply Construc­ very happy at the results emerging since the tion Fund provides for the expenditure on introduction by this Government of the Farm the Commission's capital works and inves­ Water Supplies Assistance Act. Since its tigation, and salaries of officers engaged in enactment untold benefits have been bestowed that direction. The total allocation for 1960- upon landholders of the State. Under its 1961 is £1,880,000, which is a reduction of provisions, landholders have available to them £356,156 on the expenditure from the fund financial assistance in the carrying out of during 1959-1960. approved work, and, what is equally import­ ant, if not more important, is the fact that Within this fund an additional provision of they can draw upon the technical resources £59 551 above last year's expenditure was of the Irrigation & Water Supply Commis­ nec~ssary due mainly to award increases in sion. A landholder can approach the Com­ salaries of officers engaged on capital works mission, who will advise him of the possibility and investigations. of implementing water conservation on his The amount actually available in the con­ property. Landholders can obtain, without struction fund for the carrying out of works Supply [15 NoVEMBER] Supply 1473 and investigations and the purchase and The Moogerah dam, which is designed to maintenance of plant is £1,544,000, which is serve a large area of rich agricultural land, £415,707 less than we expended in 1959- is still in the course of construction. An 1960. amount of £370,000 has been included in this year's allocation for the work and it is I regret that this year it has been necessary expected that the dam constructoin will be to curtail work on what must be conceded by completed this financial year. any thinking person to be vitally important to the State, which, at present, is only partly An amount of £322,500 has been allocated developed. within the Irrigation and Water Supply Con­ struction Fund for further work on the Development by irrigation represents a Borumba dam. very significant increase in our agricultural output. Water conservation for stock and An amount of £86,000 has been provided irrigation brings in its train a secure liveli­ for the investigation of water resources and hood for a large proportion of our popula­ conservation works. This represents an tion and provides a basis for population increase of £13,000 on expenditure in 1959- increase. In effect, it is an insurance policy 1960. for those who make their living from agri­ Investigations include possible storage sites culture, grazing and cropping, in a land on the Burnett, Herbert, Logan and Albert which has to suffer fairly regularly the Rivers, Callide, Sandy and Raglan Creeks, ravages of drought. and Macintyre Brook. I want hon. members to realise, however, Underground water investigations are pro­ that in the allocation of available moneys, vided for in the valleys of the Bremer, Bris­ priority treatment had to be given to other Burdekin, Burnett, Dumaresq, Logan and essential services, and the Government I Albert Rivers and on the Darling Downs. think reluctantly, have had to curtail 'the Investigation into the possibility of storage funds available for use by the Irrigation sites on various streams and learning more Commission. about the underground resources in places Provision has been made in this year's allo­ where suitable catchment areas and irrigable cation for the advancement of several main land are available are a very important projects already under way. function of the Commission. An amount of £494,000 has been allocated There is no discounting the fact that, in a to the work of extending the channels serv­ State that relies so much for its economic ing the Mareeba-Dimbulah irrigation area. stability on rural production, droughts can As at 30 June, 63 miles of main channel cut very drastically into any prosperity we and 20 miles of distribution channels had might achieve through other means in favour­ been completed. able seasons. There is little consolation in having at our command a buoyant beef mar­ Works proposed this year include the con­ ket, for instance, when we see cattle dying struction of 7t miles of main channel and in their thousands. If I did not know it 10 miles of pipe lines in the Atherton Creek already, my recent visit to the Channel and the Granite Creek areas and distribu­ Country convinced me that provision of ade­ tion works, including a relift station in the quate watering facilities within the very South Walsh area. large holdings would cut tremendously regu­ lar losses of cattle in our frequent dry The overall position at Mareeba-Dimbulah periods. is a ~appy and satisfactory one. Generally speakmg, tobacco farmers are doing fairly Mr. Walsh: Do you regard development in well. Last year there were approximately that area as a gamble, as you were reported 1,000 farmers and share farmers producing as having said? tobacco in that area. Tobacco production there again increased substantially. The Mr. FLETCHER: I do not think I was value of last year's tobacco crop was about reliably reported as saying it was a big £4,000,000-a very significant achievement gamble. The hon. member is referring, I for a new industry in an area that had pre­ presume, to the Channel Country? viously contributed little or nothing to the Mr. Walsh: That is right. State's wealth. Mr. FLETCHER: I was not truthfully In the planning of farms in the Mareeba­ reported as saying it was a big gamble. We Dimbulah irrigation area the Government need to spend money out there, without any in conformity with their policy of adequat~ doubt. living areas, have taken action to ensure that farm sizes are sufficient to make the growers Some of our irrigation projects have not secure and there is little likelihood of any been a major success. I have already men­ failures in that centre, apart from a calami­ tioned that Mareeba-Dimbulah is quite good, tous drop in tobacco prices. New farms are but I am not very happy about the Dawson being made available. Action is under way irrigation scheme. I inspected this area quite for the calling of applications for 19 new recently and came away with the impression farms in the area and the closing date for that the scheme there was not initiated on as applications will be some time in December. sound a basis as it might have been. At least a further 20 farms are expected to Mr. Burrows: Are you talking about the be availahle for opening early in 1961. Theodore area? 1474 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. FLETCHER: Yes, the Dawson irriga­ impression is that a fair standard of pros­ tion scheme. Some of the lessons learned perity obtains for the practical tobacco­ indicate very strongly that the areas designed growers. were too small. In some cases even the Criticism has been levelled at some of the land was not good irrigation land. On the Commission's works in other places. For other hand, I was quite impressed with the instance, the Mundubbera Weir has been cited lush pastures that I saw on the experimental as being of litle practical use. I do not farm at Theodore. It is very important that agree with that. a developmental farm should lead thinking and assist in the development of an area such Mr. Walsh: Who said that? as that. The duty of doing something that will be of practical help to the men and Mr. FLETCHER: There was something in women who in some cases have spent a large the Press about it. Although the water avail­ part of their lives there has exercised my mind able from the Mundubbera Weir was not and the minds of my advisers. We hope to fully utilised for several years after its be able to do something in the not far construction, during the last two or three distant future for at least some of the people years the areas now authorised to irrigate whose hopes have not been realised in these from the Burnett River on the weir pool areas. At present, I have to admit that it itself, and downstream to just below looks to be a very difficult problem. Gayndah, have increased to 1,450 acres. Production from this area is almost entirely Mr. Walsb: Quite a number of farmers up citrus. From the beginning of September to there made a success of it-Gunn, James, and the end of October, the Burnett Weir at Freeman. Eidsvold has completely ceased to flow. Mr. FLETCHER: I did not meet those par­ During this period water from the weir pool ticular people. and releases from the weir have maintained supply to the whole of this 1,450 acres. Mr. Walsb: .i have visited their farms, and Mr. Walsh: I think the Treasurer criticised I know. that scheme. Mr. Burrows: They produced a lot of vegetables during the war. Mr. FLETCHER: He could have. All the water in the Mundubbera Weir will be fully Mr. FLETCHER: The war made it easier committed to keep this area in production. for them to make a living, but the demand Mr. Hewitt: It has been most valuable for for vegetables ceased when the war ended. the district. Generally speaking they are too far from the markets, and I think it is a most unhappy Mr. FLETCHER: Most valuable. situation. Mr. Wharton: I think it will be more than Mr. Burrows: Did you go to Nathan Gorge? committed. Mr. FLETCHER: No. I know the plans for Mr. FLETCHER: At least no-one in the Nathan Gorge, and the cost of the dam there area will deny that it is a most valuable is rather intimidating. adjunct to production in the area. The annual value of production from this area of citrus Mr. Burrows: That was the original idea. plantings would be in excess of £750,000. The Theodore scheme was only a temporary scheme. Had this water supply not been available the present crop of citrus would have been very Mr. FLETCHER: Out at St. George, where severely reduced and, in addition, next year's the difficulties of distance from markets and crop inevitably would also have suffered. the additional troubles associated with a new The benefits obtained by irrigators have form of land usage are still being grappled resulted in requests for further weirs with, we have now taken action to double upstream and downstream from land_holders land areas and increase water allocations. I and the Councils of Monto, E1dsvold, have a feeling that the settlers there now Mundubbera and Gayndah. I know just how have a reasonable chance of making a good earnest these requests are, because during my living. recent visit to the area I met personally many In an endeavour to assist irrigation-settle­ of the landholders concerned and representa­ ment farmers to acquire the techniques neces­ tives of the local authorities. sary to gain full advantage from irrigation The need for further conservation of water farming, demonstration farms have been is fairly obvious. I might make the illustration established in these areas. The Commission by pointing out that some 60,~0~ acres, or and the Department of Agriculture and Stock about 40 per cent. of the total Irngated area have done a certain amount of exploratory of 155,000 acres, draw supplies from streams work in this direction, and officers of these subject to pumping restrictions, and rest~ic­ departments feel that the demonstration farm tions have been deemed necessary dunng is a valuable and necessary adjunct to these recent dry times. If restrictions had not been types of settlements, which are still feeling imposed, men with large irrigation instal­ their way economically. lations that had cost a great deal of money Some of the Burdekin areas are still would have been left high and dry in a period having their troubles, although there, too, my critical to their production. Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1475

The value of production from the State's become any worse under the present admin­ irrigated area exceeds one-sixth of the State's istration than it was under the last. I am total agricultural production. That is a very satisfied that if the previous Minister had not significant figure. It will be seen therefore been a fearless man and of strong will, he that it is important to the economy of would have definitely been ridden into the Queensland and the prosperity of its people ground, I might say, and we would have had that the supply of water to this irrigated area a hopeless jumble in our land administration. be on a more assured and permanent basis. I have here a pamphlet that was sent to Mr. Walsh: That is why I cannot under­ every member of this Committee. It attacks stand the Government's cutting down on the Government's land policy. Those of us funds. who have conducted election campaigns would have some idea of how much this Mr. FLETCHER: If the hon. member pamphlet would cost to produce. It is cer­ dropped a note to the Treasurer possibly he tainly well got up and very extravagantly could tell him in terms he would understand. and expensively prepared. Mr. Lloyd: Is he running the Government, Without in any way commending the as usual? Government for their land policy, I want to say that I do not agree with the author of Mr. FLETCHER: The Treasurer is the this document, Mr. Russell, who entered this custodian of the State's funds, and naturally Parliament in the same year as I did, who he would be in a position to give the hon. moved on to the Federal Parliament, was member chapter and verse. later beaten in an election, and is now I have covered the more responsible aspects carrying on pastoral pursuits as well as other of my administration. I await with interest enterprises in this State. Mr. Russell ltas the appreciative comments that I know will direct control over 600,000 acres of land in come from both sides of the Chamber. As a Queensland and is a very wealthy man. I new Minister, I think I shall learn a great have never had access to his bank account, deal from the undoubtedly helpful comments but I should imagine that if I were in his that I see trembling on the lips of hon. position I would have very little to grumble members opposite. at. His statements are peculiar, if nothing else, when it is realised that he owes his In my opinion, the administration of land wealth to the land, that he came from the laws in Queensland is a most important and land-Queensland land-that he has operated weighty responsibility. We are a primary­ under Queensland land laws, and that he producing State, dependent to a very great has reached the stage when he has a very extent on what comes out of the land in its big interest, if not a 95 per cent. interest, various aspects for our standard of living, in 600,000 acres of Queensland. Queensland, even our national solvency, and anything that big as we know it is, has a total area of helps me to be wise in land administration only 429,000,000 acres. If my arithmetic will be very welcome. I am sure that no-one is correct, and if we dished out land in will venture to offer anything but helpful parcesl of 600,000 acres, Queensland would criticism. be owned by only about 700 people. For that reason alone we must condemn Mr. Mr. BURROWS (Port Curtis) (5.6 p.m.): Russell's attitude. At the outset, I should like to congratulate I read the document he produced. Hon. the Minister on his appointment to the posi­ members will forgive me for reading it tion he holds. However, like every fair­ minded Queensland and 99 per cent. of rather carefully. He voiced criticism of the Australians, I like to see fair play in every­ present Government. But I came to the thing and I sincerely regret the circumstances conclusion after reading it carefully-several that brought about Mr. Fletcher's appoint­ times at least-that Mr. Russell has a very ment, much as we recognise his worthiness. selfish outlook. While there is plenty of room for criticism of the present law and I think the Department of Public Lands administration of the Act, I do not agree is one of the most important departments­ in any respect with the criticism put forward if not the most important, in this State. by Mr. Russell. He wants it both ways; he wants money spent on his property to be Mr. Davies: They said the former Minister allowed as a deduction for income-tax pur­ could not carry on because he was a decrepit hulk. poses and, when his lease expires, he wants compensation for those improvements, not Mr. BURROWS: I sincerely regret that at cost or depreciated value but at the present politics brought out remarks such as that, inflated value. which I am sure were made in the heat of I have a sympathetic bump on my head the moment. I am sure, although they were as large as that of the average person, byt not made by any member on this side of the Chamber, that the man who did make I could not raise even one little sob them regrets doing so as much as anybody for Mr. Russell or his predicament and his on this side regrets having heard them. argument with the Government over the way he has been treated. I think my tears However, we are here to discuss land could be better expended on much more matters and I sincerely hope that the policy deserving cases than his, and I think the of the Government in land matters will not money spent in production of this pamphlet 1476 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply would have been used more wisely by him he did what 99 politicians out of 100 do: if he had given it to a city or country charity. he blamed a Press reporter for not reporting The matter has been raised by way of inter­ him properly. Often when people make a jection, and I think it is up to hon. members mistake they try to sneak out of it, or say to express their opinions of it one way or they are badly reported, or it is just a mis­ another. take. Mistakes like that are costing us much I shall draw attention to a passage in one time and effort and halting progress. of Mr. Russell's letters to the department. In There are very often ill-advised projects the light of revelations earlier in the session for setting people up on the land, and they about pressure being brought to bear on the will continue unless the Government have Government in respect of their land laws, the somebody with experience of these matters passage has some significance. It reads- who can understand and appreciate what is "In the ordinary course of events, we being considered. When Parliamentarians would expect to get a residual home draw the salaries they draw, and have the maintenace area of at least 25,000 acres responsibilities they have, they should be a (equal to about t) at the expiration of little more accurate and have a little more the present lease (if, of course, the Act respect for the facts of the case; they should remains as it is)." not talk such ridiculous rot. Mr. Russell, of course, is much better informed and is in a much better position Mr. Low: God help Queensland if ever than hon. members on this side of the you are Minister for Public Lands and Chamber, to know the intentions of the Irrigation. Government and the pressure brought to Mr. BURROWS: That is the hon. mem­ bear on them. Those of us who heard the ber's opinion. It is bad enough for Queens­ sort of half-revelations made earlier in the land that he is even a member of Parlia­ session, if we put two and two together, ment. I still have enough faith in Queens­ realise that that statement has some little land to believe that it can survive, despite significance. That is the way in which it the hon. member and those like him. struck me. I do not think I am looking for the cloven hoof in everything I read. Mr. Low: It is the first time a grazier has opened the Opposition debate on the In earlier debates on the Estimates, and Estimates. in speeches during the Address-in-Reply and Budget debates, hon. members referred to Mr. Hughes interjected. the need to develop our cattle areas and the need for roads in the Channel Country to Mr. BURROWS: When hon. members bring the cattle bred in those areas to opposite get back to their own programme market, and have spoken about the potential I will continue with mine. of the brigalow country and other lands. We Naturally, the Minister has quoted figures cannot really blame the Cabinet for doing of amounts to be spent by his department. what is has done to our land laws when the I remind the Committee that, owing to infla­ hon. member for Rockhampton South, speak­ tion, we must be very careful not to conclude ing as an authority, said that 10 beasts can that, because more is to be spent this year be carried to an acre. We also have the than last year or 10 years ago, a greater hon. member for Tablelands, who reminds volume of work will be done. We have to me of men around a camp fire seeing who discount those amounts considerably. Figures can tell the tallest story, saying it was can sometimes be very misleading. possible to turn off 11,000 head of cattle from 160 acres. If those are the men who Basically the motive of any honest Govern­ are going to guide and influence the Govern­ ment in seeking new areas to throw open ment, we can thank God we are not in a for selection is to increase production, and bigger mess with our land laws than we are I do not deny that that is the motive behind today. Those statements are too ridiculous the present Government's desire to open up and absurd to warrant criticism. more land. But I warn them to pause and Mr. Beardmore: One of those statements ask themselves if we are getting the full was an obvious mistake. He meant 10 benefit from the land already selected. The acres to one beast. Minister can particularly help in that because I understand the department has an insect Mr. BURROWS: He meant nothing of the that is capable of destroying the Noogoora sort. He would not have known anything burr. I can see three former graziers sitting different if the former Minister for Public on the Government benches and I do not Lands had not said to him by way of inter­ think one of them would deny that Queens­ jection, "Why don't you talk on subjects land's production from the land could you know something about?" In other words, definitely be increased by 5 or I 0 per cent. he said, "Why don't you keep your mouth if that insect were introduced and Noogoora shut?" If the hon. member had to wait burr successfully destroyed. I know the until he could talk on matters he knew some­ Federal Government can be blamed, but if thing about, he would be speechless. a firmer attitude is taken and greater perse­ verance shown in the approach to the Federal I would say the Minister is a very truthful Government in the matter better results may person, but in the course of his speech today be achieved. Goodness knows, during the Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1477 election campaign people were told by mem­ such as Charlie Russell, who is not satisfied bers of the Country-Liberal Party Govern­ with 600,000 acres, and when a block of ment, "We belong to the same family as the land is offered for selection there are 2,000 Federal Liberal-Country Party and we will applicants for it. We must remember that get treatment of a kind that the horrible 1,999 out of those 2,000 will be disappointed. Labour Party will not be able to get." Here is an opportunity to do something that is Mr. Beardmore: You would still get a relatively easy. Let us fly to it. Next to large number of applicants even if it was the destruction of the prickly pear, no better a piece of the Sahara desert. contribution could be made to the develop­ ment of Queensland than destroying the Mr. BURROWS: I agree with the hon. Noogoora burr. member, but the Government must not be influenced by that. If you gave some people The Government are persisting in their the whole of Queensland they would want a freeholding policy and I think it is quite bit of New South Wales, too. Any hon. probable that we owe it to the former Minis­ member with practical experience will know ter for Public Lands and Irrigation that the that. maximum area that can be developed at one time today is not much greater than 5,000 I have had experience of keeping books acres. I think 5,000 acres is too much and for these people. When their rates and other I am critical of the Government on that. I costs are reduced to a unit cost basis, the sincerely hope that the new Minister will at disparity is tremendous. The costs in a least stand firm and resist the efforts of men factory are worked out on that basis. If like Mr. Russell who want to own the whole they are producing motor cars they know of the land of the State and exclude every­ that it costs so much to produce each car. body else. If the selector applied that to his bullocks and said, "It costs 5s. a head for land, 10s. Mr. Ewan: You would not determine the a head for rates, and so on," and then com­ worth of an area by acreage, would you? pared the result with his neighbour's costs, You are a practical man. he would realise that he should be doing much better. Mr. BURROWS: Not necessarily by acre­ age, but I am sure the hon. member will Mr. Ewan: You will concede that a man agree with me when I say that one does not on 2,000 acres at Kingaroy could earn more need 5,000 acres of brigalow land for a than a man on 20,000 acres at living area. I have mentioned in this Thargomindah? Chamber previously that one of the most Mr. BURROWS: Yes. But let us not go successful farmers in the Monte district had from the sublime to the ridiculous. The brigalow land. It was in a very dry area, land round Miles and Chinchilla is on a par and the only way of getting water was by with the land in the Burnett. dams. That man, August Bulow, died only last year. He was chairman of directors Mr. Ewan: Some of it. of the butter factory, he owned a stud, and he became one of the most successful farmers Mr. BURROWS: A man does not need in the area after going there, as one might 5,000 acres there. The hon. member knows say, with the backside out of his trousers. how much condemnation there was of the He had 160 acres. Sir William Payne, in land around Wandoan, which is now in his his report, even published photographs of own electorate. It is a very different story the Monto settlement, yet later in the report today. he talked about 5,000 and 10,000 acres being Mr. Ewan: Yes, but the Government necessary for a living area. altered things out there. Mr. Beardmore: It depends on where it is. Mr. BURROWS: Yes, but the buyers now come over to the Dawson to get their cattle. Mr. BURROWS: Where it is is another matter. The land to which Sir William Payne (Time expired.) referred was closer to Brisbane than the Monto land. I ask the hon. member to Dr. DELAMOTHE (Bowen) (5.30 p.m.): explain that if he can. Concealed in a few sentences of the Minister's opening remarks, and given in 20 We would be doing a settler a bad turn lines of the annual report of the Land by giving him 5,000 acres of brigalow land, Administration Commission is, I think, one because it is too much for him to improve. of the best stories of achievement in land The capital cost is tremendous. He can administration by any Department of Public improve only 200 acres, and he has to pay Lands in Australia. I refer particularly to rent and rates on the remainder. Unim­ the story of the elimination of Harrisia proved land is a big handicap to any settler. cactus in the Collinsville area. It is a story Many more people have failed or "gone that has never been told in full, and of which broke" on the land because they had too big we, as the custodians of the land of the an area than because they had too small an State, could well boast. Let me tell the area. It is not the job of the Government Committee something about it because it is to satisfy the greed of certain people, and a story I know well of something that has this applies particularly to land. We get men happened in an area with which I am very 1478 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply well acquainted. When the Department of hormone sprays with results that are Public Lands first became interested in this extremely promising but that time only will area-- prove. Mr. Davies: What year was that? As a result of Government action in intro­ ducing modern scrub-clearance methods-by Dr. DELAMOTHE: During the Labour introducing contractors to demonstrate to the Government's administration. I propose to local graziers the advantage, the ease, and the give them due credit for their efforts. cheapness with which scrub-clearing can be done-some 5,000 acres of Crown land in the When the Department of Public Lands area was cleared as a demonstration and, so first became interested, some 60,000 acres of successful was it that today over 100,000 country in the Collinsville area were infested acres of brigalow scrub in that area has been with Harrisia cactus. Over the years the cleared and the stage was reached last year infestation had spread from one little plant when some thousands of acres were aerially that had been thrown on a rubbish heap. It planted with a mixture of sorghum allum and spread and spread. Perhaps I should say buffel grass for cattle-fattening. that in the time of the previous administra­ tion it grew and grew like Topsy until The war on Harrisia cactus is still pro­ eventually so much land was thrown out of ceeding but victory seems to be assured. use by its spread that something had to be Before very many years have passed it will done. It was a completely new problem be but a memory. that had arisen nowhere else. It had to be Yesterday, thanks to co-operation between attacked on an experimental basis. I well the past and present Ministers of Lands, I remember what happened in the beginning had the pleasure of inspecting the new because I treated many people for arsenical Moogerah Dam and found it very interesting. dermatitis. In the beginning, attempts were made to kill it off by spraying with arsenic­ Mr. Newton: It is a very good job, is it? pentoxide. It had some desirable effect, but it also had a very deleterious side-effect. The Dr. DELAMOTHE: A beautiful job, well highly-poisonous spray also got onto the worth going up and having a look at. It will grass in the vicinity. The grazier's cattle be finished by Christmas, so the hon. member were poisoned and so there was raised in his should hurry to see it. mind a great opposition to further spraying Mr. Newton: I have been up there plenty of Harrisia cactus. That phase passed, and of times. today we have a new method of dealing with it. Root injections of pentoxide by means Dr. DELAMOTHE: The reason I mention of a power spray seem to have solved the it is that in my area-at the other end of the problem, because it has been shown that electorate on the Burdekin, where the best the first root injection of the spray com­ soils in Australia exist-we have a rather pletely kills up to SO per cent. of the cactus serious irrigation problem. plants. When I tell hon. members that some Leaving aside for the moment the of the plants would fill the Chamber they arguments in favour of the Burdekin Dam, I will realise that they are no small plant. refer particularly to the vast underground Since the beginning of the campaign, over water supplies in the sugar-cane growing 15,000 acres have been treated by the depart­ areas of the Lower Burdekin. Prior to 1935 ment's clearing gangs. In the last 12 months they were regarded as unlimited and a new 1,500 acres have been treated, and inexhaustible. In 1935 and 1936, due to a in addition something like 1,100 acres of succession of failures of the normal wet regrowth have been dealt with. season, the water supplies in those under­ ground beds fell alarmingly in certain areas; A side-effect of the eradication of this so much so that, with pumps working and an cactus has been the pulling and burning of extra draw down, salt water was sucked into the brigalow scrub-originally because they some of them. That has never been were places of harbourage of the cactus and repeated, but to day very much more water because those scrubs that were not infected is being pumped than ever before. The with the cactus were the harbourage of birds average sugar farm in the Home Hill area is that spread it. They fed on the fruit and equipped with pumps of a capacity of 60,000 spread it around in other areas. gallons an hour and they are used for up to 36 hours at a time. Hon. members can What is the position there today? I should imagine the amount of water drawn off on like to tell hon. members because it is a good the Home Hill side, where there are at least story. Today, the Department of Public Lands 240 farms. has eight gangs in that area doing nothing else but this root injection, clearing many This year has been very dry. The normal acres. Besides the pentoxide injection, the wet season did not eventuate. Last year after men are experimenting in small plots the early cyclone there was no further rain with various of the many new sprays that and the waters are again beginning to fall. have been developed by chemical companies, Farmers in the area are now recalling the oil companies, and others. In addition, two conditions in 1935. of the companies that manufacture hormone I raise this particular problem because last sprays have been granted small areas of a year the Government, through the Depart­ few acres where they are experimenting with ment of Irrigation and Water Supply, started Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1479 an exhaustive investigation of the under­ years. They have apparently gone into some ground water beds for the first time, very sort of recess, but no doubt will be reapply­ important work with the number of people ing pressures at some later stage when the depending on the sugar industry in the area, heat goes off. No doubt the Minister can and very important, too, because it is not thank the Treasurer, to some extent, for his known with certainty how these beds are elevation to the Ministry. replenished. To a degree no doubt they are It is rather difficult to discuss completely replenished from flooding in the bed of the the Estimates for the Department of Public Burdekin River. No doubt they are replen­ Lands without making at least oblique refer­ i~hed, too, from surface water in the big wet ence to some of the allegations that have seasons, and, when the Burdekin overflows its been made about interference with land banks, from that source. Those ideas have administration in Queensland during the life been put forward by various people in the of this Government. When these statements area, but nobody knows how much water is are made, naturally they give people much there or how it is replenished, or whether in times such as this restrictive action should be food for thought. The Department of Public taken. Lands controls some 90 per cent. of the land estate of the people of Queensland and any The information being obtained is very interference with the trusteeship of that important to an area that produces so much estate must naturally be treated seriously. sugar-cane on which so many people depend. I hope that the Department of Irrigation and The charges that were made by the Water Supply will proceed with the research. Treasurer about the former Minister were I know it is doing so and that it is not stinted savage. We did think, at the time, that the for money in that direction, but I hope it will former Minister had been sincere in his be able to work a little faster, with a few endeavour to implement, as far as he pos­ more men if they can be found. That may be sibly could, the policy of closer settlement, the stumbling block, but I hope the infor­ and at the same time to protect the people's mation can be secured at the earliest possible estate, as he told us. If that policy is to be moment. altered in any way it will be very serious. I hope the Minister will pursue a good deal I do not want to delay hon. members of the lands policy that was laid down by unnecessarily, but I raise again the subject of previous Labour Governments. We are the Burdekin Dam, of which Stage I has been hoping that there will be no wholesale completed. alienation of the lands of this State, or the Mr. Davies interjected. handing over of the Crown lands of Queens­ land to what may be termed the "hungry Dr. DELAMOTHE: If the hon. member land-grabbers." will let me make my speceh without assist­ ance, when it comes to his turn I will let him The Minister has mentioned the opening­ make his speech without assistance. up of unoccupied land, as I understand it, in the northern region of Queensland. If that As I say, Stage I has been completed and is in the interests of providing better cattle­ there, through lack of finance, the scheme has fattening facilities, and improved cattle pro­ bogged down. I said in an earlier speech that duction in the State, it is a praiseworthy a completely new approach should be made project for any Government to undertake. to this very big and very essential irrigation However, if the land is completely unsuitable, project. As the Snowy River experts are as has been stated-I should have thought now surplus to requirements in that area, I the Minister may have made some reply to think either the State or the Federal Govern­ that allegation-then it can be taken only ment, or both in co-operation, could well look as an attempt by some people, or some at the idea of utilising some of this technical companies, to grab away from the Crown know-how to find a way not only of con­ portions of land that could be used much structing the dam but also of favourably better for other purposes. influencing the Federal Government to make available the large sum of money necessary From what the Minister told us this morn­ for the completion of this project. ing, we understand that already there has been one investigation and there is now Mr. LLOYD (Kedron) (5.45 p.m.): I, too, proceeding another investigation by three should like to compliment the Minister on senior officers, one from the Department of his elevation to the Ministry and his intro­ Public Lands, one from the Department of duction of the Estimates on this occasion. Agriculture and Stock and one from the No doubt he will have at least one more Department of Forestry, and that the report opportunity to introduce the Estimates for will be sent to him. In view of the very the Department of Public Lands unless, of serious allegations some weeks ago by the course, some similar occurrence happens to hon. member for Fassifern on the opening-up him as happened to the former Minister and of some of this Tully land, if at any time he in turn is also relieved of his Ministry. it should be envisaged that that land will I hope the Minister will not be simply a be opened up I should like the Minister, "tame cat" administrator of the portfolio for when he receives the report from the officers those interests that have obviously been concerned, to allow all hon. members to exerting considerable pressure on the Depart­ study it and examine very closely the results ment of Public Lands over the past three of the investigations of those officers. 1960-3A 1480 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

This matter is very serious. The land in the administration of Labour Governments in question would normally be ideally suitable Queensland than under a composite Govern­ for forestry purposes. We all realise the tre­ ment that is being completely strangled by mendous inroads made into the forestry the big city interests with the Liberal Party reserves of this State during the post-war of Queensland in control of the Government years, and if the investigation into land usage benches. proved that the land is more suitable for forestry purposes we should all know. Two A great deal has been said by the Minister areas have been opened up, but we have not about the reduction in the Vote for the been given the result of the original investiga­ Department of Irrigation and Water Supply tions that precipitated the opening up of that and I believe that, in outlining some of the land. I want it to be very clearly understood reductions in expenditure this year, he could that if the land is suitable for cattle-fatten­ have been guilty of the greatest understate­ ing, we have no criticism of its use for that ment of the century when he said there had purpose. It would seem that the unoccupied been some small reduction in irrigation works. land of the State, amounting to some He added that it was necessary in the inter­ 12,000,000 acres, is mostly in the South-west ests of expenditure in other activities. So far or in the Far North, but there are some other as I can see-and I feel sure that the Minister lands-in the Mackay, Ingham and Tully dis­ will agree with me-the work of irrigation tricts-that previously have been unoccupied is not merely to provide water for and that might be considered for cattle­ primary producers but it is also tied to the fattening purposes. There has been no men­ other matters of water conservation, soil con­ tion of other areas. The matter should be servation and flood prevention works. We followed through, and there should be an cannot divorce the two aspects of govern­ investigation of all other areas of the State, mental action in relation to water supply, including perhaps a great deal of freehold because water supply, and water conser­ land. In the past, the Labour Government vation are very closely linked. found that large areas of freehold land were not being used. We found that in the Rock­ From time to time over the past few years hampton electorate when the Government hon. members on the Government benches created the Foleyvale grazing settlement for have praised the work of Mr. Laing, a former aboriginals, and on the central Queensland Irrigation Commissioner, who resigned from highlands where some 48,000 acres were the State Public Service in 1947 or 1948 and resumed from private landholders to enable transferred to the Snowy River project. I can the Queensland-British Food Corporation to well remember the attitude of the Premier, commence operations. That scheme, which the former Minister for Public Lands, and the hon. members opposite have from time to Treasurer at the time of the opening of the time called a wonderful socialistic failure of Tinaroo Falls Dam. It was stated then that the Labour Government, has now been the present Government did not believe in proved to have been one of the most large dam-construction schemes, that they pre­ profitable ever embarked upon. ferred to embark on the smaller schemes of weir construction, as they are doing now. Mr. Mr. Ewan: Private enterprise! Laing said at that time that it was useless for any Government to embark on small schemes Mr. LLOYD: It proved to men like the hon. of water conservation because siltation was member for Roma that there was a chance one of the main problems accompanying for many of the areas of the State that were such schemes. He said that first there had previously neglected by private holders to to be an analysis of the headwaters of the be cultivated and put under crops. It proved river systems in order to decide where the to men such as he that they could be used large expenditure was to be undertaken, and in addition to cattle-grazing and sheep­ then the system of smaller dams, weirs, and grazing, for fodder conservation purposes. irrigation channels could be expanded from Recent happenings on the Central Queens­ that point. Only if we use that method can land highlands have vindicated completely we hope to provide an adequate scheme of the attitude of the Labour Governments of water conservation and flood prevention in the past. When the scheme was abandoned, Queensland. The savage reductions in loan the Queensland Labour Government fund expenditure on irrigation and water embarked on the cutting up of the land for conservation by the Government in this closer settlement. On its winding up, the financial year are indicated very clearly if we scheme has shown a profit to the people of look at the co-ordinated plan of works and this State and has given to the settlers of other development over the past few years. the area a great deal of the prosperity they The figures are as follows:- are enjoying at the present time but which Expenditure this Government are threatening to take away Year £ from them by the savage impact of increased rail freights. 1954-1955 2,088,406 1956-1957 2,513,813 Whatever Labour has striven to achieve, 1959-1960 2,212,008 hon. members opposite have sought to sabot­ 1960-1961 1,920,000 (estimated) age and subvert. They claim that they are representatives of the people on the land, but In other words, Mr. Taylor, the expenditure in actual fact the primary producers have in this financial year will be less than that in found that they did very much better under 1954-1955. Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1481

I think those figures will give the Committee becoming the leader of the Government, and a real conception of the deterioration in that he is meddling like a dilettante in the expenditure by the Department of Irrigation expenditure of every Government depart­ and Water Supply within the ensuing 12 ment. His intervention has been responsible months, particularly when we consider it has for the reduced expenditure on irrigation this been estimated by the Treasurer that during financial year. the year there will be an additional expendi­ ture by the Government of £4,000,000 In a quiet way the Minister for Public because of margins and a heavy increase in Lands and Irrigation has criticised the the basic wage during the interim period. Dawson River irrigation scheme. An To maintain the true valuation of the work examination of the figures in the 1959-1960 undertaken in the year 1954-1955, we report discloses that the scheme showed a would have to reach a figure of almost profit in that year. That is disclosed in the double the expenditure at that time, whereas revenue Account, and it is, in fact a growing in actual fact there is a reduction. That scheme. There was an expansion of the irri­ gives credence to the statement of the hon. gation and also in production from that member for Fassifern some weeks ago that irrigated area. I do not necessarily say that whereas the budgetary expenditure for this it is a very efficient scheme; it surely is year was some £16,000,000 more than it had sufficient evidence for this Committee to know been two or three years ago, the actual that it is actually allowing the growers expenditure on irrigation works was reduced. within that area to expand their production. That discloses a serious state of affairs in I am sorry the hon. member for Table­ Governmental spending. lands is not here because I intend to say Mr. Pizzey: From which Government something about the activities of the Depart­ department would you take the money? ment of Public Lands as they affect primary producers. I think the Minister himself said Mr. LLOYD: There is the old question that the tobacco-growers in the Mareeba­ coming from the Minister for Education and Dimbulah area are quite prosperous, that Migration! He is endeavouring to imply that their production is expanding and that they we would take it away from the construction are, in fact, producing some millions of of State school buildings. The Minister knows pounds' worth of tobacco. that not enough money is available under the Many of these tobacco-growers, particularly education Vote for the construction of schools those on the Barron River, are complaining this year. If it is the intention of the Govern­ bitterly about the treatment meted out to ment to maintain a full works programme, them by this Government. Whereas in the it is their responsibility to insist that they Clare irrigation project there was a charge receive sufficient money from the Common­ of, I believe, £4 per acre-foot, for the water wealth Government to enable them to under­ to irrigate those farms, and farms in many take those works. Irrigation and water con­ other areas where the water was piped direct servation are essential works. onto the farming properties by the Depart­ If money is to be taken away from some ment of Irrigation and Water Supply, what other department what about the £500,000 to happened in the case of the Barron River be spent this year on the Bribie Island bridge? tobacco-growers? They spent their own Is that essential? Perhaps there are some money in providing the pumping gear for other works in the co-ordinated plan of public their irrigation plants, and in some cases works, as disclosed by the Co-ordinator­ a mile, or more than a mile, of pipe­ General, from which we could transfer money line from the Barron River. The moment to the irrigation Vote. the dam was completed the water was declared as water produced by the Depart­ Mr. Windsor: 1954 was a peak year for ment of Irrigation and Water Supply and irrigation. they were charged so much per acre-foot for the water that was taken onto the properties. Mr. LLOYD: Hullo, the magpies are here They were charged the same as is charged again. That is nonsense! to other producers to whom water is The CHAIRMAN: Order! supplied direct to the farms. That is another indication of the harsh imposition of charges Mr. LLOYD: Expenditure from all funds and taxes upon primary producers by this in 1957-1958 was £3,060,000; in 1959-1960 Government, and there are many members of it was £2,665,000; there is further reduction the Country Party sitting on the benches in the estimated expenditure this year. Irri­ opposite who realise it. The hon. member for gation works are an essential factor in the Fassifern said several weeks ago that he at last development of the State. We cannot entirely had realised that primary producers in this accept the fact that the Minister for Public State were much better off under a Labour Lands has done his level best in planning the Government than they are under a Govern­ work for the ensuing year following the ment who are vacillating and are unabie to pressures that have obviously been applied provide primary producers with the incentive to his and many other departments by the to expand production. Treasurer in regard to their respective Mr. Ewan interjected. expenditures this year. I think it is necessary for me to point out that it is becoming Mr. LLOYD: They always seem io bale increasingly obvious that the Treasurer is up a little, particularly the hon. member 1482 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

for Roma. He will no doubt be speaking they increased the expenditure last year to later on. He, after all, is one of those £18,000. Surely that is an avenue that could graziers who benefited so greatly from the be exploited by the Government. The amount policy of Labour Governments of the past. of £300,000 is almost exhausted. The agree­ He was fortunate he sold out before the ment made in 1949 is still operating. I am Treasurer imposed the harsh and rather sure the water facilities in this vast tract of vicious sectional tax through stamp duties Channel Country are completely insufficient. on property sales. A further approach could be made by the Mr. Ewan: Are you aware that I suffered Stata Government for an expansion of the a loss? scheme. Even if the stage is reached when the Government are unable to undertake vast Mr. LLOYD: The Treasurer would not expenditure on the construction of roads in be very happy about that. the Channel Country, they may get some con­ solation in the way of an expanded or further Another subject I wish to mention relates grant from the Commonwealth under the to the Channel Country. I do not intend to States Grants (Encouragement of Meat Pro­ speak at great length on this subject because duction) Act. I know very little about it. However, I have made a study of newspaper reports and I (Time expired.) should say that there would be a great deal of merit in the extension of roads through to Mr. RAE (Gregory) (7.27 p.m.): Mr. the Channel Country if we could convince Taylor-- the Minister that the tremendous amount of Mr. Thackeray: We will now hear the "ray money that will have to be expended on of hope." their construction can be vindicated. I cannot myself say whether or not it is essen­ Mr. RAE: I hope to show I am more tial because I do not know enough about it. decisive in my views than hon. members The Minister, on his return from flying over opposite. the country, seemed to indicate that he had some doubts. There seems to have been no I congratulate the Minister on his appoint­ mention of it at all from the Government ment as Minister for Public Lands and Irri­ side when speaking of possible assistance gation. He took over that portfolio from from the Commonwealth Government but an equally capable and sound administrator rather statements concerning the treatment in the person of the hon. member for Fassi­ of these areas by the Commonwealth Gov­ fern, who, I think, sowed the seed and laid ernment. They have not been able to assist plans which I am sure will be brought to us to any great extent with the construction fruition by the present Minister. of Channel Country roads. It is doubtful now whether they will extend to us any I was born and reared in the outback and assistance with the project. But there is have more or less lived there all my life. I one assisting factor that is already in opera­ know the area very well and think I can make tion. I am speaking now of the grants made a material contribution to a debate on the for Channel Country stock routes under the policy being implemented by the Minister and State Grants (Encouragement of Meat the very able officers of the department, men Production) Acts, 1949 to 1954. in whom I have every faith and confidence. Mr. Ewan: How much did they spend Much has been said about the land policy under that? You did not carry out the of the Government. I want to make it clear conditions. at once that I am a great sticker for the Payne report. Over the years that gentle­ Mr. LLOYD: The hon. member for Roma man acquired knowledge without parallel. should keep out of this matter. Since 1949, He enjoyed the confidence of men on the of the total amount of £300,000 agreed upon land, men who have battled to earn their as the expenditure on this project by the State livelihood from the soil and have experi­ and the Commonwealth Governments in enced the many vicissitudes associated with equ~l amounts, £288,000 has been expended, the effective working of properties. He served Ieavmg only £12,000 not spent. the Government ably and w ell. It is a great shame that, having reached the Mr. Ewan: On stock routes. age of 70 years, he is precluded from Mr. LLOYD: The hon. member for Roma further service. I should say his advice insists on coming into this discussion. In would be invaluable to any Government 1958-1959 the Government reduced from and of great benefit to the people who £16,000 to £6,000 ·their expenditure on water­ are doing so much for Queensland. ing facilities in the Channel Country under this scheme. In my contribution tonight I shall con­ fine myself to one or two ascpects of life Mr. Ewan: Naturally. in western areas that to me are very important. I intend to bring to the Mr. LI~OYD: Naturally, according to the notice of the Chamber that we, as a hon. member for Roma. Then the Govern­ Government, have decided upon a standard ment suddenly discovered that expenditure that possibly is not healthy, and indeed, on this work attracted a £1 for £1 subsidy without qualification, I say 1hat when we from the Commonwealth Government, so look at the realities of the position, there Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1483

is urgent need for us to re-open the subject done for him by the previous Govern­ of additional areas. I say this because I am ment. I want this Government to do sure I know what I am talking about. something for these people. I want positive action. An Opposition Member interjected. Mr. Graham: Haven't they done some­ Mr. RAE: If the hon. member reads the thing? report he will find that Sir William Payne does agree. I hope the hon. member will Mr. RAE: They have, but much more allow me to carry on so that I may give has to be done. the full text of my story. Mr. Graham: What about the graziers who I refer to a certain page of the Payne have died and left estates worth £100,000? report that deals with the area, and I wish to bring before the notice of the Chamber Mr. RAE: That is a different story. If the the need for giving very full consideration hon. member was conversant with the history to these people west of Quilpie, Eromanga, of Queensland he would know that the Jundah, Julia Creek, Boulia and fathers of those graziers were men of Thargomindah, which is an area where ability, thrift and courageous heart, who kept life can be very desperate. I find it rather building up when those who were lucky hard to express the feelings of those who enough to win small areas under the previous live there and have battled, and I find it Government's administration were obliged to hard to understand what they can see in it walk off. Those blocks were bought up by when they are handicapped by starvation the bigger people, resulting in aggregations, areas. which enabled them to leave what they left, and, I might add, in very rare instances. Mr. Ewan: Aren't they mighty people! This State is very much on the up and up. I am certain that all hon. members will Mr. RAE: They are. There is no question agree that, if we are to progress and develop about that. They are the greatest people the land in the right way, we must first of all we have ever known. provide something attractive to the financial institution that lends the money, that is, the I find it very hard to see how we can banker or the broker. In many instances good have any justification for saying we wiii not blocks are going up but they say, "No, the grant them additional areas. I would never margin is too close. We are not interested know the reason for that: I think it is wrong. unless you have big money of your own." As the Government, we have pledged our­ There are too many first-class men prepared selves to do what is necessary and essential to do a job if only they could get a small to bring into being a balanced form of life kick-off in some way-not very small, some­ for the people in that area. thing good. I say to the Minister and his I quote the case of a man named Walker administrators, "If the blocks are good. They who lives at Panjee, near Eromanga, and are attractive. They are an economic proposi­ who has for many years been running 2,500 tion. But if we are to open them up as sheep. Everybody must know that 2,500 unsound proposition we must remember the sheep is nothing out there, but here is a lot of those who won blocks under previous man who could be described as a very sick Governments and are now battling." If ever person-]2ossibly a cripple-who has battled we do anything, we should do it on the it out. He has raised a family and done generous side and so help the all-round a wonderful job. We should look into these development and those responsible for it. individual cases and see if we, as a Govern­ Mr. Beardmore: An asset to the country! ment, can do something constructive for these people b~cause they have proved to us, and Mr. RAE: They are. They are the greatest to former Governments, that they have a big people. The hon. member for Balonne, a man heart, and are determined to carry on. Let of vast experience, would know exactly how us go with them, because they are rearing sound it is to encourage them, to keep them stocky sons of the soil that we are finding on the job and to help them in every way it very hard to replace in that part of the that we as the Government possibly can. country. Mr. Houston: You support the bankers who On this subject of additional areas refuse to give those loans? I should like to bring another very strong point to the notice of the Chamber. I fail Mr. RAE: No. I do not wish to delve into to see what good any Government if that, but any proposition that is sound arouses they cannot provide somthing for these the interest of the lending houses. You cannot people that is attractive to both the banker expect to interest a lending institution if you and the broker. To my way of thinking, simply say, "Here is a property that will run that is the first thing. It must be! It is 3,000 sheep but I have no money." Why the crux of the matter! A man who draws would the bank be interested? The banker a starvation block out there-as has been does not know the man. On the other hand, done in the past-is battling along, shear­ he knows a property that will run 6,000 or ing, fencing, yard-building and doing a 7,000 sheep, that is well watered, that has thousand-and-one other jobs to provide been subdivided in accordance with the con a home for his family. Nothing was ditions of the leases granted time and time 1484 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply again to the big people, many of whom do graziers are in a position to meet the nothing towards helping closer settlement, added costs and charges. That is my not one whit. That is the answer to idea. Increased charges should not be levied the problem. We do not want a land on deflated prices. full of peasants. We want a land full Mr. Dufficy: You should do it today with of people who can employ others, who the colossal meat prices. can help the State, who can do so many things that are most important to us if we are Mr. RAE: I have suggested that scheme. to progress. The only way to do that is to do what we are doing today under the present Mr. Houston: What do you have in mind Minister, a man whom I know to be capable for these areas once they become freehold? and practical. Mr. RAE: I have nothing to say about Mr. Lloyd: You're kidding yourself. freehold. I am speaking about my theory on these particular land matters. I do not Mr. RAE: I am not kidding myself. The want freehold at all. I am very happy with hon. member is kidding himself. The Minister what I have at the moment. I am thrice will leave an indelible mark on the history of blessed, and I am happy to go along in the State for the part he is playing in the my own way. I am asking the Minister advancement of the pastoral industry. Hon. to see that everybody gets the same benefit members opposite had their opportunity but and the same good fortune as I have had. they did not do it; they could not. Let us help those who have been a lifetime on the land and battled on through This is a very serious problem and, despite discussions I have had with the Minister in adversity. which he has said that administrative costs Mr. Hilton: Would you say that the sub­ would be too high and charges too great, I divisions in the Goondiwindi district are too still say we should hearken to the needs of large? these people and to their plea to deal them a hand of comfort. They need it and we should Mr. RAE: In the majority of cases they do it. are too small. But I am not sticking my neck out for the Goondiwindi area; I know I am not in favour of the wholesale very little about it. granting of additional areas. I think they should be granted on a restricted basis and There is another important point that I only where a bona fide case is made out, should like to bring to your notice, Mr. not where a man has bought a butcher's Taylor. From my own observations, I know paddock expecting to be granted an addi­ that in the western areas of Queensland, from tional area on which to sit back for the rest Charleville to Windorah to Currawilla, from of his days. Longreach, Winton, Middleton, Hamilton, through to Boulia, and from Dajarra to In conformity with my remarks on the Carandotta, watering facilities for stock are need for granting additional areas to only of the utmost importance. I should like to a few people, I think we should start right see something constructive done to enable at the beginning, that is, with the big pro­ us to walk cattle across these areas when perty as we know it today. Many of them the seasons are favourable. They leave as undoubtedly lend themselves to closer fats, and we must get them to the meatworks development. Over the years they have had as fats. They cannot be moved in 40- and the benefit of clever management, and they 50-mile stages without water. They have have been controlled by pastoral directors to be walked by night and rested by day. A who are no fools. They are bright boys; bore or two here and there would be a they know the score. I feel it is incumbent positive means of removing a very disturbing upon the members of the Land Administra­ and worrying thought on the part of owners tion Commission to see that the land is in that area. exhaustively surveyed and examined before a renewal of lease is granted. As I said I have for many years held an idea about before, where we have people such as Aus­ land ballots. We all know that land­ tralian Estates and many smaller people balloting has been going on and will go doing a very good job, we will find that their on even more vigorously. I know that the land lends itself to closer settlement. But I department is very concerned about the quali­ fail to see why these big organisations that fications, knowledge and ability of applicants, have held country for years and paid the many of whom are young men who fought for same rates and rent as they were paying in us in the war. But how can anyone suggest 1916 should be allowed to continue operating that there is any justification in allowing a when men on the inside areas round Taroom, man to draw a first-class block at, say, St. Goondiwindi, St. George, Charleville and George, when he lives in retirement in his Cunnamulla, are being penalised. Cattle are home in Southport? Like half the applicants, at an absolute premium today, and I he is greedy and avaricious. When he has am fearful that we might make the same a look at the land he says, "It is not good mistake as we did with the wool-growers. enough for me." Why should he be allowed When things were good for them, why to escape the whole issue scot-free? He did not Labour administrations do some­ should be fined the full limit of the amount thing about the problem? We should of improvements on the property. He should take action when the time is ripe, when be liable to a fine so compelling that he would Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1485 hesitate before putting his name down for a Mr. BENNETI (South Brisbane) (7.52 land ballot. He should not be allowed to p.m.): I, too, admire the courage of t~e 1?-ew jeopardise the chances of many good men. Minister for Public Lands and IrngatJOn, We have many excellent men and we need to bearing in mind the difficulties he must be keep them on the land. We do not want encountering on the advice and evidence speculators or characters who come in only we heard from the former Minister, the hon. because they think it is a fantastic lucky dip member for Fassifern. I sincerely hope that, or something from which they can wax fat like the former Minister, he is able to with­ in five or seven years. I cannot be in it! stand the attacks made by the Executive Jt is one of the most disturbing things I have of the Country Party on the administration ever known. There should be very strong of his office and that he will not allow grounds before a person is allowed to say, them to waste too much of his time as "I am not interested." they "roll down" to Parliament House from l'¥Ir. Davies: How do you manage your time to time in an endeavour to dictate prope::rty? policy to him. Mr. RAE: The same as you manage As all hon. members will know, approxi­ Walkers' shipyards. mately 90 per cent. of the land in Queensland is leasehold or, in fact, Crown land. The CHAIRMAN: Order! Mr. Gaven: 93 per cent. Mr. RAE: To decide who is eligible for Mr. BENNETI: 93 per cent, I am a ballot, I repeat what I have always said: no informed. Therefore, it is of paramount man under 21 should be eligible. It is importance that we as parliamentarians, and ridiculous to allow anyone under that age to the people of Queensland, too, should be take part in a ballot. It allows the privil­ eged few rich people to enjoy something quite clear on the method of making applica­ that their fathers can give them. I am not tion for land tenures and leases. saying that they would not be any good, but I did hope that there was a uniform it is a wrong principle. They cannot vote method of making applications and I should until they are 21, and they should not be expect-and the people of Queensland would allowed to run a property until they are 21. expect-that each particular application And we should not have women in land woud be dealt with on its merits and that ballots. I fail to see why any woman no applicant would have any preference over should be eligible for a land ballot. others. I did not have the opportunity to hear Mr. Ewan: Are you suggesting they do? the Minister's opening remarks today. From what has been conveyed to me I understand Mr. BENNETI: The hon. member for that he said he was going to call upon the Roma asks me if I am suggesting that they Federal Government for financial aid for the do have prefernce? I have evidence in my development of the North as a cattle-fat­ possession of an endeavour having been ma.de tening area. What a laugh! I harbour the to gain preferential treatment, and the tactics thought that we can forget them. The Com­ used, to say the least, were most irregular monwealth Government would not even help and call for severe deprecation by members us with the Mt. Isa railway. They would not of Parliament. help us with the roads. Imagine them help­ I should expect that, if their is one method ing us with the North! of making application for the public, that We have to do these things ourselves. We self-same method should apply to any mem­ are capable; We have done them all along ber of Parliament, or to any member of the line and we will keep on doing them. Cabinet, who may wish to make application That is the spirit, the only way we can for Crown land in this State and that no hope to leave the indelible mark that I know Cabinet Minister should be granted any this Government will leave on the path of privilege or preferential treatment over others progress in this State. who might be desirous of obtaining Crown There is another disturbing thought-if I land. I feel sure that the hon. member for ·may ask the Minister another question­ Roma will agree with me, and his inter­ related to the appointment as a member of jection is the very reason I wish to advert the Land Court of a Mr. Dodds? Is that to this fact. I sincerely hope that the prac­ correct? I do not know, but I think it should tice apparently adopted by the Deputy be aired. What are his qualifications? It Premier and Minister for Labour and is a very topical query at the moment and Industry will be stopped immediately. it is one that I feel should be aired. I Furthermore I sincerely hope that Cabinet am told that he would be a man with abso­ Ministers in future will be perfectly honest lutely no experience of land matters at all. in their replies to questions in this Chamber. He was in the Northern Territory, but what I am glad to have the opportunity of speak­ would he know about land matters? It is no ing on Crown land matters. As a new and good our endeavouring to do anything con­ young parliamentarian I had hoped-nay, I structive or positive unless we have men who had expected-that the Minister's replies to know what they are doinJ!. That is a basic my questions would be honest and truthful, e>sential. but I am perfectly satisfied that the Minister (Time expired.) for Labour and Industry, in replying to my 1486 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply question about certain Crown land at Moss­ application and the application is being for­ man, was entirely erroneous and was endeav­ warded; not that he has made it and that it ouring not only to deceive' me as a parlia­ has been forwarded, but that he is making mentarian and a representative of the people one and that it is being forwarded. And the but also to deceive his own Cabinet col­ Commissioner, far exceeding his official leagues and the people of Queensland. In duties, asked the Inspector of Police at Cairns order that there will be no further confusion to find out from the Land Commissioner "if about the matter, I should like to deal with there is any way he is able to hold the lease the wireless message. for Mr. Morris." No ordinary citizen in Queensland could get such service from any The CHAIRMAN: Order! In the absence departmental head-let alone the Commis­ of the Minister for Labour and Industry, 1 sioner of Police-when dealing in land mat­ must ask the hon. member for South Brisbane ters such as this. The story was made more to withdraw his statement that he was deceit­ significant by the fact ,that the Deputy ful to his Cabinet colleagues. That is a Premier said- reflection on the integrity of the Minister, and I cannot allow it to pass unnoticed. I ask "1 was subsequently informed by a Cairns the hon. member to withdraw it. resident, not a Government servant nor a Police Officer, that, when it became known Mr. BENNETT: I readily do so at your in Cairns that I was inquiring of a person request, Mr. Taylor, and may I say that I NOT a Public Servant, nor a Police regret that this discussion on land leases and Officer, in regard to sea entry to this par­ land administration is taking place when the ticular piece of land, a person,"-- Deputy Premier is absent overseas, although he is very vague and indefinite- so regularly is he jaunting round the universe "not a Public Servant, nor a Police like a Russian satellite that it would be diffi­ officer, nor the Land Agent previously cult to pick a time to discuss these matters referred to, hurried to secure the land with that coincided with his presence here. Further­ the hope of re-selling to me at a handsome more, if I had been given the assurance that profit." the Estimates of the Deputy Premier's depart­ ment would be discussed, I would have waited What a damning indictment to place on any readily for his return so that I could deal bona fide applicant for Crown land. In an with the matter in his presence. But I was endeavour to justify his actions in this matter, given to understand quite clearly and cate­ the Minister claims an improper motive and gorically that it is not his intention to intro­ illegality of approach for the land by this duce his Estimates during the current debate. unknown man at Mossman. However, his very This, therefore, is my only opportunity of admission means that he discovered that this correcting the wrong impression created by man in Cairns was anxious to obtain the land the Minister's answers to my questions. in Cairns and Mr. Morris therefore sent an urgent telegraph message, not through the Mr. Ewan interjected. ordinary channels, not through the channels of the Lands Department, but through the Mr. BE~NE'!T:. You raised the subject Commissioner of Police himself. in a vain by way of mtefjectwn, so let me deal with it. endeavour to secure priority over the applica­ The CHAillMAN: Order! tion that had already been lodged. In any case, he made the admission in his answer Mr. BENNETT: I have here an exact copy to the question that he knew that this applica­ of wireless message Serial No. 351!60 from tion had been made, and he used the Com­ the Commissioner of Police in Brisbane to the missioner of Police as an instrument to dabble Inspector of Police. Cairns, dated 5 July. in a land transaction in order to gain some 1960. It reads- advantage over an ordinary citizen, and a "Message (and action taken): defenceless citizen at that. "Advise local Lands Commissioner at Mr. Ewan: Excuse me-- Mossman that application for special lease of portion 62 County of Solander Parish of Mr. BENNETT: Just a minute. Alexandra is being made and is being for­ Because that citizen acted in good faith warded to the Lands Commissioner by and adopted the normal channels that any Kenneth J. Morris. Ask the Lands Com­ ordinary purchaser or applicant for Crown missioner if there is any way he is able land would adopt, he is maligned and defamed to hold the lease for Mr. Morris. Advise in this Chamber, where he has no opportunity me urgently by radio today. of defending himself. I think the statement (Sgd.) Bischof Commissioner." by the Minister was most reprehensible and does no credit to a Minister of the Crown "N.B. Message despatched at the request who is the Deputy Premier of the State. of Mr. Trueman, Commissioner's Office, There was nothing wrong with the methods who requests that the reply be passed to or attempts of the man at Mossman, who him immediately on receipt from Cairns. merely made an ordinary application for the Original to Commissioner. Copies sent to land. Inspector Bauer, Records and File, C.C. Room." Mr. Ewan: What was that application? The significant part of the message is the Mr. BENNETT: Well, according to the statement that the Minister is making an Minister's answer the acting land agent Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1487 returned his money-sent the money back to forced to correct the error of his ways in the Minister. All power to that acting land relation to land matters and the use of the agent, Mr. E. K. Buchan. He was a man of police wireless network. character who showed fortitude in spite of The hon. member for Gregory mentioned the pressure that was obviously used upon Mr. Dodds and queried his qualifications as him to set aside an application made in the a member of the Land Court. I suppose he proper way that he had already received. could equally have queried the qualifications Thank goodness this Parliament was not sub­ of the President of the Land Court. Let us jected to the indignity of having to be to!d that the Minister gained some preference m start from the top. I suppose if the boss is not much good, one cannot expect the the purchase of Crown land. The only reason inferiors to be any better; otherwise they that this Parliament was not subjected to that scurrulous history was that the local acting would be President of the Land Court. Mr. land agent, Mr. E. K. Buchan, had the cour­ Percy Wright's only claim to fame is that age, the intestinal fortitude and the good he was able to gerrymander the electoral sense to reject the endeavours that were made boundaries of the State of Queensland in by the Deputy Premier, and that is on the such a way that he secured the tenure evidence provided by the Deputy Premier him­ of office of this very dubious form of self. I think it would be very embarrassing coalition government that we have at the for many members on the Government present time. Far from having any qualifi­ benches if it were not that that acting land cations on land matters, he has never been agent at Mossman acted in such a proper out into the country, I imagine. He has way. been hanging around Queen Street for most of his professional life. Mr. Ewan: He would naturally give pre­ ference to the first applicant. Mr. Ewan: He has handled a lot of land Court cases. Mr. BENNEIT: He would have to, par­ ticularly as he would have to deal only with Mr. BENNEIT: That surprises me, the applications he had received. Surely no­ because I am practising at the Bar and he one would expect him to act on a wireless is very junior to me. I know of very few message sent illegally and in contravention land cases he has had. As a matter of fact, of the licence granted to the Commissioner if the hon. member really wants it that way, of Police and the Police Force. Surely he there was a certain stage when Mr. Wright has not to act on an illegal document that was gave up practising at the Bar and went to sent at the direction of the Deputy Premier. work in a solicitor's firm for many years. I sincerely hope that no further com­ Until this Government gained power, and munications will be sent by the Deputy not very long before the appointment of the Premier in breach of, and in conflict with Electoral Boundaries Commission, he the terms and conditions of the licence reapplied for admission to the Bar, so, at granted to the Police Department by the the time of his appointment, in seniority Postmaster-General's Department. I was in terms of the Barristers Act and the ethics shocked and horrified to find in the Minister's of the Bar, he would be a barrister of reply the statement that he makes a practice one year's standing. He is the man who has of using the police wireless network. This been appointed President of the Land Court, was not an isolated occasion; on his own and even the hon. member for Roma, in admission, and on the evidence he has pro­ his quieter and saner moments when he is vided, he makes a habit of doing it in his not putting on a bold front, would admit official capacity as a Minister of the Crown, that that appointment was mainly a reward and obviously on his own admission for the expert job he did to preserve the too, he must be using it for private dubious hides of the Government in office purposes. The only excuse-and it is at the time. not even a plausible excuse; it cer­ Mr. Ewan: I remember him practising in tainly is not justifiable and should not Warwick years ago as a solicitor handling be tolerated by this Parliament, and I hope land cases. it will be dealt with by the Postmaster­ General-he gives is that the police wireless Mr. BENNEIT: He may have practised as message is cheaper and quicker. a solicitor, but at the time of his appoint­ ment he was a barrister and officially on The CHAIRMAN: Order! The hon. mem­ the Bar list he would have been down at ber raised a point concerning land. He the bottom and would have been a barrister is now drifting from that point and con­ of one year's standing. sequently I cannot allow him to continue in that strain. He must now confine his remarks Mr. Ewan: The President of the Land to land matters. Court does not have to be a barrister to be appointed to that office. Are you a Land Mr. BENNEIT: I must obey your ruling, Court advocate? Mr. Taylor. There are many other aspects of that transaction with which I should have Mr. BENNEIT: I entirely agree. I sub· liked to deal, but I will dismiss my observa­ scribe to that opinion. As a matter of fact, tions on the matter by expressing the sincere the previous President of the Land Court, hope that the Deputy Premier will be called to my knowledge, was not a barrister, nor to task by the Premier and his Cabinet and had he any legal knowledge. But he had 1488 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply the greatest of qualifications on Land Court Creighton, who was dismissed on the motion matters and land business of the State, and of Mr. Gair, working in close collaboration that was the reason for his appointment. and harmony with him to sell Queensland to The submission that I am making is that, industrialists; Mr. Creighton going out to get whether you are a barrister, a doctor, a land the land and Mr. Gair going out to get the valuer, a cattle-truck driver out west, or a industrialists, and meeting, probably at boundary rider or an ordinary station hand, Lennons Hotel, or somewhere such as that, if you have the necessary qualifications and on the expense account of the Government, experience in land matters you are entitled in an endeavour to bring these industrialists to be appointed as President or as a member to Queensland. It will be a very happy and of the Land Court. On the other hand, if extraordinary scheme! But coalition govern­ the only great qualification you have is the ments, as I mentioned in one of my earlier gerrymandering of boundaries and being an speeches in this Chamber, are prepared to expert in political chicanery and securing make compromises on anything, and the the return to office of most of the Cabinet Minister for Labour and Industry, in an Ministers in the Government, that is no endeavour to preserve his position, will try to reason why you should be considered for arrange that alliance, doubtful and dubious as appointment to the Land Court. it may be, because I know that Mr. Creighton Before I dismiss that appointment, I wish and Mr. Morris worked busily over in the to say that I read with some degree of alarm West End area in an endeavour to unseat that Vivian Rogers Creighton is being con­ Australian Labour Party representatives in sidered by this Government for readmission bygone elections. It may be that the Govern­ to the Public Service. ment can get all their former political friends to work against endorsed A.L.P. candidates A Government Member: A good man. as one home team so that they can further the aims and objects of their coalition Mr. BENNETT: It has been remarked that government. he is a good man. According to the Royal Commissioner, Mr. Justice Townley, at the The hon. member for Gregory dealt with particular time of dealing with his conduct as closer development. His remarks, of course, it related to his duties and responsibilities as are completely in conflict with the annual a public servant, he did not share the opinion report of the Department of Public Lands of the hon. member who interjected. and the Land Administration Commission on closer settlement. In land development in Mr. Ewan: You would not split on the Queensland, "applicants have come to regard policeman who told you about the message, as a right what was intended to be a privilege, would you? practice has outstripped legislative intent and Mr. BENNETT: Split on the policeman? many importunate lessees press their cases, irrespective of merit, with vigour and persist­ The CHAIRMAN: Order! ence in the face of official disapproval, to secure this most alluring and valuable Mr. BENNETT: I understand that, much concession." to the consternation of the vast body of public servants, an endeavour is being made They are not my words; they are the words to find some suitable task for Mr. Creighton, used in the report of the Royal Commission and it is even suggested in some circles that on Pastoral Lands Settlement (Queensland), he will be reappointed to the Department of one member of which was Vivian Rogers Public Lands as an industrial officer. The Creighton himself. What he said about Government are making a great deal of play graziers is nobody's business! Among other about the industrial development of Queens­ things, he said- land in an endeavour to get industrialists to "Small holders with no claim to being come to this State, and it has been suggested graziers have been built up to standards of that Mr. Creighton will be appointed an affluence by gifts of land greater in industrial liaison officer in the Department of capacity than their original holdings. There Public Lands and be in charge of leasehold are cases of two or even three additional lands that are available for industrialists. It areas being granted to one lessee." has been suggested that he will have to confer And so he goes on. He describes the efforts, and collaborate and work in close harmony aims and objects of these greedy graziers and and co-operation with the liaison officer for landholders who are not satisfied with making industry in the Department of Labour and a decent living but who are ever pressing and Industry, Mr. Gair. Can hon. members persisting with their claims to get bigger. imagine the two of them, Mr. Creighton and Mr. Gair, working in close harmony and (Time expired.) collaboration at the suggestion and on the Mr. WHARTON (Burnett) (8.17 p.m.): I appointment of this Government, who are congratulate the Minister on the way in which prepared, in order to save their political hide, he introduced his Estimates. Seeing that he to make strange bedfellows of people who is a new Minister, I think he is all the more were once bitter antagonists and protagonists worthy of congratulation. I know of the and only a few short years ago had a great splendid efforts he made to acquaint himself dislike one for the other? with the duties of his high office. The work It is going to be an extraordinary thing for he did is reflected in the report presented to the State of Queensland to find Mr. Parliament. Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1489

The Public Lands portfolio is a job on its be faced up to now before it takes control own. The addition of the Irrigation portfolio of some very good land on which it is makes the Minister's task twice as difficult becoming prevalent. and I congratulate him on the way he has One aspect of Government policy on tackled his duties. which I wish to comment is that of free­ It would not be out of place for me to holding land. I mention it because it is refer to Mr. Muller, because we realise that enabling the freeholding of areas of up to for part of the year under review the Depart­ 5,000 acres. They are large areas but in ment of Public Lands was under his jurisdic­ most cases they are quite effective living tion. He also did a good job in his admini­ areas, and I compliment the Government stration of the Departments of Public Lands upon their action. The most favourable and Irrigation after he took them over from aspect of it is that it permits a family man, a Government who had done virtually even one on a small area, to freehold it. nothing in this phase of public administra­ Mr. Madsen: And develop it. tion. Mr. WHARTON: And develop it. Every I express appreciation of the interest the man, I am sure, hopes to have his own present Minister has taken in his job in travel­ home and this Government are enabling him ling throughout the country. I shall refer to do so upon his own block of land. The only to my own electorate, where he visited Government's policy is important in that it Gayndah, Biggenden, Gin Gin and Bunda­ allows the small land-holder, as well as the berg to see what the people required. He large, to own his own land. was interested in the local problems. He I desire next to refer to the legislation of put before us certain irrigation proposals, and this Government as it relates to brigalow we hope that in the near future he will be leases. I commend the Government for their with us again to discuss some of them further. action in that regard, because I believe that Since his visit we have had more positive these leases with a 40-year term are a very thinking about some of the proposals he put suitable way of developing the State. up and we hope to get further assistance by Brigalow land is very valuable and lends way of irrigation. itself to intensive farming as well as fairly The annual report of the Land Administra­ large-scale cattle-raising. It also lends itself tion Commission shows that during the post­ to improved pastures and the long term war period 14,000,000 acres have been that has been made part of the lease is opened for new settlement. Twenty-four necessary because it is a fairly long-term blocks of sheep country, totalling 593,000 plan of development. It needs quite an acres, and 28 blocks of cattle country, total­ amount of money and, as I said, requires a ling 772,000 acres, were opened for new fairly long term. This land, which lends settlement last financial year. These figures itself so well to improved pastures, will include blocks opened under the group pro­ ultimately also be suitable for crop-growing, visions of the Land Acts. Settlement farm which is an effective method of increasing leases have taken in 25,000 acres made beef production. available under the group provisions I should like to refer briefly to my own of the Land Acts. Under the agri­ electorate and to mention some of the things cultural farm and perpetual lease selection produced there-in particular, cattle, dairy scheme, one block containing 1,817 acres products, cotton, grain, pigs and calves. was made available under the group provi­ Those products are general throughout the sions of the Land Acts. It has been a period area. In the Bundaberg district, of course, of progressive land settlement, which is all to we have particularly the sugar-cane and the credit of the Government. Not only does tobacco areas. I mention Coalstoun Lakes it open the way to settling new land in the for peanuts and, of course, citrus-growing larger areas but it will lend itself to closer in the Gayndah area. settlement. I notice in the annual report of the I wish to refer briefly to the work done by department commendation of the variety of the department in the control of noxious production in the area. I make that point weeds-Harrisia cactus, lantana, groundsel, merely because I think the best development and others. of the land will come by using it for the Opposition Member interjected. purpose for which it is best suited. Whether it be citrus-growing land, grazing land or Mr. WHARTON: I suggest that the hon. farming land, it should be used for the par­ member, whose electorate I cannot remem­ ticular purpose for which it is best suited. ber, would not know a great deal about The men who own the land know the noxious weeds. methods most suitable for obtaining produc­ tion from it, and if it is left to them the I commend the department on its work in controversy over small or big areas will be the eradication of these noxious weeds, not settled. I personally believe in closer settle­ only by poison but also by biological ment, but in such a scheme the lands must control, which, by the way, is one of the be used to the best purpose. Crops must best ways to destroy them. be selected according to the types of soil The groundsel pest problem is only in its on the blocks. When the land is poor, of infancy at the moment, but it is one that course, the selection must be comparatively will loom large in the future. It should large in size. That applies more particularly 1490 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply when the block is far removed from trans­ I am concerned about the proposed restriction port facilities. People on such blocks of credit for primary industries. In turn it require large areas. I should say they are will retard development of Queensland. I doing a good job. Why cut up those areas am not concerned about the restriction of and get a result worse than the result from credit for imports, because by providing such the original area? credit we are financing someone else's effort In land settlement, where the blocks are to supply goods for the State and the ?rawn by ballot, certain preliminary work Commonwealth. I feel that finance is needed Is essential. The first job would be the to develop this State. I say emphatically fencing of the block. Watering facilities that we should not have credit restrictions have to be provided, and timber cleared. on money for developing the land. It should The pastures must then be improved and be made available to any industries, whether cultivation undertaken. I merely mention primary or secondary, and not restricted as has been proposed. Whilst we can manage th~se things to show _that development is a fmrly lengthy job. I admire the people who without imports, we cannot develop the State enter ballots, because before they can hope unless finance is available. In my view, the to develop the properties they might draw development of the State depends on adequate they must borrow a considerable amount of finance. finance, that is, unless they personally have The provision of funds for efficient produc­ sufficient money, and it is hardly likely that tion does not tend to over-capitalisation. We any such person would have sufficient money often hear it said that if finance is made to develop one of these blocks. The money available for production we are over-capital­ must be borrowed to cover the cost of ising it, but I submit that the people who go fencing, watering facilities, improvements out into the country to develop it need some generally and stocking the property. Not amenities so that they may have a better and taking into consideration the effect of more comfortable life out there. That is not droughts, a selector would not make a penny over-capitalisation. I criticise the restriction for the first three years. Development of of credit for primary producers. In trying to blocks is a very costly and long-range control the banks the Government have lost process. Much capital is required, and it control of finance. Adequate finance is is difficult to obtain. essential if we are to produce beef efficiently on an intensive system. I am surprised at the great number of people who enter the ballots for these blocks. I refer to the Brian Pastures research Although I realise the truth of what was station, which is sponsored by the Australian said by another hon. member, in my opinion Meat Board and conducted under the auspices many people enter ballots for blocks without of the Department of Agriculture and Stock. realising what they may be letting them­ I should like to mention some facts on sown selves in for. It may take 10 years before pastures that produce quite a lot of beef. a selector can see the light of day or get Sown pastures are a mixture of buffel grass ahead of his overdraft, particularly if the and lucerne, green panic and lucerne, and block is in a virgin state. Those who Rhodes grass and lucerne. The mixtures are are crying out for land might be well suitable on the black (basalt-derived) soils and advised to purchase blocks where the on the scrub soils. The mixtures will persist pioneering work has been done and improve­ for at least five years, and, with careful ments effected at a lower cost than would management, longer periods have been be possible today. It would be better to recorded. The planting time is from January buy such blocks than to draw a block and to March. The seeding rates for forest soils start developing it. are:- Buffel grass 3 to 5 lb./acre and Mr. Beardmore: And buy a lot of hard lucerne 1-2 lb./acre work. Green panic 3 to 5 lb./acre and Mr. WHARTON: That is so. Some land­ lucerne 1-2 lb./acre holders would sell their blocks if they were Rhodes grass . 3 to 5 lb. acre and paid for the improvements they have effected, lucerne 1-2 lb./acre and in many instances they did the work The seeding rate of grass depends on the the hard way. They were the pioneers. quality of the seed, but good strikes have been Finance is difficult to obtain. In that respect recorded at 1 lb. an acre on new burnt scrub I refer hon. members to the following passage land. from the departmental report- "However, the question of the degree For grazing management, the pastures of the availability of long-term rural should be grazed lightly during the first year, finance which is essential if new settle­ and rotational grazing two weeks on and six ment is to be successfully established may to eight weeks off ensures persistence of be a matter of concern. Finance required lucerne. The suggested stocking rate is 1 beast on present-day costs to bring undeveloped to 4 acres on a year-long basis. land to the required stage of production I should like to refer to some of these combined with the high cost of stocking experiments and say that with regard to the a new selection is substantial and it is three mixtures I have mentioned, Rhodes to be hoped that future closer-settlement grass and lucerne gave a gain for the year of is not minimised by this limiting factor." 276 lb., green panic and lucerne gave a Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1491

gain of 341 lb. and buffel grass and lucerne remains to be done, and I hope the Govern­ gave a gain of 356 lb. as against 108 lb. ment will plan to meet the statesmanlike for native grass. Those figures indicate development of the State by a substantial irri­ quite clearly the advantages of intensive or gation Vote over a number of years. I stipu­ improved pasture systems for beef pro­ late "over a number of years" because it is duction. long-term planning. Men have to be trained and equipment bought, and it is wrong to see I make the point that good roads, tick good men and good equipment not being control, good pastures and subdivision will effectively used. I say "statesmanlike" make a valuable percentage increase in pro­ becaust I know of no better way to develop duction of beef, thereby making the best and populate the State. contribution to a relief of the beef shortage that is now evident. Irrigated pastures, too, It is a national matter, an undertaking have played a very important role. I have that will benefit the whole Commonwealth, mentioned several of those points and I do and it is one in which the co-operation of the not wish to go further into them, but I must Commonwealth could be sought. It could refer to irrigation because the Minister refers be the means of saving the dairying industry, to it in his report. I compliment him on his which is being thrown to the winds by a speech on this subject and on his activity in committee who listen to professors rather helping to establish irrigation throughout the than to the men who have built up a great State. I compliment him also for the interest industry. It behoves the State to reject any he took in this matter when visiting my c:ction on the Federal level that will jeopardise electorate. I am sure the former Minister for our great dairying industry and the people Public Lands and Irrigation was very who make it. The obvious alternative is to interested in land development and irrigation make readily available to those able to use and water supply, and I commend him for it that great facility-water. the part he played. I am very pleased to see Hon. A. R. FLETCHER (Cunningham­ the present Minister carrying on in the same Minister for Public Lands and Irrigation) way. As I have mentioned before, the farm (!i.39 p.m.): I think it is a good idea, before water supplies scheme provides an excellent too many of my notes accumulate, to say method for producing crops and pastures, something about those remarks, commenda­ and it is of great benefit to the people who tory and otherwise, that have already been are able to use it. But if all the people who passed by hon. members. I thank the Com­ could and will use it, do so, we will be in mittee for being, in some cases at least, con­ difficulties once more with water. While that structive. scheme is a stepping-stone to bigger schemes, and while we have it with the budgeting My friend from Port Curtis led the debate restricted to £500,000, as soon as the farm from the Opposition side, rather surprisingly water supplies scheme gets under way we will to me because I had not realised, or had be short of water and will have to build not remembered, that he had increased in storages such as the one I saw at Moogerah status and had become a landowner in his only yesterday. That is an excellent scheme. own right. I presume he was accorded the It will impound a great quantity of water to honour of leading the Opposition debate for be fed to the better lands farther down. I that reason. Perhaps he has not been a land­ commend the former Minister for Public owner long enough to have really learned all Lands and Irrigation, Mr. Muller, for the the inner facts of life about owning land. part he played in seeing that those with the Perhaps he will increase his status with know-how to use the water will have an experience. Certainly, I did not need his sym­ adequate supply for the future. pathy on the matter that he mentioned, that is, having to withstand the graziers, who, he My experience shows that citrus fruit can­ said, would be making a non-stop attack on not be prod~ced without irrigation, and I me. I could produce documentary evidence refer to the important part the Mundubbera to show that there are men in the community weir has played in this field. Considerable who think the boot is on the other foot and areas of citrus above and below the weir are that the landowners of this State deserve all irrigated by the waters that build up above it the sympathy in dealing with me. I do not and by those that are let down to the lower think that is true, but I have letters in my reaches as far as Gayndah in dry areas. We possession that seem to indicate that it is so. know that if we have a really dry time we will be short of water there again so it The hon. member for Port Curtis made behoves the Government to plan storages reference in one part of his speech to one now to provide an adequate water supply to August Bulow, who he claimed was an out­ those who are already doing the job. Many standing example of how one can succeed on more will come in, but those who are doing a small area of land. He said Mr. Bulow the job efficiently now should be catered for. was a successful landowner who became an adornment to the dairying industry and chair­ There are many places along the Burnett man of directors of a butter factory, before that lend themselves to irrigation. As the he passed on to his fathers, and that he farm water supplies service grows, so will the had done all that on 160 acres of land. It need for other storages for the slightly larger did not seem to me to be possible for him schemes such as at Moogerah. A great deal to have done what was claimed for him on has been done with irrigation but much 160 acres, so I asked one of my officers to 1492 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply find out if it was true. Although it is fairly willing to clear the scrub, and then burn and correct as to the area originally owned by Mr. re-grass. Already the Government's practical Bulow, at least long before his death he had approach through the Department of Public the benefit of the use of a good deal more Lands is bearing fruit. I do not claim that it land than was suggested by the hon. member b under control, but it is very largely under for Port Curtis. In 1924 Mr. Bulow control, for which the former Minister and took up an area of 149 acres-near enough the officers of the department are to be com­ to 160 acres- of good scrub and forest land. plimented. In 1930 he was granted an additional area The hon. member for Bowen mentioned the of 230 acres-again good scrub land­ underground water supplies in the Burdekin making a total of 379 acres. In 1944 he delta and the worries in the last few years purchased an area of 159 acres and some when it was found that they could be pumped roods-also good scrub land-and in 1951 out in a very dry year, and that salt water his wife purchased an area of 389 acres­ could be pumped in from the sea-l presume also good scrub land. His family still con­ that is where it came from-unless there was tinues to use these lands. The Bulows are a sufficient supplementary supply flowing in a very fine family, and their efforts could at the top end. We have taken this matter well be emulated by others in their avocation, seriously, and this year we have allocated but they have a total area of 927 acres, not £8,800 for the continuation of the investiga­ 160 acres as alleged. However, considering tions that have been going on for some time. my experience of the hon. me!llber, he got We are hopeful to ascertain facts relating to about as close as he usually gets in this the water supply, such as where it comes from sort of thing. and how it is replenished. Indeed, it is a very Mr. Windsor: 600 per cent. exaggeration. interesting study. Speculations have been made about whether we might divert flood­ Mr. FLETCHER: Not exactly. water from the Burdekin River to depressions around the delta so that by its absorption The hon. member went on to speak of the underground water supplies could he the need to pause and consider whether we replenished. were getting full production from the old settlement before going in for new Mr. Bennett: The salt water that was settlement. He hazarded the suggestion that pumped out in 1935 was only in one or two Noogoora burr was cutting down our pro­ places. ductive capacity by a very large percentage, and in some way or another he blamed the Mr. FLETCHER: I am not saying that it Federal Government. I do not think his was pumped up everywhere. It is worrying percentages were correct, nor do I think his even if it is found in only one or two places, deductions were particularly accurate, especially if you are the man in the one of although I think in that case they were a the two places. It is childish to suggest that bit closer to being correct than they were in it is not worrying because it occurs at only Mr. Bulow's case. one or two places. If it occurs at one or two places one year it is likely to occur at three The hon. member for Bowen, Dr. or four the next year, and then maybe five or Delamothe, spoke of Harrisia cactus, a six the following year. These are the first matter that he knows something about. The symptoms. You do not say, ''It is only at Department of Public Lands takes a good one or two places. We can write off those deal of credit for the destruction of what farms and ignore the fact that it may be has turned out to be a very noxious weed. worse in the next big drought." You find Like most noxious weeds, it came in under cut what is causing it and, if possible, do our guard. It slipped in as an attractive something about it. plant to put in someone's garden, and it turned into a noxious weed that takes The hon. member for Bowen spoke about advantage of the moist shady conditions of the Burdekin Dam. Of course, that is a tre­ scrub lands and makes them completely use­ mendous project that would cost a great deal less. The plants are very hard to kill. I of money. He has suggested that we should have one that was given me two years ago again approach the Federal Government in hanging in my back storeroom from Mill­ the hope of getting financial aid to get it merran, and it does not look any the worse started. We would like to, and probably will for it. Every time we get a wet spell, that in the long run. But the hon. member prob­ piece of Harrisia cactus puts out a new ably has not had the opportunity to learn shoot It does not get anywhere, because it that the soil types around the Burdekin delta is hanging on a wire, but I am quite sure are not as suitable as we used to· think they that if it was on the ground and the were. The non-tobacco growing soils are not weather was wet for a few weeks it would very good for anything that we know of at soon grow again. the moment that is responsive to irrigation. We are continuing to make investigations in Harrisia cactus has to be destroyed by fire the hope of coming up with some of the or poison. It is a very difficult and expensive answers. If we could find the answer, even problem. With his genius for being practical, if it is a suitable type of legume to grow as the former Minister got down to the best way a grass for cattle-fattening, the area would be of dealing with it by invoking the co-opera­ a gold mine. The investigators, who thought tion of men with land in the area who were they were on the verge of finding all the Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1493 answers, are still worried. I was up there not depended upon to keep the department's very long ago so I have a first-hand know­ point of view very much to the fore. It ledge of their worries. It is not easy soil to was the practical thing to do, yet hon. cope with. Even if we had the money at the members opposite keep on harping about present time to proceed with the Burdekin the alleged dangers of doing something Dam I think it would be unwise to go ahead because it might cut across the State's with the proposal immediately, when in a few forestry interests. I can assure them that years' time we might be reproached for that has not happened. Surely to heaven spending a great deal of money without suf­ the common-sense approach is to send men ficient prior investigation of the resources of with both aspects of the matter firmly within the land on which the water would be used. their grasp-an agricultural expert and a forestry expert-and to take their advice The hon. member for Kedron, too, offered when they give it. me his sympathy and again I say that I do not need it. If I had wanted that sort of Hon. members can take it for granted that help I would have got it somewhere else these things are part of the general from someone who could have done me consideration. When we look at the lands more good. I do not think that I need any in the North it will not be as purely cattle­ particular sympathy. I am quite capable fattening lands (Jut as lands suitable for of keeping my conscience clear in these forestry, for cattle-fattening, or for some­ matters. thing else, and we hope, as I said before, I do not blame the graziers so much for to lay down a pattern that will be of use what they do. Some of them are greedy, to us from now on. some of them are lazy; but most of them The hon. member also sympathised with are jolly good fellows. When they come me on what he called the cutting down in to me I do not think, "Are these chaps my allocation for irrigation. I am sorry greedy or lazy? Do they want something about that. I am more sorry than anyone for nothing?" I think, "Do they have a opposite and I say that with the knowledge case?" Very often it is a very good case that it is perfectly true. But there was and I say, "You have a point there." In nothing that this Government could do about some cases they have. That sort of thing the fact that you can draw only a quart is human nature. If a Minister for Lands out of a quart-pot. The very things that is capable he takes those things in his stride. were cited by the hon. gentleman as a sort I do not think for a moment that I am going of hallmark or yardstick in deciding how to be bullied. I cannot be bought and I will much money we needed this year, with rising not be bullied. But I can be persuaded. If costs, were the things that made it imQossible anybody can persuade me that something is for us to go on with the programme we good it shows that he has something I have had hoped to go on with. All hon. members overlooked-some argument that possibly I know what has happened with primary should have considered but did not. If any­ education, secondary education, University one can persuade me, he is welcome to. education, and all the other things that had There is no way of doing it other than by to be given priority. That meant that I, in persuasion. my position of Minister controlling irrigation The hon. member for Kedron suggested have less to spend. I am just as sorry about it would be a good thing for me to carry that as anybody else is. I put up as hard on the "good old Labour policy." Perhaps a fight as I could, but under the circum­ some aspects of the Labour policy were good stances I had to admit that, even if I had but some of them were not so good and sole control of the allocation, I would get I have found, in the administration of my close to the same figure. department, traces of where they were not Mr. Bennett: They took advantage of you so good. as the junior Minister. I am not going to labour that point. Why should I waste my time here belabouring Mr. FLETCHER: They did not take what was perhaps not an ideal policy? My advantage of me. A quart-pot holds only a job is to carry out my own policy and to quart, and, if more is taken for one purpose, make sure that mine is as good as I can less is left for another. It was a matter purely make it. of priorities and, having decided on priorities, it was found regretfully that the position had The same hon. member mentioned the to be as it is. It was a matter of "if I get northern areas and rather belaboured the more, you get less." We can ask the Federal point that we should look after the interests Government for money. That is what the hon. of forestry and the timber industry. Surely member suggested, but at the same time he he heard me answering questions and surely laughed loudly when another hon. member he heard me in my original address assure made the same suggestion, as if to say, "What this Chamber that those very things are would be the use of that?" I think he or some being done. We embarked on the scheme of his colleagues in fact made the suggestion. in the North as responsible men, and the What is the use of their suggesting that we very first thing we did was to s~nd a approach the Federal Government when at committee to look at these lands. That the same time they laugh at the same sug­ committee included a member of the Depart­ gestion by other hon. members and ask. ment of Forestry, a man who could be "What would be the use of that?" 1494 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

Mr. Newton: Don't you think it would be we should get more money for this purpose, a good course? and we would be happy to get it. The money in the fund was used as wisely as possible. Mr. FLETCHER: Of course it would be a good course, but there was nothing more I The hon. member for Gregory knew what could do about it. The allocation had been he waJ talking about, and that is refreshing made beforehand. I am quite willing to put in this Chamber. He spoke of Sir William forward a case for matters under my control, Payne in commendable terms, for which I but this matter was not under my control. thank him. He also spoke on something that I take a very great interest in-additional The hon. member for Kedron referred to areas. Additional areas were not wiped some of the earlier irrigation projects and altogether in the last session of Parliament. tried to justify some that had been started in The Government expressed the opinion that the days of Labour Governments. He said preference should be given to new settlers, that I had said I was not very happy about with the provision of additional areas the Dawson Valley scheme but that on the from those odd bits of land that were left other hand my report mentioned a small over, in many cases, when areas were profit from the administration of that scheme. resumed from the original lessees and cut The hon. member said it was £10,000. Even up subsequently for ballot. That is what is if it was £10,000, that in itself is no indication going on. I am in a position to know that of the living standards or prosperity of the what the hon. member for Gregory said is area. If the hon. member cares to visit the absolutely true. There are people out in area, I predict with certainty a change in his the Far West-west of Quilpie especially­ viewpoint. The present scheme is not a happy who are in a pretty bad state, especially one. It has not resulted in fortunes for some since the price of wool has dropped. They or even decent living standards for many. If are in great difficulty. Indeed, some of I could wave a wand and wipe out the whole the people there have been given relief, scheme and start again, I would do it. Diffi­ even in the short time I have been Minister, culties arise in starting again or making I think we should continue to do that where­ readjustments in a restricted area or to a ever it is possible. Some of them have a scheme that has been started and is now a very hard time maintaining themselves. I going concern. No land is available for have been out there and I know how difficult re-allocation, and it is very difficult to make their position is. readjustments. We should do what we can, not only for Mr. Hilton: What about the Gibber the sake of the people, but for the sake Gunyah area? of the land. When there is not enough Mr. FLETCHER: I do not think the land it leads to over-stocking, which is very Gibber Gunyah area is very good, but as the bad for the land. Quite lately, I have noted settlement is newer, or closer to its beginning, that where men are hard-pressed to make and more land is available we may possibly a living, they are more inclined to overstock be able to make readjustments, as we shall than people in comfortable circumstances. do if it is possible. It is a pity to throw good Overstocking has always_ been the greatest money after bad or to do again the things enemy of our western lands. that experience has shown to be wrong with My notice has been drawn particularly to the original settlement. The trouble with the the deterioration of some of our western hon. member is that he does not know lands, and it can all be traced back to the enough about these settlements. effects of over-stocking. In all justice we Mr. Mann: He did not know the area was can hardly blame the poor beggars, who are so restricted, or he would not have made the barely making a living, for putting on a remarks. few extra hundred or a few extra thousand sheep which, in their opinion, will keep them Mr. FLETCHER: He charged us with and their families in comfort. being unreasonable in charges for water. He referred to the treatment of Barron River Mr. Ewan: They were given too small an farmers. He said the charge for water at area. Clare was £4 per acre-foot and for the Barron River farmers £4 per acre-foot. In fact, the Mr. FLETCHER: That is what I am talk­ charge for pumping from the Barron River ing about. They were given an area that was fixed at £4 per acre irrigated, equivalent was too small. to £2 per acre-foot as compared with the Mr. Bennett: Were they necessarily charge at Clare for 1959-1960, £5 per acre­ struggling along if they could afford to foot, and for 1960-1961, £5 10s. In this buy a few extra thousand sheep? matter again the hon. member did not know enough about his subject. Mr. FLETCHER: If by that interjection the hon. member is suggesting that they have He also said that we had not spent a great tons of money, it shows he does not know deal on stock routes in the Channel Country. anything about it. The total amount available in that fund, with the exception of a few thousand pounds, has Mr. Bennett: I have been out in the sheep been expended. The hon. member said that country. Supply [15 NovEMBER] Supply 1495

Mr. FLETCHER: That is about all. The cost of freeholding. There is a very good hon. member knows as much about sheep case for both types. Certainly, most men­ by being out for just a few moments in and this includes many Labour men-would the sheep country as he knows about the like to have freehold if they have a living love life of the trochus shell merely by allotment or a small farm. There is some­ swimming occasionally in the Bay. thing inherent in human nature-and I pre­ sume many hon. members opposite are in Mr. Bennett: For your information, there this category, too-that once a man has his is no trochus shell in the bay. bit of ground and builds on it he likes to feel, "These are mine. I am going to work Mr. FLETCHER: While the hon. member like blazes to put on these improvements and for Gregory was speaking there were inter­ my children are going to have them after I jections from the other side that indicated have gone." It is a very good thing, too; that he was espousing the cause of the it makes the world go round. wealthy graziers. What a fatuous suggestion! The interjection was, "What about all those Mr. Houston: What would have happened wealthy graziers who have died?" What if years ago all this land had been freeholded about all the ones who are not wealthy and you wanted to bring the areas down to and who have died without being mentioned living areas? in the paper? It is useless taking as a Mr. FLETCHER: I do not know because criterion the wild reports in the paper about I am not a seer. I do not think that is a someone who left £120,000, when he is an exceptional example of what has happened fair question. out there. He is the odd man out. Think Mr. Houston: The same thing will apply of all the people who are flat out to get in 20 years' time. some reasonable security for themselves and a reasonable education for their children. Mr. FLETCHER: I probably would have found a way. There is such a thing as land Mr. Bennett: Most of them are flat out tax, which can break up big aggregations of on the way to Surfers Paradise. freehold land. Freeholding is not half as vicious as our opponents would have people Mr. FLETCHER: If a couple of dozen believe. It is often a very fine thing and fre­ are, we must not lose sight of the 500 or quently it leads to closer settlement far more more who are not. To suggest that they quickly than leaseholding. Any number of represent the fair standard, merely because a men have said to me, "If only this land at few wealthy graziers live at Southport, is Emerald that we were given in 5,000 or stupid. I think we are entitled to some­ thing more reasonable and more responsible 6,000-acre blocks were freehold, we should be and more in accordance with the facts of the able to sell it to our sons and our brothers case than a silly interjection like that. and our neighbours. We don't need it all but we are not allowed to sell it now." What the hon. member for Gregory said about the lot of the grazier in the Far West Mr. Bennett: They can still put their sons who has too little land was good, especially on part of it if it is a whole lease. of the long-standing grazier. I have seen many of them lately, patient men with bowed Mr. FLETCHER: Yes, they can, but they backs, who have done their own work for would rather do it by selling it to them. Then donkeys' years, who have never been able it is theirs and they do not have to worry to afford very much in the way of education about it. for their kiddies or holidays for themselves, Mr. Newton: Whom did they get those and if I could again wave the wand I spoke 5,000 and 6,000-acre blocks under? of I should do it straight away, I hope I will be able to do it, at least for some of Mr. FLETCHER: Under Labour. them, before I get out of this job. Mr. Newton: I thought they did not get Mr. Houston: Do you agree with the hon. any big blocks under Labour? member's preference for leasehold tenure over freehold? Mr. FLETCHER: The hon. member did not hear me say that. He is just being Mr. FLETCHER: I did not hear him say provocative. that. Mr. Newton: No, your own members said Mr. Houston: He said it. He said that was his opinion. that. Mr. FLETCHER: There is no need to Mr. FLETCHER: He is entitled to his argue with my own members. If the hon. opinion. member will just listen to what I have to Mr. Houston: I am asking you if you say he can argue with them afterwards. are of the same opinion. The hon. member for Gregory spoke of big Mr. FLETCHER: In some cases I think properties and expressed the hope that they freehold is very good. I have freehold and would be cut up when and where possible. I would not exchange it for leasehold, but That is our policy. Where possible we are I think very many leaseholders would not going to put men on blUniversity of Queensland. He qualified in up they will take the block. They have been law in 1943, whilst still in the A.I.F. in New allowed to get out of their obligations with­ Guinea, and he was admitted to the Bar in out penalty, and I think the hon. member Queensland in 1944. He attended a school for Gregory has made a good point there. of military law and transferred to the Aus­ I think it should have the effect of bringing tralian Army Legal Corps with the rank of about a more responsible approach. captain, and he was stationed at Victoria Barracks and in Townsville until 1947. He Mr. Hilton: Very few people who draw was demobilised and transferred to the a block would not take it up. Reserve of Officers. Mr. FLETCHER: Some of them have Mr. Graham: Where did he get his land not. experience from? Supply [15 NOVEMBER] Supply 1497

Mr. FLETCHER: Would the hon. member Mr. Lloyd: It was about Mr. Wright. be patient? Mr. FLETCHER: He spoke of Mr. Wright After demobilisation he worked for a time with Frederic B. Hemming & Hall, solicitors and Mr. Dodds. in Brisbane. In 1948 he joined the Queens­ Mr. Bennett: You must be getting tired. land Solicitor-General's office, where he served as legal assistant and assistant Crown Mr. FLETCHER: I apologise if the hon. Prosecutor until 1954. He was then appointed member did not mention Mr. Dodds, but he magistrate and Master of the Supreme Court certainly mentioned Mr. Wright. Had I of the Northern Territory. His experience, any qualms about Mr. Wright's qualifications particularly in the Queensland Solicitor-Gen­ before, I have none now, because again by eral's Office, I think has fitted him in some the same criterion as I applied before, if the respects for the position. He appeared for hon. member does not like him he must be a the Minister in the first compensation matters pretty good man. The hon. member wasted after World War II., under the War Service 25 minutes of our time. We were supposed Land Settlement Acts, in respect of the John­ to be debating the Estimates of the Depart­ stone sugar lands. These cases were heard by ment of Public Lands and Irrigation but from Mr. Payne at Innisfail. He also appeared what I could hear he said nothing about before Mr. Payne in respect of sugar lands them. He spent 25 monotonous minutes at Mackay. In valuation matters he appeared muck-raking with regard to a quarrel he before the Land Court and the Land Appeal apparently has-a quarrel with the rest of the Court when principles were laid down in people in the universe-and no part of it had respect of the valuation of assignments in anything to do with the matter before the sugar lands under the Valuer-General's Act. Committee. He regularly represented the Commissioner for Main Roads, the Commissioner for Rail­ Mr. Newton: He silenced all of you over ways and the Commissioner for Housing in there. the Land Court on compensation matters for acquisition under the respective Acts. He Mr. FLETCHER: I think everybody got appeared for the Valuer-General in Bunda­ sick of it. I tried very hard to find some berg, Rockhampton, South Coast, Gatton and point in the whole of his 25 minutes' dis­ Darling Downs and in the suburban and course that had anything to do with me and industrial valuations of Brisbane. Before the to which I could say, "In respect of your valuation committee headed by Mr. Justice knowledge of what you are talking about, this Sheehy he appeared as junior to Mr. Ryan, is my point of view or these are the facts." the present Solicitor-General, on behalf of the Valuer-General. In 1953 he accompanied Mr. Mann: Should the Minister for Labour the present Valuer-General to Sydney for the and Industry apply for land through the purpose of conferring with the New South Police Commissioner? Wales Valuer-General on certain aspects of valuations administration. When in Darwin Mr. FLETCHER: The hon. member for be constituted the local court of full jurisdic­ South Brisbane was no more worried about tion. In this court he heard all rating appeals the land than was the hon. member for under the Northern Territory local govern­ Brisbane. ment ordinance. He is a well-respected gentleman. Mr. Mann: Do you think it is the correct procedure for the Minister for Labour and Mr. Bennett: How many years was he Industry to apply for land at Mossman or actually in the Crown Law Office? somewhere else in the North through the Mr. FLETCHER: I could not answer that police? offhand. However, if I required any further recommendation of Mr. Dodds I would say Mr. FLETCHER: That has nothing to do that it is clear to those who have heard the with my Estimates. hon. member for South Brisbane that he must be a very fine gentleman, because the Mr. Bennett: You know it is very improper. hon. member does not like him. Mr. FLETCHER: The matter is simply Mr. Bennett: I did not say anything about that Mr. Morris apparently wanted to buy a him. It was Wally Rae. piece of land up there that had been offered for auction and nobody had bid for it, as Mr. FLETCHER: The hon. member did. sometimes happens with blocks at Broad­ Mr. BENNETT: I rise to a point of order. beach. Nobody makes a bid, and, no bid r made no comment about Mr. Dodds. It having been made and the land having been was the hon. member for Gregory. passed in, it is available to anybody who will pay the first year's rent. Mr. Morris appar­ The CHAIRMAN: Order! I ask the Minis­ ently heard of one of these pieces of land ter to accept the hon. member's denial. and decided that he would buy it. It turned out that he was too late; somebody else had Mr. FLETCHER: If the hon. member for applied. South Brisbane did not say anything about Mr. Dodds, I am surprised. I sat here and Mr. Bennett: He said he heard somebody listened to him! else was in for it. 1498 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

The CHAffiMAN: Order! I want to draw capable of growing good livestock. The the Committee's attention to "Rule of brigalow area is a veritable goldmine waiting Practice" on page 64 of the Standing Orders, to be exploited. The rule says- With me, the hon. member is worried that "A member is not permitted to prosecute finance is restricted. It is very difficult to a quarrel with another member arising out finance and develop a block under modern of debates or proceedings of the House, conditions and with financial restrictions as or any Committee thereof." they are. Anybody who enters a ballot should do it with the knowledge that it is going to I should like to point out to the Committee be a hard job from the start. Much work, that I allowed the hon. member for South and many years of it, and much money are Brisbane to make reference to a matter of required to get land into production, and Crown lands. Subsequent to that I stopped anyone not physicaly and mentally equipped the hon. member under that Standing Order for the task should not enter a ballot. Except from pursuing the subject, which has already in rare instances, a person who wins a ballot been concluded. I trust now that the subject has the job ahead of him, and it is one that will be discontinued. only the courageous and the well-equipped Mr. Duggan: I hope the Minister is not should undertake. going to offend against that regulation. The hon. member is worried about the The CHAIRMAN: Order! fact that we have had to restrict expendi­ ture on irrigation. As I said before, so Mr. FLETCHER: Nothing would be are we. I know that in the Burnett area further from my thoughts and I sympathise round Gayndah, and in the river and creek with the hon. member for having had to systems, there is much land that could be listen to the diatribe that we heard. developed with irrigation. It would bloom like the green bay tree. I hope that some The hon. member for South Brisbane also day, arising from the investigation we are mentioned that he had heard rumours about conducting at the moment, we will be able Mr. Creighton. I am not responsible for to recommend a scheme that will be adopted those. In any case, I deprecate the idea of and that enough loan money will be avail­ dragging up old, unfortunate history and of able at that time to put the scheme in mentioning what Mr. Justice Townley said hand. about this gentleman. I remind the hon. member that Mr. Justice Townley said other I think I have commented on, even if I things about other men at that time and it is have not adequately answered, those hon. not becoming of any of us to drag it up at members who raised points that I thought this stage. I leave it at that. called for comment. Mr. Bennett: Is he going to be appointed, Mr. TUCKER (Townsville North) (9.26 or not? p.m.): I congratulate the Minister on his elevation to this portfolio-one of the most Mr. FLETCHER: That is not a matter on important having regard to the tremendous which I would be likely to answer the hon. areas of leasehold in Queensland, a position member. that does not exist in other States. There was really nothing said that calls Although the Minister has held his port­ for an answer. I thank the hon. member for folio for only five months, I have always Burnett, who refreshingly knew something found him to be particularly courteous and about his subject matter, for saying that he approachable, and I thank him for the way feels that I have done the right and proper in which he has received my representations. thing by going up into his area and seeing it for myself. That is only fair and I am very I listened with interest to him tonight as happy to return the compliment, because he he gave details of the various new electronic made it very easy for me to see everything measuring equipment and photographic while I was up there. equipment that will be or has been, installed in the Survey Office. As I He made a particular point in regard to was formerly a draftsman and computer freeholding and he put the same viewpoint as in the Titles Office, I worked very closely I have put. There is something in us all that with officers of the Survey Office. All of prompts us to want something we can call them are tremendously keen. I think hon. our own. In those circumstances this free­ members generally realise their tremendous holding policy is a good thing and the proper worth to the community. Officers of the thing to encourage the expansion of the land Survey Office are some of the most skilled industry about which we all have been saying and dedicated of Queensland's public through the years we have to do something. servants. That can be said also of officers The same hon. member made the point of the Department of Public Lands. I that the brigalow area is good. He said what pay a tribute to the Land Commissioner in I know to be a fact, that is, if you can grow Townsville, Mr. Dendle, and his officers, who grain, you can grow pigs. It is the sort of are very keen on their work and most culture that allows itself to branch out into approachable. many aspects of primary production. Any The Minister referred tonight to the land that is capable of growing good grain is Tully lands. He got a little flurried, and Supply [15 NoVEMBER] Supply 1499

with a frown on his face said that we that he stuck to his guns, in his belief that should not continue to harp about the Tully the development of these forest lands would lands. A.L.P. members are concerned about be bad for the community. He said it that area, and have every right to be appre­ would be criminal to destroy them. hensive, because it is only a few short weeks The Minister said that the three-man since the former Minister said he had sent commission has been appointed and that its officers to the Tully area and that none of members will report to him. I hope he them had submitted a report favourable to will table the report when it is made avail­ the opening up of that land. He added able to him so that the members of the that he had personally visited the area and Opposition may read it and see exactly what could not see anything favourable in the is recommended about these lands. proposed scheme. The fact that the former Minister became an ex-Minister overnight The throwing-open of only two blocks for does not make him irresponsible, nor does experimental purposes displays a very it destroy his ideas. We must accept them cautious and commendable attitude. It and, taking them in conjunction with the should test the economic practicability of reports given to him by his officers, surely the scheme, not only from the point of it is to be expected that we would be appre­ view of laying down pasturage, but also the hensive. Hon. members on this side of the possibilities for cattle-fattening. The. heavy Chamber are the Opposition, and we are rainfall in this area has always rmsed a expected by the people to act as the doubt in my mind about the practicability Opposition. We have every right to ask of the pasturage of the land, and the laying questions and to keep "harping," to use down of the pasturage and its continuity. the Minister's word, about the subject. We With 180 inches of rain a year, leaching are entitled to ask why the former Minister of the soil is a possibility that strikes me, held one view-and it was supported by and the pastures could turn sour with the officers-and a few short weeks later several heavy rainfall. Those are the thoughts that blocks were thrown open. We are entitled come to our minds, especially when we have to seek the reason for the complete reversal been associated with the land and with of policy by the Department. I do not pastures. In the areas where we have heavy intend to labour the point very much longer, rainfall over a long period, quite often the but I, and my colleagues on this side, feel pastures turn sour and the cattle will not that we must continue to ask questions eat them, although they may look lush and about these matters, irrespective of what the wonderful. Government or the Minister thinks about There are m;:tny cattle diseases that occur them. under very wet climatic conditions. vye know there are diseases and pests that thnve As I listened to the Minister, I was in the very damp and wet areas. We considerably relieved in my mind with his know also that quite often, in damp and explanation concerning the Tully lands. We wet areas, it is very difficult to keep the have been told that a three-man commission dip mixture on the cattle to get nd of has been set up; that is a very sound idea. the pests and pestilences. The cattle may I will concede that to the Minister. With be dipped in the morning and in the after­ a forestry officer on this three-man commis­ noon there may be five inches of rain, and sion, I am sure that many hon. members it is all washed off. These things have felt relieved because he would be able to been exercising my mind, and my colleagues' consider particularly the question of forest minds, for the last few months, and we have lands. This matter has been exercising our been asking ourselves and other hon. minds all the time. As I moved through members about them, but have received no the Tablelands in the Mulgrave by-election satisfactory answer. That is why we continue I met many people who were very worried to harp on the subject. From the two about forestry. The other day the hon. experimental blocks we should learn the member for Tablelands expressed that worry true story. We should find out the kind also. I do not know whether _the present of people to put on the blocks and how hon. member for Mulgrave had that worry to go about them and our minds should in his mind when he asked his question. be at ease. If they work we can throw There are many people in that area, and the land open and be sure we will not los~, in the Ingham area who to my knowledge as we might have done had we thrown It have asked about it, and they are worried all open holus-bolus at the beginning. It about the apparent reversal of policy which would have been a disaster if we had thrown became evident not so long ago. It is it all open at once and the cattie-fattening quite possible that the three-man commission project had proved to be a failure. We may report that these forest lands should should then have been faced with the be left alone, and quickly defined and allowed problem of what to do with the settlers. to grow, so that the areas may be exploited in the future and the timber taken from In the main the land is virgin scrub them. land· it is not really forest land. Not so very' long ago I was speaking to a very I place great store on the opinion of the notable man about it and he said that when former Minister for Public Lands and virgin scrub land is turned over it is quite Irrigation, Mr. Muller. Whatever the real often very acid and it never proves v~ry reason was for his dismissal, we must admit satisfactory for pastures. I will not mention 1500 Supply [ASSEMBLY] Supply

his name because I should not care to have Apart from the first two purposes, the it bandied about the Chamber. However, prevention of flood damage to the towns of the answer will be forthcoming in the next Ayr and Home Hill in the Lower Burdekin few years. The Minister said the two experi­ Delta is a matter of importance, and it mental blocks will cost a great deal of would certainly diminish the effects of the money, but we will learn much from them. tremendous floods that are experienced in that area at certain times during most years, The real irrigable land lies in the Burdekin though not in all years. Valley. The Minister said tonight that the Burdekin Valley scheme was not practicable What is the potential of this area? The at the moment because certain of the soil report in 1950 showed that 350,000 acres was not considered to be favourable. In could be irrigated, which is a tremendous area 1950 an extensive survey was made of the of land. When one flies over the Delta area, land and surrounding areas and of the avail­ it is obvious that, although there is some ability of water for irrigation, and a report sandy land that cannot be used, a large was prepared. The scheme appeared to be area of land is being used at present, and a tremendous one and we in the North one feels proud of what has been done anyway thought it very desirable. It cer­ already. tainly could not be regarded as a tin-pot Looking to the North, where the dam scheme, or as others in some northern areas would be placed, one can visualise what term them, a pot-boiler scheme. Pot-boiler could be done in that area. The initial schemes are those where small weirs are put report stated that 350,000 acres could be across the land, which eventually silt up and brought into production. It also stated that are no longer of any use to anybody. the area could support 50,000 people, apart Once again I ask the Premier-and I will from consequential increases in populations not be denied, and I think many of my in nearby towns and cities such as Townsville, colleagues in the North will not be denied­ Home Hill, Ayr and even down as far as to do everything in his power to focus the Bowen. The primary products that could Menzies-McEwen eye on this vast and great be produced on this particular land would project, the Burdekin scheme, if for no be worth somewhere about £20,000,000, and othe~ reason . tha_n that the important angle the hydro-electric power could be worth of rts contnbut10n to Australia's defence £3,000,000. The market value of the should not be overlooked. By increasing 350,000 acres was reliably estimated to be the population and productivity of the area £12,000,000. As with all great schemes­ !he State's defences must be built up, which the Grand Coulee project in the United rs always of paramount importance to North States, for example-full development could Queenslanders. be spread over a number of years, and the scheme envisaged that. The Burdekin The Burdekin scheme is a great multi­ scheme could yield substantial benefits from purpose scheme-for irrigation, hydro-elec­ the outset if it envisaged first a weir so tricity and flood mitigation. At least two many miles up the river and then the build­ of those come within the ambit of the ing of a dam. It could be implemented Minister's portfolio. It would develop the gradually, progressively, and steadily, and great water resources of the Burdekin and certainly would not require an initial outlay its tributaries. The three main purposes of the amount that it was estimated would be behind the scheme are- needed to bring the full scheme into opera­ tion. It could be changed to meet the ever­ 1. The growing of food and other agri­ increasing demand for power and irrigation cultural and horticultural products; of the people who settled on the land. That 2. The generation of hydro-electric would enable capital charges during con­ energy; and struction to be reduced to a minimum. Food 3. The mitigation of flooding. production would begin immediately, and it was hoped that this would mitigate to a It will utilise the waters of the Burdekin certain extent the cost of the project. The River and its tributaries. The Burdekin, of hydro-electric scheme would allow the course, is one of the main rivers in Queens­ scheme to be revenue-producing at an early land, draining an area of 50,000 square date. The original dam, which was envis­ miles. It would not be necessary to spend aged as being 99 miles from the mouth of the £29,000,000 that it was estimated to the Burdekin River, would conserve water cost originally-! think it has increased from 44,100 square miles of catchment area. now-immediately. It could be brought into Let me elaborate a little further on the production gradually, and large areas of land catchment area. The annual rainfall in the that offer great possibilities for develop­ area is 23 inches, with some variations. With ment could be brought into the scheme, also. a dam wall of 150 feet and a crest length of I think the Minister will agree that along 3,040 feet, 6,584,000 acre-feet of water could the Burdekin River there are vast areas of have been stored. To express that as some­ suitable land, and we read the other day thing we can envisage, it would have been 16 that one firm had purchased a large area times the volume of Sydney Harbour, or three of land and intended to irrigate the pastures times the capacity of the Hume Reservoir on and bring it into production for beef the River Murray. It would have been fattening. ilppreciably greater than the combined storage Supply [16 NOVEMBER] Questions 1501 of the seven dams in the Snowy River pro­ The Burdekin area is much more suitable ject. The capacity would have provided a than the Tully land for cattle-fattening, daily output of 5,400 acre-feet even in the because the rainfall is much lower and the worst drought period. This is equal to a flow climate is more conducive to that purpose. of 17,000 gallons a second. The immensity (Time expired.) of the project can be envisaged, and the tre­ mendous advantage it would have been to the Progress reported. Northland both for irrigation and hydro­ The House adjourned at 9.53 p.m. electric purposes. It would have been suf­ ficient for the firm generation of 80,000 kilo­ watts at 50 per cent. load factor and for the yearly irrigation of 350,000 acres without any restriction at all from the water being taken from the dam. The operation of the hydro­ electric scheme in conjunction with the ther­ mal power station at Townsville would have given great flexibility to the system. I shall not labour the hydro-electric scheme, but referring to the scheme as a whole I point out that by the use of aerial photography, gradient and reconnaissance surveys have already been carried out. A topographical survey of the Burdekin Falls ponded area has been made. An appreciable area of the potentially irrigable area has been gridded and contoured-an irrigable area of 350,000 acres. The construction of a weir was envisaged 79.2 miles from the mouth of the river to give the first water for irrigation. The power for the first irrigation project would have come from the Townsville Regional Electricity Board. As the dam wall was built up hydro-electric power would have taken over and the water after passing through the turbines would have flowed down the river to be used in the irrigation scheme. Although the Minister says that it is doubt­ ful whether certain crops would flourish in the area, if he likes to look at the report made on the scheme he will find that on experimental stations a number of crops were tried, and the figures are there for all to see. The ones tried and proved were wheat, maize, sorghums, grazing oats, cow peas, peanuts, sunflowers, linseed, cotton, jute, and assorted vegetables, not forgetting, of course, sugar. I noted also that, with regard to those assorted vegetables, a man named Edgell reported that he would have been prepared t•' start vegetable-canning had the project got under way. So particular use could have been made of those vegetables if we could have got a canning plant in Townsville or in Bowen, or somewhere else in the area. The potential of the place is tremendous. Although there are sandy soils, there are heavier types of soil in the main valley floor, and so there is great potential for the right production. With regard to beef-fattening, a large part of that irrigable land-a matter of 350,000 acres-certainly could have been irrigated. It has been proved possible by the fact that already companies have seen fit to buy part of that land and have persisted with it even though the flow of the Burdekin at the moment is very small and in some places might have stopped. They are prepared to do it and say they can make an economic possibility of it.