Queensland

Parliamentary Debates [Hansard]

Legislative Assembly

THURSDAY, 29 OCTOBER 1970

Electronic reproduction of original hardcopy

1442 Questions Upon Notice [29 OCTOBER] Questions Upon Notice

THURSDAY, 29 OCTOBER, 1970 for some weeks been examining the systems in operation in the Court con­ cerning the entering, listing and hearing of Mr. ACTING SPEAKER (Mr. Hooper, cases. This examination is expected to Greenslopes) read prayers and took the indicate whether additional judges or acting chair at 11 a.m. judges are required."

PAPERS VACANCIES, LICENSING COMMISSION The following paper was laid on the table, and ordered to be printed:- Mr. Davies for Mr. Bennett, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Justice,- Report of the Commissioner of Police for the year 1969-70. ( 1) When will he appoint a chairman to the vacancy in the Licensing Com­ The following papers were laid on the table:- mission? Proclamation under the Mining Acts, 1898 (2) When will he fill the vacancy in the to 1967. Licensing Commission? Orders in Council under- (3) Who are the prospective appointees? The State Development and Public Works Organisation Acts, 1938 to 1964. Answer:- The Mining Acts, 1898 to 1967. (1 to 3) "The matter is under con­ Balance Sheet of the Coal Mine Workers' sideration." Pensions Fund for the year 1969-70. STATEMENTS BY VICE-CHANCELLOR, QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY QUESTIONS UPON NOTICE Mr. Davies for Mr. Bennett, pursuant to APPOINTMENT OF ACTING JUDGES notice, asked The Minister for Education,- Mr. Davies for Mr. Bennett, pursuant to ( 1) Is he aware that the University Vice­ notice, asked The Minister for Justice,- Chancellor, Professor Zelman Cowen, when ( 1) Is he aware of a circular notice addressing a meeting of Brisbane business­ dated August 24 sent by ten members of men, informed them that they should have the Queensland Bar Association claiming, a sense of proportion in an age when there by way of notice of a special meeting of the was a fashion for violence? Bar Association-(i) that the view of the Association is that when a judge of the (2) Will he ascertain whether the Supreme Court or District Court is, because Vice-Chancellor is now condoning, excus­ of appointment as Administrator, absence ing or encouraging violence on the on leave, sittings in special tribunals, or University campus? for any other reason whatsoever, likely to be unable to participate in the ordinary (3) Is he aware that the Vice-Chancellor sittings of the Court of which he is a compared incidents by hoons and larrikins member for a period of four weeks or on the campus, when engaging in violence, more, an acting judge should be appointed to the tolerance shown to people on strike? to that Court for that period, (ii) that the ( 4) Will he find out what connection view of the Association is that there is no there is between a lawful and legitimate obligation of any kind whatsoever on the strike and the disregard of law in demon­ Government to appoint as a judge of the strations of violence on the campus for no Supreme or District Court any person who real reason at all? has been an acting judge of the Court in question, and (iii) that the Committee ( 5) Will he tell the Vice-Chancellor to should take all necessary steps to bring the keep out of industrial affairs as he appears view of the Association expressed in (i) to have more problems than he can handle and (ii) above to the attention of the on the University campus itself? Attorney-General as soon as possible? ( 6) How can the Vice-Chancellor say (2) In view of this feeling expressed that not one single hour of study time has by several members of the Bar Association, been lost at the University when these what does he propose to do in regard to idle demonstrations and manoeuvring of the appointment of acting judges? tent towns go on for hours? Answers:- (7) As the Vice-Chancellor said at the (1) "Yes." same time that this University is the most (2) "A Sub-Committee conststmg of poorly-financed University per student in the Honourable the Acting Chief Justice Australia, what does he intend to do to and representatives of the Bar Associa­ correct this rather startling and unsatis­ tion and the Queensland Law Society has factory situation? Questions Upon Notice (29 OCTOBER] Questions Upon Notice 1443

Answers:- in the Brisbane area as a flood-prevention (1) "The Vice-Chancellor, in addressing measure and, if so, will he take similar the Australian Institute of Management, action with respect to tidal creeks in the said that there appeared to be a fashion Townsville area and advise the Townsville for violence in many parts of the world. City Council of terms and conditions on He deplored it." a comparable basis with those for Brisbane? (2) "The Vice-Chancellor is totally opposed to violence on the University Answer:- campus." "! am aware of the Press article to (3 to 5) "The Vice-Chancellor reports which the Honourable Member refers. that he did not do as suggested. He Consideration is being given by the pointed out that while vast numbers of Department of Harbours and Marine in hours were lost in industrial troubles in its capacity as the Brisbane Harbour the community, not one class had been Authority to ways and means of having cancelled in the work of the University." rubbish and litter cleared from the bed and tidal banks of Breakfast Creek. This ( 6) "In respect of this Question the Vice-Chancellor has reiterated that not action is under consideration by the one class period had been cancelled and Department in the interests of harbour no student had been denied the oppor­ cleanliness and navigational safety in Bris­ tunity of continuing his work." bane Harbour and is not expected to have any more than a very minor effect upon (7) "In Queensland and in all other flooding of the Breakfast Creek area. The States, the financial situation in the Brisbane Harbour Authority has no juris­ Universities and in education generally is diction or powers to take similar action under constant review. As the Honour­ within the limits of the Townsville able Member well knows financial pro­ Harbour." vision for education receives a high priority in public spending in Queensland." PENALITIES FOR SERIOUS TRAFFIC OFFENCES BRISBANE CRICKET GROUND AND ToWNSVILLE SPORTS RESERVE Mr. Aikens, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Transport,- Mr. Aikens, pursuant to notice, asked The Treasurer,- Will the resolution that penalties for serious traffic offences be increased, which Has his attention been drawn to an was overwhelmingly carried at the recent article in The Courier-Mail of October 28 seminar on road safety at which he was wherein he is reported as stating that present, be conveyed to the judiciary and, abundant funds will be made available if so, by whom and in what manner? through the S.G.I.O. for the reconstruction and modernisation of the Brisbane Cricket Answer:- Ground, Woolloongabba and, if so, will ''No." funds be made available on the same terms and conditions for the reconstruction and modernisation of the sports reserve and the SUSPENSION OF FIREMAN GERMAINE Murray Sporting Complex, Townsville? Mr. Bousen, pursuant to notice, asked The Answer:- Minister for Transport,- "The Honourable Member's Question is Further to his Answer to my Question of a hypothetical nature. I am unable to on September 17 regarding the suspension provide an Answer to it without a com­ of fireman Germaine following a train parable proposition being submitted to the collision at Narangba on June 8- State Government Insurance Office. If a (1) Has the suspension been lifted? proposition can be submitted with com­ parable feasibility of financial return to (2) On what date did he commence the State Government Insurance Office, it duty? would receive consideration." (3) Will he be paid for the time he was off duty under suspension?

CLEARING OF TIDAL CREEKS, BRISBANE Answers:­ AND TOWNSVILLE (1) "Yes." Mr. Aikens, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Conservation,- (2) "Monday, October 26." Has his attention been drawn to an (3) "This is a matter for determination article in The Courier-Mail of October 27 by the General Manager, S.E.D., and wherein he is reported as saying that the Chief of Operations, Brisbane, in the exer­ Government will spend a considerable cise of the powers conferred on him by sum of money in cleaning out tidal creeks the Railways Acts." 1444 Questions Upon Notice (29 OCTOBER) Questions Upon Notice

RIVER IMPROVEMENT TRUSTS Answer:- Mr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked The " A site has not yet been selected and it Minister for Conservation,- will not be selected until detailed investigations have been completed. ( 1) How many River Trusts have been However I can assure the Honourable set up in Queensland under the River Member that these investigations will Improvement Trust Act on (a) coastal include all sites and sources of fuel offering rivers and (b) inland rivers? favourable conditions for the production (2) What was the total finance made and transmtsswn of electricity to the available to these Trusts during the last principal load centres of the State." ten years by way of (a) subsidies and (b) loans? (3) How much of this was required for BLUE NURSING SERVICE emergency repairs to work already com­ pleted and damaged by catastrophies such Dr. Crawford, pursuant to notice, asked as cyclone Ada and provided by (a) the The Minister for Health,- Commonwealth, (b) the Staie and (c) Following his statement on October 27 the Trust itself by way of loans obtained? that the extension of the Blue Nursing Service subsidy is not in accordance with ( 4) Has any other direct Common­ wealth financial assistance been made to Government policy- River Trusts in Queensland? ( 1) When and by whom was this decision made? Answers:- (2) When was this Government policy (!) "(a) six; (b) six." discussed by the joint-party caucus? (2) "(a) July 1, 1960 to June 30, 1970, $457,516.96; (b) July 1, 1960 to June 30, Answers:- 1970, Treasury Loans, $86,988.02. Govern­ ( 1) "The Honourable Member is ment Guaranteed Debenture Loans raised obviously challenging the wise policy of by Trusts, $1,100,885." the Government to channel its financial (3) "During the period July 1, 1960 to resources into areas where financial assist­ June 30, 1971, expenditure on exceptional ance is most needed. That is the Govern­ flood damage prior to Cyclone Ada has ment policy I referred to in my Answer to been: (a) Commonwealth-Condamine the Honourable Member's Question With­ Trust, $2,023 (1967), Herbert Trust, out Notice on October 27. If the Honour­ $34,228 (1968); (b) State-Condamine able Member, perchance, intended to Trust, $2,276 (1967), Herbert Trust, challenge the action taken over ten months $34,227 (1968). (c) Trusts-Condamine ago following a very substantial increase Trust, $2,783 ( 1967); Herbert Trust, in Commonwealth financial assistance to $34,227 (1968). In respect of damage by nursing-home type hospitals conducted by Cyclone Ada, the following amounts are to all, and I repeat all, Churches and Charit­ be provided: (a) Commonwealth-Pioneer able Organisations, I advise the Honour­ Trust, $15,667; Upper Pioneer Trust, able Member that approvals and amend­ $16,667; Don River Trust, $110,000. ments to approvals for the payment of (b) State-Pioneer Trust, $15,667; Upper both capital subsidy and maintenance Pioneer Trust, $16,667: Don River Trust, subsidy for such institutions are given by $110,000. (c) Trusts-Pioneer Trust, Cabinet. Cabinet approvals extend over $15,666; Upper Pioneer Trust, $16,666; the period from June 7, 1949. to the most Don River Trust, $110,000. The above recent decision of November 24, 1969." amounts for Don River Tru_st will leave (2) "Discussions in the joint-party repairs costing $56,000 not carried out." meetings are on a basis of strict confi­ (4) "No." dentiality, and I reject the Honourable Member's attempt to inveigle me into a breach of that confidentiality. Statements on joint-party discussions are made by the MAJOR POWER STATION DEVELOPMENT Honourable the Premier or his Deputy." Mr. Casey, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Local Government,- In view of the State Electricity Com­ DEPENDENCY ON BARBITURATES AND missioner's report that long-term planning ANALGESICS is in hand for the development of the Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The next major power station in Queensland Minister for Health,- after the Gladstone project, has a site been selected? If so, what is the selection (1) How many persons (a) under 25 and, if not, will the areas being investi­ years and (b) 25 years and over have been gated include sites in the Mackay district, treated in Queensland for drug addiction with consideration being given to the since January 1, 1970, and of these how possibility of the use of coal from the many were found to be addicted to (i) Bee Creek deposits? barbiturate and (ii) analgesic preparations? Questions Upon Notice [29 OCTOBER] Questions Upon Notice 1445

(2) Has his attention been drawn to the Answer:- findings of a survey on drug dependence ( 1 to 3) "Provision is made in the in Brisbane by members of the Depart­ State Grants (Advanced Education) Act ment of Psychological Medicine, Queens­ 1969 for a Commonwealth contribution land University, as reported in the Medical of $700 000 to be matched by a similar Journal of Australia of August 29? If so, State c~ntribution for expenditure during what is being done by his Department to the triennium commenced January 1, combat the barbiturate and analgesic 1970, for the establishment of teacher dependency problem as revealed in this college facilities withi_n th~ framework of survey? the, existing Capncorma Queensland Answers:- Institute of Technology at Rockhampton. A tender has recently been accepted for ( 1) "As people in Queensland addicted extensions to the dining and kitchen block to drugs may receive treatment at any of at the college as the first. step il! . !he the 132 State hospitals and the special establishment of the teachmg facthties. hospitals and clinics or may be treated by Work on this contract is expected to private medical practitioners, collection of commence at an early date.. Plan~ h_ave the information sought by the Honour­ been prepared and tenders wtll ~e .mvtted able Member would be a mammoth task, in the near future for further bmldm&s. at and the time and expense involved would the college which will be used for JO,mt not be warranted in the present circum­ purposes of students i~ teacher ed~catwn. stances. The great majority of cases of courses and other terhary courses. drug addiction relate to the two groups mentioned by the Honourable Member. Where addiction reaches a degree of VALUATION OF BALONNE SHIRE severity indicating the need for specialised Mr. Hungerford, pursuant to notice, asked treatment, the patient is usually referred The Minister for Local Government,- to a psychiatric hospital. Patients treated As the Valuer-General has just co!D­ at Wolston Park Hospital and Wacol pleted the valuation of the Bal_onne Shtret Rehabilitation Clinic for the twelve months which resulted in an over-all mcrease of ending June 30, 1970, were- 13 per cent. in the _uni:r_npr~wed. land values, can he justify thts nse m vtew of Barbiturate Total Drug Addiction Addiction the calamitous state of the wool market, -- the prolonged drought and the lack of confidence generally in land values? Males IFemales Males Females Answer:- Under 25 years 1 I .. 6 l "The valuation of the Balonne Shire has. 25 years and over 7 35 16 40" been made on the basis of t.he propel1;Y I market as at the relevant time and JS (2) "My awareness of the work and considered by officers of the Valuer­ findings of the survey by the Department General's Department to be justified on of Psychological Medicine has already been this basis." the basis of earlier statements in this House. It has long been realised that the MINING RoYALTIES, MouNT IsA most important way of approaching the DISTRICT drug dependency problem is by education. Mr. Inch, pursuant to notice, asked The The Queensland Health Education Council Minister for Mines,- has developed a very active drug health education programme. Following upon the Further to his Answer to my Question receipt of Commonwealth assistance, this on October 7 relative· to royalties received programme is at present gaining added from mining companies in the Mount Isa momentum by the appointment of addi­ district, what is the reason for the pro­ tional staff and the training of part-time gressive decline since 1966-67 in the> health educators." amount of royalty received? Answer:- PROPOSED TEACHERS' COLLEGE, "From the figures below it will be ~een ROCKHAMPTON that the decrease in royalty for the penods Mr. Wright, pursuant to notice, asked The under review was due solely to the royalty Minister for Education,- received from Mount Isa Mines Limited- With regard to the proposal to establish a teachers' college in Rockhampton- -- 1966-67 1967-68 1968-69 ( 1) Have the final plans for construc­ $ $ $ Mount I sa I tion been completed and approved? Mines Limited 1,068,990. 00 431,218.00 306,380.00 (2) Will construction commence in Other November this year and, if not, what is producers .. 742.70 1,748.50 6,611.19 the anticipated date? Total .. 1,069,732. 70 432,966.50 1312,991.19 (3) What is the estimated cost? 1446 Questions Upon Notice [29 OCTOBER] Questions Upon Notice

The year 1969-70 disclosed a substantial AUTHORITIES TO PROSPECT increase. The decrease in royalty pay­ Mr. Davies for Mr. Lloyd, pursuant to ments by Mount Isa Mines Limited was caused mainly by a reduction in its mine notice, asked The Minister for Mines,- earnings for these years. These earnings ( 1) Before granting an authority to are the figures on which royalties are prospect, what consideration is given to assessed. From its annual report, earnings (a) alternative land usage and (b) the for the year on which the above royalty landholder's interests where the land is was paid decreased progressively from tenanted or owned by a person other than $15,859,992 to $10,444,574." the applicant for such an authority? (2) What powers or authorities has the CHEST X-RAYS OF RAILWAY EMPLOYEES Beach Protection Authority in relation to Mr. R. Jones, pursuant to notice, asked coastal land where authorities to prospect The Minister for Transport,- have been issued? Why are railway employees required to (3) Where applications are received by book off duty and claim sick pay when the Department for authorities to prospect recalled under the compulsory chest X-ray coastal and beach areas, are they referred scheme to report to the Cairns Base to the Beach Protection Authority? Hospital's thoracic annexe for further tests? Answers:- Answer:- (1) "(a) An authority to prospect is granted for the purpose of ascertaining "I would refer the Honourable Member the existence or otherwise of economic to my reply to the Question asked by the mineral deposits. In most cases such Honourable Member for Ipswich West on deposits are proved not to exist and, con­ October 7, 1969. The existing provision sequently, the matter of alternative land is considered to be a generous one." usage is not a problem. However, if at the outset it is apparent that mining might NILE PERCH adversely affect other interests, notably Mr. Wallis-Srnith, pursuant to notice, asked agricultural, an authority to prospect is The Minister for Primary Industries,- not granted. (b) The law makes provision for prospecting on private land and if such ( 1) Has a progress report been received prospecting proves an economic mineral regarding the Nile perch which were intro­ deposit a mining lease must be approved duced into ponds at Townsville? before mining begins. Applications for (2) If reports are satisfactory, will he mining leases must be advertised before expedite the stocking of Tinaroo Falls being heard by the warden in open court Darn and other suitable streams with these at which any person may lodge an objection fish? to such applications. In the case of private land mining will not be approved until Answers:- a compensation agreement between the (! and 2) "No Nile Perch have been applicant and land-owner has been lodged imported into Australia. The importation and approved." of exotic fish is subject to agreement by (2) "The Honourable Member's atten­ all States and the Commonwealth via the tion is directed to sections 49 and 50 of Australian Fisheries Council, and such the Beach Protection Act of 1968." agreement has not yet been reached in relation to the Nile Perch." (3) "It is not usual to refer applications for authorities to prospect to the Beach REMOVAL OF TREES, KENNEDY Protection Authority but all applications HIGHWAY for mining leases within the "coast" as defined in the Beach Protection Act of Mr. Wallis-Srnith, pursuant to notice, asked 1968 are referred to the authority." The Minister for Mines,- Further to his Answer to my Question on September 15 concerning the removal MANUFACTURE OF CAUSTIC SODA of trees along the Kennedy Highway, what arrangements have been made for the Mr. Hanson, pursuant to notice, asked The replanting of trees and what type is to Minister for Industrial Development,- be planted? (1) As caustic soda (sodium hydroxide, NaOH) amounting to between 80,000 and Answer:- 100,000 tons is used in the refining of "No trees have yet been replanted. bauxite to produce alurnina at the Q.A.L. Arrangements are being made for the plant at Gladstone, has any submission Forestry Department to supply the trees. been made to his Department to have The Main Roads Department District caustic soda manufactured within this Engineer at Cairns will advise you directly State on a site well removed from resi­ when arrangements have been finalised." dential and commercial areas? Questions Upon Notice [29 OCTOBER] Questions Upon Notice 1447

(2) As the greater proportion of caustic (6) Are these works being financed by soda used at the alumina plant is imported hire-purchase companies? from overseas and as the manufacturers, I.C.I.A.N.Z., Union Carbide and Dow (7) What rate of interest is charged to Chemicals sought a restoration of the 30 the Council? per cent. to 40 per cent. tariff plus a sup­ (8) Will the cost of these works plus port value, will he endeavour in the State's interest be paid by ratepayers? interests to have a caustic soda plant established in Central Queensland? Answers:- (3) As large bulk quantities are sold to ( 1) "I have seen the report referred the Queensland Alumina Company, as apparently an industry is being lost to the to." State because of the price demands of (2) "The 1967 Amendment of the Local present Australian caustic soda manu­ Government Acts authorised the making facturers and as the alumina makers of time-payment contracts subject to the realise that caustic soda is a vital element in alumina production which must compete limitations laid down in the legislation." on world markets at world prices, has he (3) "Subsidy is paid on works carried or have his departmental officers investigated out on a time-payment basis to the extent the possibility of the establishment of a plant in Queensland? of the works expenditure component of progressive payments to the contractor. Answer:- The estimated interest component in the cost does not attract subsidy. Subsidy on ( 1 to 3) "As the Honourable Member road and drainage works is presently pay­ will be aware from statements made both inside and outside this House, my Depart­ able at the rate of 15 per cent." ment has for some time been actively ( 4 and 5) "Approval of the Australian negotiating for the establishment of a Loan Council to deferred payment arrange­ chlor/alkali plant in Central Queensland. ments is necessary only in respect of pro­ These negotiations are still proceeding. posals involving payments in excess of A provisional site has been reserved for $250,000 over a period extending more such a project on the Department's Clinton than three years beyond the completion Industrial Estate. The nature of the of the project or the receipt of equipment Honourable Member's Question would being purchased." seem to suggest that he is pursuing his customary practice of endeavouring to join (6 and 7) "Any financing arrangements the band waggon when this Government involving a third party would be between is in an advanced stage of negotiation for the contractors and such party." the establishment of industrial enterprises in this State. In the light of the success ( 8) The source of the funds required to of the Government's industrialisation meet the payments under the proposals, policy, more particularly in the area repre­ with the exception of the Government sented by the Honourable Member, such subsidy, is a matter for decision by the an attitude is perhaps understandable." Brisbane City Council."

TIME-PAYMENT CONTRACTS, BRISBANE CITY CouNCIL POLLUTION OF BREAKFAST AND ENOGGERA CREEKS Mr. Hughes, pursuant to notice, asked The Treasurer,- Mr. Davis, pursuant to notice, asked The Minister for Transport,- (!) Has he seen a report in The Courier-Mail of October 28 headed "3 With reference to the Answer to my time payment works approved", stating Question by the Minister for Local that the Brisbane City Council had Government on September 4, 1969, con­ approved road and drainage works to cost cerning the pollution of Breakfast and $1,054,926 by deferred-payment schemes? Enoggera Creeks by oil from the Mayne railway yards, when did the Railway (2) Has the Government approved of Department allow oil to pollute these this method of finance as applying to these creeks? works? (3) Will the Government pay subsidy Answer:- on these works? If so, how much? "I would suggest that the Honourable ( 4) Is this method of finance within Member re-read the Answer furnished by the terms of approval of the Loan Council? the Honourable the Minister for Locai Government on September 4, 1969. As (5) Have these borrowings on deferred­ I informed the Honourable Member yes­ payment commitments been approved by terday, the matter of drainage from railway the Loan Council? property at Mayne is receiving attention." 1448 Questions Without Notice [29 OCTOBER] Supply

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE pleased at what happened, and can only hope that this will not precipitate any action that IMPOSITION OF LEVIES ON IMPORTED will require further and more drastic action. FOODSTUFFS BY UNITED KINGDOM

Mr. WHARTON: I direct a question to SUPPLY the Premier. Has he read the Press state­ ment in "The Courier-Mail" this morning RESUMPTION OF COMMITTEE-ESTIMATEs­ by the Honourable John McEwen that Aus­ THIRD AND FOURTH ALLOTTED DAYS tralian products would be faced with real barriers by Britain's proposal to impose levies (Mr. Ramsden, Merthyr, in the chair) on imports of foodstuffs? Will he maintain ESTIMATES-IN-CHIEF, 1970-71 close liaison with the Federal Ministry of Trade and Queensland's Agent-General so PREMIER AND DEPARTMENT OF STATE that Queensland's interests in the marketing DEVELOPMENT of sugar, beef, butter and other primary products will be safeguarded? CHIEF OFFICE Debate resumed from 27 October (see p. Mr. BJELKE·PETERSEN: I did read the 1421) on Mr. Bjelke-Petersen 's motion- article to which the hon. member makes reference. I, as I am sure all members of "That $639,140 be granted for 'Premier this House are, am deeply concerned at the and Department of State Development­ Chief Office'." possible effects that such new arrangements might have on the primary products of this Mr. F. P. MOORE (Mouri!yan) (11.39 country and of our State. As the hon. a.m.): On Tuesday evening I spoke on two member suggests, I will keep in close touch items under the other Votes controlLed by with the Prime Minister and the Honourable the Premier. I pointed out that the Premier John McEwen, who is handling this problem. had deviated from the organisation of his departments and, in many instances, had Mr. CASEY: I ask the Premier: In view attacked the Australian Labour Party and of the announcement of the British Con­ cast aspersions on the integrity of Opposi­ servative Government that it will place levies tion members. To illustrate my point, I on imported foodstuffs, and the consequen­ should like to quote from the editorial in tial effect that this action will have upon "The Caboolture News" of 30 September, Queensland's primary products, will the 1970. Under the heading, "Life Tough For Queensland Government consider the The Premier", the editorial reads- removal of all preferential clauses for goods "Indications are that the Premier of and materials supplied from the United Queensland, Mr. Joe Bjelke-Petersen, is Kingdom for all future tenders called by the finding the going a little tough. Specula­ various Government departments? tion is whether he will continue in office for perhaps as long as he looked forward Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: As the hon. to when he took office. member will appreciate, this is a matter of policy, which we do not discuss or reveal "Mr. Petersen told a Young Country in this Chamber. Party gathering in his electomte of Barambah just recently that, 'I won't last ten years like Sir Francis Nicklin'. And DISCIPLINARY ACTION AT UNIVERSITY OF he went on to explain just why. It was QUEENSLAND a story of a man realising that life can Mr. HUGHES: I ask the Minister for be a lot tougher than anticipated. Education and Cultural Activities: Has his "There can be no doubt that Mr. attention been drawn to an article in today's Petersen has had anything but a placid "Courier-Mail" relative to the University life as Premier and that in recent times Disciplinary Committee's recommendation to particularly he has found it most difficult the university senate to suspend two to stop 'putting his foot in it' with almost students? If so, will the Minister, on behalf everything he says and does. of the public and the State, commend the "The curr,ent panto-like state of affairs authorities concerned for the calm, efficient existing in connection with the Govern­ and effective manner in which this breach ment's much publicised questions-without­ of decency, discipline and university statutes notice sessions is an excellent example. has been handled? Everybody knew that these sessions would be used to some extent to enable Ministers Mr. FLETCHER: I have noted the report. to make statements under the guise of Of course, I shall be in touch with the answers to questions by the simple university in this regard. While, to me, the expedient of making arrangements for a action taken might be very commendable, I colleague to ask a certain question so .consider it would be a little presumptuous that loaded answers could be given." of me to speak on whether those here .approve or disapprove--as obviously some The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. hon. members disapprove-of the attitude Ramsden): Order! The Committee has adopted by an autonomous body like the discussed the Legislative Assembly. We are university senate. Personally, I was rather now dealing with the Premier's Estimates. Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1449

Mr. F. P. MOORE: This concerns the Mr. F. P. MOORE: I observe your Premier. It is a statement referring to the rulings, Mr. Ramsden; I respect you as running of his department. the Chair, and I am not, unlike the gentle­ man who spoke previously, trying to The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! question your authority. What I am trying Questions without notice come under Legis­ to do is point out that the Premier has lative Assembly, not the Minister for State virtually departed from organising his own Development. department, and what I am quoting goes to prove beyond doubt that that is so. Mr. Mr. F. P. MOORE: The editorial con­ Speaker must have mentioned this matter tinues- to the newspaper from which I am quoting. "On the other hand, parliamentarians He must have put his knife into the like Murrumba's Mr. Nicholson, on the Premier's back before 20 October, because verge of establishing a record as Speaker this newspaper is dated 30 September. in the Queensland Legislative Assembly, are gaining added respect and admiration The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN: Order! on all sides for the more practical and I have drawn the hon. member's attention efficient roles they are playing in Parlia­ to the fact that the Committee is not dis­ ment. cussing Mr. Speaker. He does not come "Mr. Nicholson's recent straight-forward under the administrative acts of the Premier's criticism of what he termed 'slanging Department. Will the hon. member please matches' in Parliament is an example of confine his remarks to that department? his obvious determination to carry out his Mr. F. P. MOORE: I conclude by calling job without fear or favour and to preserve on the Premier to resign. If he does not, he the dignity and meaning of government. will get his head lopped off, even if it is by "Now he has been asked by the Press the Treasurer, Mr. Chalk. to take a hand in keeping the ridiculous out of the should-be-sublime questions­ Mr. NEWTON (Belmont) (11.45 a.m.): In without-notice business, and there's no taking part in the debate on .the Vote now doubt that he'll do just that. before the Committee, I wish to deal with "Mr. Nicholson, regarded with equal a question of vital importance to many respect by both Government and Opposition members representing large electorates. Of members alike, and with the toughness, course, elected members of this Assembly experience and ability to do the job, could must keep faith with their electors on perhaps be a worthy successor to Mr. matters raised with them, and hon. members Petersen, should the Premier decide to who represent large electorates are being give it away. placed in a very embarrassing position by "The Speaker scoffs at the suggestion, a situation that is not of their making. but there are others that don't. He must I refer to appointments to the Commis­ ce-rtainly be regarded as a possible starter, sion of the Peace for Queensland. This and one with winning prospects at that. problem has become so serious in my elec­ "Take a look at the rest of the field torate that, following the 1969 election, it and what do you see? Well, what?" was necessary for me to take the matter up with the Premier and point out to him I am quoting from "The Caboolture News", the growth in the enrolment in the Belmont and the hon. member for Murrumba is electorate. In 1960 the enrolment was chairman of directors of its publisher, North 12,280; for the 1969 election it was 19,919. Coast News Company Pty. Ltd. A police check would show that the present enrolment is about 23,000. Mr. HUGHES: I rise to a point of order. I ask if the hon. member for Mourilyan is The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. correct in speaking on matters not con­ Ramsden): Order! I hope the hon. gentleman tained in the Vote now under discussion, will tie his remarks in with the Vote under on which matter a ruling has already been discussion. Redistribution and enrolment given. We must not, as a Government, be matters come under .the Department of accused of wasting time and not dealing with Justice. Estimates properly, as the Opposition is Mr. NEWTON: I appreciate your remarks, presently doing. Mr. Ramsden. I am not dealing with the The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Department of Justice, nor is it my intention Ramsden): I have already asked the hon. to do so. I am dealing with recommenda­ member for Mourilyan to confine himself tions made for appointments to the Com­ to a discussion of the Premier and Depart­ mission of the Peace for Queensland, which ment of State Development. I have already is a responsibility of the Premier. ruled that the conduct of the Legislative . Today.' more people seem to be approach­ Assembly has been debated, and that it is mg their State members and requesting now out of order to discuss it. If the hon. appointment as commissioners of the peace member cannot continue his remarks in for Queensland. I have noticed for some accordance with my ruling, I shall have to time that quite a number of new documents ask him to resume his seat. are being issued which require the perusal 1450 Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply of a justice of the peace, and that the "It has always been my policy to submit signature of the person making the declara­ four each quarter instead of piling up a tion or filling in the form must be witnessed waiting list at your Department, but, if the by a justice of the peace. At the same time, present position is to remain as far as grow­ it is quite evident that many members of ing electora:tes are concerned, I will have the younger generation are entering pro­ no alternative but to submit the fourteen nominations in bulk. fessional and academic fields of employment and, because of their calling or occupation, "In view of the above, I would be pleased if you could look into this matter are being called upon to witness documents. at your convenience and let me know if As I said earlier, hon. members represent­ there is to be any change as far as growing ing large electorates in Queensland find them­ electorates are concerned." selves in a rather serious situation. In my Mr. B. Wood: I will bet you got nothing own case, on not one but several occasions out of him. the Premier's Department has written to me indicating that I am well in advance of Mr. NEWTON: The reply I received will the quota of nominations allowed under indicate the truth of what the hon. member the present system and that I might have says. to discontinue submitting names until those The Premier replied to me on 4 June, that have already been submitted are dealt 1969, as follows:- with. "Dear Mr. Newton, I make it quite clear to the Committee "I have your letter of 27th May, 1969, that I represent one of the fast-growing in which you refer to the fact that the electorates in the metropolitan area, an number of voters in your Electorate of electorate that includes quite a number of Belmont is approaching the 20,000 mark new suburbs. Because of this, I have a and that on this basis your annual quota waiting list of 26 people who require their of sixteen nominations to the Commission names to be submitted for consideration for of the Peace is inadequate. appointment to the Commission of the Peace "I appreciate your position but hasten to in Queensland. This is embarrassing to me, point out that this is not peculiar to the as it would be to any member of Parlia­ Belmont Electorate. All I can say at the ment. If people write to a member or present juncture is that this is a situation phone him, he must inform them that a which could be remedied following any quota system operates in the submission of Electorate re-distribution. names by each member for appointment to the Commission of the Peace. I do not "At the moment it would be extremely know how long this system has been in difficult to institute some form of pro rata operation, but at the present time I am system based on Electorate figures. allowed to nominate only four persons a "At the same time it must be remem­ quarter. bered that there is no great dearth of Justices of the Peace in the metropolitan Mr. Low: It has been operating for many area and that this number is constantly years. increasing by virtue of the fact there are twenty-eight metropolitan MM.L.A., Mr. NEWTON: I thank the hon. member making about 450 nominations annually." for Cooroora. The point I am making is that if a quota system restricting nominations to four I reiterate the point I wish to make to the persons a quarter is to operate, some special Committee. If we are to retain a system of consideration should be given to electorates quotas, some consideration should be given that have grown as large as mine has. to growing electorates. It is 10 years or more since the last redistribution; the enrolment So serious has the position become in my in my electorate has grown virtually to the electorate that I was forced to write to the size of two electorates, yet I am still allowed Premier on 27 May, 1969, the text of my to nominate only four persons a quarter. letter being as follows:- This is the situation of which I complain, "Dear Mr. Bjelke-Petersen, and it is embarrassing for any member of "I am making representations in relation Parliament who represents a fast-growing to the present position applying ;to the electorate to be confronted with it. Of nomination of persons for the Commission course I realise that the Government has of the Peace for Queensland. looked at various methods of overcoming "In 1960 when the Belmont Electorate the problem ,to sav,e members of Parliament was made a new section, the enrolment embarrassment, but the situation remains was 12,280. Today it has grown to 19,919 unchanged. and as a Member I am still allowed to Unless the Government implements a nominate only four persons per quarter policy of redistribution, other hon. members for consideration for a Commission of the and I could be placed in a much more Peace. My present quota is filled until the embarrassing situation than at present. end of June 1969, but I have a waiting list Sometimes I receive representations from of fourteen persons seeking an appoint­ people who live in the suburbs that border ment. my electorate and who should approach either Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1451

the hon. member for Chatsworth or the hon. asking to be nominated, but we have found member for Mt. Gravatt. They have been ourselves in the same position as the hon. :referred to those two hon. members. member for Wavell indicated that he was in. Members representing metropolitan elec­ This is a serious matter. If we continue torates and provincial city electorates, with to operate under the present system, which fast-growing areas, are all in the same has prevai·led for many years, I suggest •that position. the Premier look at the matter of the nomination of persons as commissioners of That was the only matter I wish to deal the peace. As the hon. member for Cooroora with, and I put it forward on the basis has poin1ed out, the present quota is four that it affects most members of Parliament, persons a quarter. I do not feel that any and because I believe that no member of hon. member should be made to suffer Parliament should be placed in such an embarrassment in the manner that I have embarrassing position. described. Mr. HANSON (Port Curtis) (12.2 p.m.): Dr. Crawford: How many people are put The Estimates for the Premier's Department on the commission every year throughout are very important, and we could devote the State? quite some time to debating the many facets pertaining to it. Before I develop certain Mr. NEWTON: I would not know. The submissions that I wish to make, however, Premier indicated to me that I would get I desire to place on record appreciation of 16 a year in my electorate, but some the courtesy extended to members of Parlia­ electorates would not have that demand. ment generally by two officers of the Premier's Dr. Crawford: All the metropolitan ones Department, namely, Mr. Spann and Mr. do, and I am way behind, as you are. Maher. I am very conscious of the fact that at all times they are extremely courteous Mr. NEWTON: My situation is entirely to members of Parliament, whose position different from the hon. member's. Although they apparently respect. A member has only his electorate is a growing one, it is not to make a submission to either of them to growing as fast as it did years ago. I can get a ready and courteous response. That recall when, after World War II, extensive is certainly appreciated by all of us. I housing development was occurring in the mention those two officers specifically because Wavell electorate. My electorate is growing I believe I should refer to their unfailing faster than most others in the metropolitan courtesy and the way in which they almost area, and it will continue •to, because the bend over backwards to assist us. areas that were included in it were excised The Agent-General for Queensland in from the Mt. Gravatt and Wynnum elec­ London carries a very grave responsibility, torates. Homes cannot be built into the and in the last few years Queensland has sea at Wynnum or on the mountains in been very fortunate to have Dr. Summerville the Mt. Gravatt electorate, so the people in that position. No doubt he has been must come into my electorate. faced with considerable trouble because of Unless the Premier does what he indicated the impending entry of the United Kingdom he would do in the reply that I have read into the European Common Market, and out, hon. members will continue to suffer certain complexities relative to trade agree­ embarrassment. If my electorate is interfered ments have undoubtedly worried him. He with in any way, such as being cut in halves­ has had to ensure that the produce exported and it is not for me to say; probably the from Queensland is adequately placed so Government will determine that-- that we might receive a good price for it. He has performed a wonderful public service, Mr. Davies: It should be the commission which I wish to emphasise during this debate. that determines it. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of Mr. NEWTON: It should be. The liaison in the Agent-General's office in that Opposition has stated its position clearly. we are not getting the number of immigrants We hope that a commission will be set up that we should, particularly from the United to consider all the factors and will reach Kingdom. We are faring badly compared an unbiased decision that will treat all with other States. The Government has political parties equally. been remiss in not encouraging the Agent­ If there is a redistribution of electorates, General to increase the number of migrants any member who took over what might be to Qu~ensland to fill vacancies in trades, left of my electorate would find 26 people professiOns and many other avenues of work waiting for their names to be submitted so -;-both skilled and unskilled-in the expand­ that they could become commissioners of the mg economy of the State. peace. On the list already submitted to One has only to walk along the streets of the Premier's Department, my quota is full, capital cities and towns in the southern probably until December, 1971. That is a States to see the number of migrants there.. serious matter. Queensland has lagged in this respect. Many Members on this side of the Chamber have projects are about to be launched here and conferred to see if some of us have not there will be difficulty, as there has been in as great a demand as others from persons the past, in getting the tradesmen and 1452 Supply [29 OcTOBER] Supply

specialised workmen necessary to complete of the world, I hope its administrators can them. This is to be regretted because, with see the common sense of the submissions I the advent of a Labour administration in am now making. It is also very desirable that this State, large-scale development will be my suggestion should apply to all State pro­ launched, requiring the resources and perties under the administration of the planning of a wise administration to satisfy Premier in places other than Queensland. the demands of industry and to ensure that the skilled workmen are available and Another matter with which I wish to deal placed. comes under the heading of Trust and Special Funds, through the Premier and Department Many years ago a request was made to of State Development. I refer to the Moura the Agent-General's office in London to see Railway Project Fund, which appears under if it could encourage United Kingdom Trust and Special Funds in the Estimates of dentists to come here. This was wise and Premier and Department of State Develop­ judicious planning by the Government ment, at page 9 of the Estimates. I should because there was a shortage of dentists in like to bring to the attention of the Com­ this State. The Agent-General's office was mittee that the report of the Auditor-General very co-operative and extended itself. The shows, in the portion dealing with this fund result was that this service was adequately that there were no further advances from provided in our public hospitals. This is Loan Fund during the year 1969-70, and the the sort of work that the Agent-General's tntal to 30 June of this year was $27,500,000. office could engage in. There is not 1\fet expenditure to 30 June, 1970, was sufficient liaison in that office to see that $27,290,001, of which over $400,000 was migrants who are vitally necessary in Queens­ incurred during 1969-70. That left an land are assisted to become residents of this unexpended balance of $209,999. State. T should also like to bring to the notice Yesterday, in company with many other of the Committee a question that I asked hon. members, Ministers, and officials of pertaining to this fund, appearing at page 80 Parliament, I had the pleasure of attending of Volume 249, 1968, of "Hansard". Among the opening of the new State Government other things, I asked- Insurance Office. Either the Treasurer or "Was the final cost in excess of or below the general manager said that we were lucky the original estimate?" as the company had gone international. That made me recall questions that I had asked a was informed- former Premier relative to the terms and 'The final cost is not yet available. It conditions of occupancy of Queensland is expected that the amount spent will House on The Strand, which the Government eqnal the original estimated cost of rents from Central and District Properties $27,500,000, but not exceed that amount." Limited, Berkeley Square House, Berkeley Square, Westminster. I believe that if the That was fair enough. State owns an insurance company and rents Another part of my question was-· premises, that company should carry the "On what firm date did the Railway insurance on those premises. That is normal, Department actually take over the rail­ simple, common-sense business practice. ways and did the department on doing so I also asked the Premier whether the release all contractors from further S.G.I.O. insured the furniture, effects, stock obligations." and other items in that building. I was Another part of my question was- told that no insurance relative to this building "Have any legal claims been made or was carried by the S.G.I.O. and that the r~n they be made under the agreement lessor had the right to decide which insur­ against any contractor or contracting firm ance company would handle this business. for faulty and inferior workmanship?" I was told also that it was not the Govern­ ment's policy to insure items of this nature. I also asked- This is contrary to normal, common-sense "Since the Railway Department has business practice. assumed full responsibility for the Tailway I suggest to the Premier that he use every line, what amounts have been expended by endeavour to see 'that the owners of the the Department on such matters as line property occupied by the Agent-General con­ buckling, 'landslides, washouts, strengthen­ sider the State Government Insurance Office ing of bridge piers and foundations and all in any extension or rebuilding carried out. other appropriate matters?" After all, insurance companies from the To my great surprise, I was told in answer United Kingdom and various other places to that question that no legal claims were come to Queensland and do considerable made against the contractor. The answer business here. Of course, their bona fides then stated- must be established, and they must be "The contract documents entered into by approved by the Insurance Commissioner. contractors provide that the making and Why should the reverse not take place? If ..1cceptance of the final payment shall con­ the State Government Insurance Office olitute a waiver of all claims by the Com­ wishes to go international and become ,uissioner other than those arising from involved in insurance business in other parts faulty work, from requirements of the Supply (29 OCTOBER] Supply 1453

specification, or from manufacturer's guar­ in being very critical of the consultants on antees. Under the contract for track con.. this occasion. I hope that the railway project ~truction the faulty work must appear to be undertaken to connect the Goonyel!a within three months of final payment." coalfield with the coast will be completed Since the money from the railway project more successfully than the construction of fund has been spent, a really unfortunate the Gladstone-Moura line. state of affairs has developed on this line. Not I suggest that the Premier, his department, long after the line was taken over by the his Ministers and the administration generally Railway Department, there were huge land­ were very remiss in not ensuring very intense slides everywhere, particularly on the hilly investigation before planning and construc­ sections, whenever it rained. The department tion began and strict supervision during con­ has had to issue to employees innumerable struction and the period immediately a£ter it. advices and orders relative to speed restric­ tions. That has been necessary because of the I do not know of one building project discovery of clay-holes and other disabilities in respect of which contract documents are that point to inadequate investigations by the entered into and signed without some sort consultants, Ford, Bacon and Davis. of a time lapse in which the parties can satisfy themselves that the building is suffi­ Speed restrictions are only a part of the ciently substantial not to collapse around enormous number of instructions issued by their ears. Unfortunately, on this occasion the department, and I remind the Committee the Railway Department rushed in quickly that a great deal of buckling of the line to take over the complete responsibility, and occurred many months after its construction. I should be very interested to know whether Hon. members were informed in this any statement, private or otherwise, will be Chamber that the consultants were recognised made to the consultants informing them of throughout the world as authorities on the the terrible inadequacies of this developmental construction of railway lines. In spite of project. I assume that there have been that, many of the sleepers used, apparently bad results and no castigation. on their recommendation, were inadequate. Miles and miles of sleepers have been (Time expired.) removed and discarded, and they have been Mr. WRIGHT (Rockhampton South) (12.21 replaced by sleepers of greater strength p.m.): In this debate I wish to deal mainly that meet higher specifications. with one aspect of the Premier's Department, The considerable amount of strengthening namely State development. At the very of bridges that has taken place makes one outset, I ask: what exactly does the Premier wonder whether the consultants carried out do relative to State development? One would a complete and detailed investigation in the think that possibly he should play a co­ first place. I know that a firm of Italian ordinating role, that is, to co-ordinate contractors was given the task of strengthen­ development in the State. ing a railway bridge that was built on Mr. Low: Through the Co-ordinator- the property of a former member of this General. Assembly, and it had to enter into indentures to the tune of almost $1,000,000 to guarantee Mr. WRIGHT: I am speaking of the Premier that the work would be done satisfactorily. personally. Looking around the State, one But I point out that ·that would not have might ask if the Premier does actually per­ been necessary if the work had been done form this role, because I believe that there correctly in the first instance. is very little co-ordination in the develop­ I do not place the entire blame on the ment of the State. Instead, when something contractors, who worked under extremely good happens, such as the increase in coal difficult conditions. The consultants were production, this Government is very quick given the task of placing there a line that to take the credit, and when something bad would be completely adequate for the happens the Government and the Premier are expected traffic, but unfortunately they did very ready to say, "Well, the drought caused not do it very efficiently. Only a few it"; or "It has nothing to do with us." months ago barrel trucks loaded with con­ I believe that one of the great needs in crete were taken to different parts of the State development is co-ordination, and there­ line so that concrete could be dumped into fore we must look to the way in which holes. I do not think the consultants would we administer development in the State. One know where those trucks went, but it was of the first things that I feel is necessary is necessary to take that action in an endeavour a set plan. We have heard of five-year plans to strengthen the line. in other countries, five-year advancement plans I shall raise the matter again in this and a five-year leap forward. If Queensland Chamber, but I thought it was so serious that is to grow and become more than a Cinder­ I should at least mention it in this debate alia State in Australia, I think it is necessary and ventilate inadequacies relative to the to have a long-range plan of State develop­ expenditure of moneys from the Moura ment. It is now simply a minor aspect of the Railway Project Fund. It is a matter that portfolio of Premier and Minister for State demands the attention of all hon. members, Development, and means very little to most particularly the Premier. As a member members of this Committee. We need to of Parliament, I think I am acting correctly embark on a five-year plan of development in 1454 Supply [29 OcTOBER] Supply this State. However, to do this, I think it Parliament must be given the opportunity would be necessary to change the present to plan ahead. It is very easy to become parliamentary term from three years to five. parochial. In the 18 months that I have ~een in Parliament I have spoken many I have given consideration to this matter times about Central Queensland. Today I and it is my personal opinion that it may be should like to discuss its development. a very good thing. At the moment, we hold elections around May and it is August before Recently a booklet was published by the Parliament starts to work. I am not throwing Department of Industrial Development on any abuse at parliamentary members, because the potential of Central Queensland as I know they start working in their own elec­ related to the development of the State as torates immediately after the elections. I a whole. A complete survey was conducted, am speaking purely of legislative work, which but little notice has been taken of the does not start before the August session. findings of that survey. Instead Central We then have the Christmas break. This Queensland has become the Cinderella region is the pattern every year, and so we work of the State. No doubt many hon. members as a Parliament for few months of the year. have visited Central Queensland, and, in the I believe that much could be gained by light of the tremendous coal production that extending or increasing the Parliamentary is being achieved in Central Queensland, I term from three years to five. am sure they realise that that portion of the State possesses tremendous potential in Mr. Murray: The public is always suspic­ that sphere. But the Government has failed ious of that suggestion although this com­ to consider the potential for development of plaint is fairly general. Central Queensland relative to the many other industries in the area. Mr. WRIG.HT: The public may be sus­ picious but, after all, we have been elected Development should be tied to the to do a job, and I do not think we can potential of a particular area in all its ?o it properly and to the best of our ability aspects. It is well known that Central tf we have only three years in which to work Queensland is a major cattle-raising area, I a_nd, of those three y~ars, we only use pos­ and have emphasised that fact when speak­ ing about the need to develop Port Alma stbly ha!~ the ~ern~ m actually considering and passmg legtslatton. I think much could as a meat port. I have stressed the fact be gained. ~y my suggestion. I am not being that approximately 60 per cent. of the State's party pobttcal;. regardless of what party was total of cattle is within 250 to 300 miles of m power, I belteve my suggestion would allow Port Alma. I am sure hon. members realise the Government to work at greater length that Port Alma is playing a major role in and thus more effectively. The Government the development of Central Queensland; yet would be able to plan and have time to the meat industry is not being co-ordinated implement its plans. to its greatest advantage. A great deal remains to be done in Mr. Murray: I think it is sufficient to say Central Queensland, so the Premier should that the United Kingdom members of Par­ look at its growing industries and determine liament and Ministers have considerable what additional steps the Government can sympathy for us under our system. take to provide a boost to the region. I am The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. sure that, in addition to the cattle industry, a fertiliser industry could be established in Ramsden): Order! I hope that the hon. Central Queensland. However, the Govern­ member will tie this up with the Estimates ment tends to say, "We already have a cattle under debate. industry, so we will let that grow as it may; Mr. WRIG.HT: I am speaking about State we have coal in the area, so let us emphasise development, and I believe that an important that; and let us clear a small area of brigalow aspect of. it is planning. That is the point land." Very little is done about planning, and I am trymg to make. As I have said a the Premier is not doing his job. All the period of three years is far too short. ' If activities should be co-ordinated. the Premier's term of office was extended The Government has claimed that large to five years he could really get down to areas of brigalow land have been cleared his work as Minister for State Development. and developed. They have been, and the Government may feel proud of its achieve­ Of the utmost importance is the co-ordina­ ment, but it is not doing enough. Figures tion of our activities. Other hon. members have shown that those developed areas have have s~ok~n about speeches being too lengthy, a carrying capacity of one beast per 6 to 10 but thts ts not the only aspect in which acres, compared with undeveloped areas that valuable time is lost. have a carrying capacity of one beast per 20 Mr. P. Wood: The hon. member who to 60 acres. The development of the grazing made that comment makes longer speeches ~reas is the solution to boosting the cattle than anybody else. mdustry. We have seen proof in the brigalow areas of what can be achieved by this so it Mr. WRIG.HT: I believe he does. It was is an indictment on the Government that the hon. member for Chatsworth, was it more areas are not being improved. Other not? figures have revealed that of the 130,000,000 Supply [29 OCTOBER) Supply 1455 acres in Central Queensland only 1,000,000 of Central Queensland. We must have water acres, or less than 1 per cent., are being for development, and water conservation must cultivated. By far the greater proportion of be co-ordinated. Much has been said about land is being used for grazing. As I have the Fairbairn Dam being built near Emerald. pointed out, very little land has been devel­ Its storage capacity of 1,170,000 acre-feet oped for grazing. So much can be done. In will serve an irrigated area of about 60,000 the Far West of Central Queensland cattle acres. But the Government's responsibility figures have decreased by approximately 16 or task does not end with that dam. It per cent. A co-ordination of activities in the should investigate the major dam proposed cattle industry would achieve a great deaL at the Nathan Gorge on the Dawson River. It is estimated that it would store sufficient I believe that in discussing these matters water to irrigate 170,000 acres, almost three we should present a balanced view. In the times the area to be irrigated by the Fair­ last 10 years, the number of dairy cattle bairn Dam. A dam has been proposed also in Central Queensland has fallen by about at the Gap, on the Fitzroy River near 51 per cent. Sheep numbers have fluctuated Rockhampton. The Government should greatly in the same period. On many investigate it because it could hold 10,000,000 occasions it has been said that this is not acre-feet if it were about 200 feet high. the best area for crop production. That To emphasise its size, I point out that statement is fair enough, but let us look at Lake Eucumbene in the Snowy Mountains what Central Queensland has. It has a large holds 3,800,000 acre-feet and that the Hume coal industry, with wonderful potential. and Eildon Weirs together have a total There is every reason why Central Queens­ capacity of 2,500,000 acre-feet. I believe land should become the coal centre of the that the Gap scheme is not being imple­ State, with Rockhampton the coal capital of mented because the Government disregards Queensland. co-ordination in its developmental policies. We must remember its other attributes, Central Queensland has tremendous poten­ one of which is fruit production. About a tial for irrigation. Barely 1,000,000 acres quarter of the pineapples produced in Queens­ of 130,000,000 have been cultivated. Far land are grown in this area. In 1966-67 more should be done in the area. It is almost 30,000 tons were harvested. We have all very well to talk about our coal resources, discussed in this Chamber the possibility of but that is not good enough for Central establishing a cannery in the area. Although Queensland. About 8 per cent. of -the many arguments have been advanced for people of Queensland live in the area, and and against, it seems that the Government I emphasise that of that number 70 or is not prepared to assist the fruit-growing 80 per cent. reside in Rockhampton. Because industry by establishing a cannery in the of the Government's policies, population is region. being centralised around Rockhampton. I Mr. Lickiss: There was a cannery up know that previous members representing the there, and it closed down. area, par-ticularly Mr. Pilbeam, consistently spoke only of Rockhampton. I believe Mr. WRIGHT: That is so, but it was that Rockhampton will grow if development not given every opportunity. takes place in the whole of Central Queens­ land. In one sense, it is all very well About 40 per cent. of Queensland's papaws to be parochial, but we must be broader are produced in Central Queensland. On in our outlook. the fruit produced in the area, it is obvious that Yeppoon, Rockhampton, or any other Mr. Lickiss: He was one of the greatest place in the area would be an ideal site advocates of the development of the whole for a cannery. I do not care where it region. goes, but let it be put in the area. It would benefit Central Queensland and the Mr. WRIGHT: The District Promotion State as a whole. Bureau did not think so back in 1968: in fact, he was possibly its greatest enemy. I will not discuss at length the minerals mined in this area, but I point out that Mr. Lickiss: You do not know what you many millions of tons of coal are being are talking about. produced. However, I do not altogether Mr. WRIGHT: I can assure the hon. mem­ agree with the Treasurer's :statement that ber I do. He should go and ask the people tremendous benefits are flowing to the State about Mr. Pilbeam. from the exploitation of our coal. I attended the opening of the S.G.I.O. building yester­ This brings me to one aspect that the day, when the Treasurer made a political Department of State Development should speech and told everybody what the Gov­ be looking at, namely, decentralisation. ernment was doing for the State. I do Recently, in this Chamber, I asked about the not think he told the true story. He will possibility of the Rockhampton area being not disclose figures relative to coal freights declared a boating patrol region. I was told and much of his speech was hog-wash. tihat this was not warranted. There has been a major increase in the number of boat The area has a great mining future, but licences in this area, and in the number of we should look at other aspects that are just fishing vessels, both professional and amateur. as important in the over-all development Central Queensland, given the chance, could 1456 Supply [29 OcTOBER] Supply

develop a major fishing industry. As it is, Mr. WRIGHT: Not according to the article fishermen meet local demand and supply the on the front page of 'The Morning Bulletin". Brisbane market. We must do more for State development Mr. Thackeray: It would have to be an off­ in this area, and it can be done only if we shore industry. co-ordinate our activities and plans. I do not think this is being done. Central Queens­ Mr. WRIGHT: I agree. land has the potential, particularly in the There is plenty of room for an expanded cattle, fruit and fishing industries, and I fishing fleet in this area, but before this can believe it could become an important tourist be done, the Government must accept that area. But this will not happen if the Premier fishing is a primary industry. This is not continues to see State Development as a accepted. minor part of his portfolio. It is time it became a very important part of the State's Mr. Thackeray: And it should do some­ administration, and it is time that it became thing about these foreign boats on Swain tied to decentralisation. Reefs. This matter has been discussed many times Mr. WRIGHT: Yes, something must be not only by members on this side of the done there. According to the policy of this Chamber but by some on the other side, Government, if a person has an American and for that I give them credit. But what accent, or is Japanese, everything is all right, is being done about it? Not very much. but if he is Australian, he joins the queue I repeat that I question the role of Pr.emier behind the others. and Department of State Development. I Mr. Low: Now you are spoiling a good believe it is time some planning was done­ speech. I suggest a five-year plan-and, to do this properly, the term of each Parliament should Mr. WRIGHT: This is the truth. If the be increased, perhaps to five years. I think hon. member thinks about it, he will admit the State would benefit greatly from what it. A foreigner with a few dollars in his I have sugg.ested. pocket is No. 1 around here, but an Aus­ tralian is given the "brush off". This is a (Time expired.) pity. However, I shall not get off my point. Mr. DAVIS (Brisbane) (12.41 p.m.): I am We have the potential to develop a fishing not going to spend time attacking the industry in this area, but we must have Premier, as some other hon. members have Government support. A fishing industry can done. be established only if the Government Mr. Murray: Say something nice. co-ordinates the activities of this and other industries in the area. Mr. DAVIS: I am not a crawler, like One of the most important aspects of the hon. member for Clayfield. development is decentralisation. I have I am not going to attack the Premier for spoken of the need for this. I have stressed sending me out of the Chamber last week. that if we are to encourage people to go to I think I should make the comment, however, an area, we must provide the facilities for that I have found, from going ·through them. Surveys in New South Wales and in "Hansard" back even to the time of Forgan other countries show that we should develop Smith, that even though there were at times cities of up to 200,000 people. With centres physical punch-ups, all persons named were of this size, the cost of communication giv.en the opportunity by the Leader of the and other necessary facilities is lowered. House to apologise and withdraw. The Nothing is done in that regard in Premier, by not giving me such an oppor­ Queensland. I think that the development tunity, has created history. of this State is haphazard. If something happens, the Government takes credit; if it I draw the attention of the Committee does not happen, the Government says that to a very important item appearing on as Labour did not do it it will not do it. page 14 of the Estimates, namely, Grant to Ninth British Commonwealth Games, I am glad to see the Minister for Tourism Edinburgh, 1970. Hon. members who have entering the Chamber, as I wish to comment studied the Estimates will have seen -that on our local Tourist Industry. Rockhampton a ,lousy $2,500 was given towards the expenses is the gateway to the Capricornia coast. We of the team that went to Edinburgh. have marvellous beaches at Yeppoon, Emu I think all hon. members would agree that Park and Keppel Sands. We have Great sportsmen play a tremendous part in adver­ Keppel Island. However, when tourism is tising the State and the Commonwealth. I discussed, Rockhampton receives very little am ;ure that all Queenslanders-and, indeed, attention. I am thankful that the recent con­ all Australians-are proud of the honours vention was held in Rockhampton, although brought to this country by our sportsmen I understand there was some sparring and sportswomen. Those who organise between the Minister for Tourism and the appea1s to finance visits overseas by sporting Mayor of Rockhampton on the way people teams do a tremendous job. They meet great were welcomed. problems, because every week-end people in Mr. Herbert: Quite untrue. the metropolitan area are approached for Supply [29 OCTOBER) Supply 1457 donations to various charities because the Mr. DAVIS: Yes, a ministry of sport. Government does not do enough to assist I know that the hon. member for Norman them. is a very keen supporter of sport and culture. It is my opinion that the Government In discussing how such a pool could be financed, I shall not mention poker machines. should do much more to assist appeals for If I did, I am sure the Premier would fall teams going to Commonwealth and Olympic in a heap. But there is an easy and Games, and I think the time has arrived sensible way to create a pool of finance to for the State to create a pool of finance for the geneml assistance of sporting assist sportsmen. organisations. Many sports not only in the If hon. members have not read the reports metropolitan area but in provincial cities as of the T.A.B. for 1968-69 and 1969-70, they well face tremendous financial problems. I should do so. I am not for one moment might instance sports such as hockey and advocating the use of T.A.B. funds, because cycling, and particularly women's sports. the T.A.B. was established to assist the various racing and trotting clubs, and perhaps Mr. Thackeray: Rowing. also coursing interests. However, I believe Mr. DAVIS: Rowing, lacrosse, and many that unclaimed dividends and fractions could other sports which are mainly participation be used to assist sportsmen. The reports sports. are very interesting, because they indicate that between 1963 and 1970 fractions amounted Mr. Thackeray: Rowing is the only true to $2,213,000, which is a large amount of sport. money. I do not believe that any racing or trotting interests could claim that Mr. DAVIS: I do not propose to debate unclaimed dividends belong to them by right. which is the best sport. The money is there merely by chance because If one goes .to Downey Park on any some poor unfortunates have not claimed week-end, one sees thousands of women, all on their tickets, and it seems that there amateurs, participating in various sports. are many such poor unfortunates. Unclaimed There are no paying spectators watching dividends amounted to $1,281,000 between them, and the expenses of these sportswomen 1963 and 1970, and the total of fractions and have to be met by either themselves or their unclaimed dividends in that period was parents. $3,494,000. Mr. B. Wood interjected. In my opinion, a pool such as I am sug­ gesting could easily be created from the Mr. DAVIS: The hon. member for Cook fractions and unclaimed dividends in 1969-70, referred to something that I regard as a when the fractions amounted to $592,000 pastime, not a sport. and unclaimed dividends to $314,000-a total Players and their supporters have to meet of $906,000. The 'Government could well not only the huge cost of creating ovals use that large sum of money to assist sports­ and playing fields but also the cost of men and sportswomen of the type to equipment needed by teams of amateur which I referred earlier. sportsmen and sportswomen travelling inter­ I do not advocate-! am sure no-one state to compete in carnivals. If a team would-that the State should control sport, travels interstate and is fortunate enough but the Government could well assist sports­ to win an Australian championship, every-one men and sportswomen on a dollar-for-dollar in Queensland is proud of it. People are basis. Amateur sporting bodies such as always proud to be associated with out­ athletics and life-saving associations would standing sportsmen, particularly if they very much appreciate such assistance. I know achieve world-wide acclaim. Hon. members that it costs a great deal of money to will recall the occasions when Herb Elliott, outfit a team of life-savers, for example, Hector Hogan, Dawn Fraser and others and send them to a national carnival, par­ brought fame to Australia, and I am sure ticularly if it is held in a distant State. all Australians were pleased to have them The money for purposes such as that could as fellow countrymen. come from a financial pool, and I believe In the past 18 months I have visited that the suggestion I have put forward is almost every part of the State, and during worth considering. my travels I became aware of the many I began by saying that I thought $2,500 associations trying to assist sportsmen. They was a poor Government contribution towards face acute financial problems, which of the expenses of the team that went to the course are increasing with the present infla­ Commonwealth Games at Edinburgh. When tionary trends, and I believe that the time one considers how much publicity the various is ripe for the Government to create a news media give the Commonwealth and pool of finance to assist sportsmen. Olympic Games, we do ourselves an injustice Probably the first question hon. members by not sending as many competitors as would ask is, "How would the pool be possible. Immediately a competitor from financed?" Queensland or Australia achieves success, this State or the country is mentioned by news Mr. Bromley: We could have a ministry media throughout the world, so at least of sport. we are saving on our advertising bill. 1458 Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply

We spend thousands of dollars in Queens­ that really make me curious. In the light land and throughout Australia on advertising of what is happening on North Stradbroke our State, and I believe that nothing adver­ Island, with its 40 miles of coastline con­ tises a country better than a successful fronting strong currents and winds and the sportsman, sportswoman or sports team. mining activity that is going on there, I I believe the State has a responsibility to should say that $271,000 does not seem to its youngsters-its developing sportsmen­ be sufficient, even to meet the problems that and that responsibility could be successfully I see on North Stradbroke. Perhaps this financed in the way I have suggested. I authority operates on a much more economic cannot see anything wrong with it, and I and efficient level than I give it credit for, hope the Government gives it consideration. but as I have not previously had a chance to look at its report, I am sure the Com­ Mr. BALDWIN (Logan) (12.51 p.m.): mittee will forgive my comment in that There are a couple of points in the Estimates direction. of the Premier and Department of State The Redland Shire contains six large Development on which I should like to islands and a shore-line on Moreton Bay, the comment, and perhaps expand on. For a total shore-line stretching for over 100 miles. start, I support the hon. member for Belmont In view of its area of 175,000 square miles in his appeal concerning the allocation of and its population of an estimated 19,000, I applications for the office of justice of the suggest that that is a very high ratio of peace. My electorate adjoins his and we shore-line to area and population. I have not have a flow-back, one from the other, in had time to look at other areas of the State, this matter, which is rather disconcerting. It but those figures suggest that it is certainly is also of concern to me to find on a recheck one of the highest ratios. that half of those I have recommended and most of those I know to be justices of the On page 7 of the report of the Beach peace are justices simply because their work Protection Authority, the total sum spent last position demands it. Most of them work year by the Gold Coast City Council on in Brisbane and they are justices of the beach works is stated to be approximately peace only because their work demands it. $149,000. No expenditure at all is listed for the Redland Shire. The names of the The lack of service in this regard was members who constitute the Beach Protection brought out very clearly in the 2,400-odd Advisory Board are set out on page 3 of damage claims that came from the Logan the report. The board does not contain electorate after the severe hailstorm on 21 any representative of the Redland Shire. January last. So I, too, appeal that a However, one member of the Board, Mr. whole new system of allocating justices be A. B. Small, whoever he might be, represents formulated. the group comprising the City of Gold Coast Another point that applies particularly to and the councils of the Shires of Albert the Logan electorate is that in the Redland and Redland. If that is the same Mr. Small Shire alone 25 per cent. of the voting popula­ of whom I have read as having such large tion are 60 years of age or over. The death­ interests on the Gold Coast, I have no small rate amongst justices in this electorate is wonder whether he would be interested in very high, and the number of requests I his membership of the board. I am greatly have received because of retirement or surprised that the Redland Shire, which has replacement suggests that this matter should such a lengthy coastline, has no representa­ be given consideration. tive on the board, whereas Mr. A. F. Griffin, Mr. Murray: It is an onerous duty. who represents the Rutile and Zircon Development Association, is a member of it. Mr. BALDWIN: It is an onerous duty. I do not claim that Mr. Griffin should not I commend the people in the community be a member of the board, because I suffered who are prepared to accept such a thankless the misfortune of being lost in the desert on task. I would not accept it, even if I the east coast of North Stradbroke Island were paid. when I was hunting for the road on a moon­ In a well-run, co-ordinated Government light night. Believe me, I wish that I had with good services, I sometimes think that had an amphibious vehicle. And I was not such an office could be dispensed with. It returning from anything other than a meeting. is a relic-and to a large extent an unneces­ I should like to know what portion of sary one-of the old squire days of what the $270,000 is spent on investigating the we now call the United Kingdom. I hope problem of beach erosion in the Redland the Premier will give consideration to the Shire, particularly on the east coast of North formulation of a new scheme or basis of Stradbroke Island and the north-eastern appointment. sector of Amity Point. Perhaps I will never An item that attracted my attention in find out unless I am told confidentially or these Estimates is on page 11 under the receive a copy of a report. I hope to be heading, "Amount to be credited to Beach able to find out so that, instead of weighing Protection Authority Fund". The estimated one priority against the other, I can con­ requirement is $271,000. When I refer vince those responsible that additional funds to the second annual report of the Beach should be made available for the areas that Protection Authority I see a couple of items I have referred to. Supply [29 OCTOBER} Supply 1459

Mr. Herbert: Tell us more about that There should be open strips cf suitable moonlight night in the desert. width depending on topography, soil type, Mr. BALDWIN: I do not need to tell vegetation type, subsoil structure and so on, a man of the Minister's great experience in Authorities in other countries examine all those things, which is so widely known, I am these things and declare the width and length sure. of the strips to be set aside. Here, for status On page 5 of the report the conditions purposes, people build right on the shores and that prevail on North Stradbroke Island are banks, and I understand that a proposal to lumped together with those that prevail on develop and to build right in Raby Bay is still South Stradbroke Island. Under the heading under consideration. That is a well-known "Stradbroke Islands", the report says- part of the Logan electorate, and the whole "Major causes of instability have been concept is horribly stupid. identified as the grazing of stock on the It is strange to me that the Redland Shire frontal dunes and non-restoration of mined should not have a representative on the leases." board, which is responsible for such From that, one would infer that grazing is a wide sphere of activities in the Logan carried out on the east coast of North electorate. On the east coast of Stradbroke Island, and that whatever it is North Stradbroke Island, roads are being it is partly responsible for e;osion. The onl; swept away or covered up. Swamps, the stock that are grazed on the island are necessary breeding places for marine and the sacred cows at Dunwich. I am sure other organisms that help to maintain the that Mr. Griffin, with his intimate knowledge ecology of the island and the immediate of the east coast, would not have come marine environment, and that help to across grazing animals, for the simple reason stabilise plant life, are being destroyed. The that flora suitable for grazing is completely mineral companies should be much more lacking on the east-coast dunes of North careful in mining the shore-line dunes, as well Stradbroke Island. as the coastal flats and beaches. They should take much greater care of the beaches which It seems strange that land development they leave lightened, loosened, uncovered and has been, and is being, carried out in the unfixed by the roots of plants that lie in their areas of the Gold Coast where a good deal destructive wake. of erosion has occurred. I can remember the cyclone season of 1936-37, which stripped The Beach Protection Authority should away the southern tip of South Stradbroke pay much more attention to preserving that Island. At that time it was claimed that part of all our coastline that has high tour­ the cause was over stocking during the ist and recreational potential for our children drought, which had been raging prior to and posterity. I hope that a representative the cyclone. The cyclone blew up from the of the Redland Shire will be appointed when south-east and swept away the southern tip my plea is considered. of the island. The erosion at Amity Point is no less [Sitting suspended from I to 2.15 p.m.] serious. The erosion line, so far as old resid­ ents can calculate is now advancing 12 feet Mr. BALDWIN: Before lunch I was refer­ per annum on the north-western point. It ring to one of the prime accelerators of erosion on the Gold Coast, namely, the receives the brunt of the westerly winds, wave cyclone season of the 1930's, which was action and tidal current force in and out of responsible for hundreds of yards of beaches Redland Bay, between the island and the being chopped away. However, during the mainland. The erosion rate appears to be last decade more beachfront lots were sold increasing, and many houses are endangered. than previously existed on the South Coast. Allotments that once held houses and shops The ghastly loss of this part of the funded are now 200 yards out on the bay floor. If capital of civilisation-that is, the homes, the erosion is not arrested, dozens more roads, etc.-in my view had two main causes. allotments will be 200 yards out on the The first was the overstocking of South ocean floor in 30 or 40 years' time. Stradbroke Island, and the second was the absence of any conservation authority with I hope the authority heeds my appeal power to recommend open zones along shore­ to pay closer attention to North Stradbroke lines as well as along creeks, rivers and lakes Island, the other bay islands, and the shore­ although I realise that creeks and rivers ar~ line of the Redland Shire generally. I hope the responsibility of another authority. it will assist the Redland Shire to collect ocean-current and erosion data in less than The continuing land sales on and near three years. Many homes are at stake these sites smack of some lack of care for and could be destroyed in this time. Hayles the public good, of taking advantage of the has stopped its service to two island ports public's gullibility and its faith in a Govern­ because of the dangerous erosion factors ment instrumentality that should be protect­ and the destruction of its jetties. More ing it. When I read about Hong Kong people hulks should have been placed in position buying land at Amity Point, I almost laugh. to prevent the inroads, behind the old hulks, The only good thing about it is that thev that have taken place in the past three or are not good Australians. four years. 1460 Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply

On page 7 of the report there appears­ the fate of their farms, how many hungry 'Technical advice on vegetative dune land agents and developers are drooling for stabilisation . . . has been prepared and the expected feast, and how many sleepless distributed to Local Authorities", etc. nights and scores of letters this work has I take it that it is the Beach Protection meant for the farmers in this district, you Authority that is doing this and that its would say it deserves a chapter. recommendations, as a Government board, Seeing the story from the inside, the will go, through the sand-mining company's heartache, the loss and the expense caused representative, Mr. Griffin, back to all the companies. I note that some mineral com­ to the farmers affected by the survey, I can panies are doing their own experimental work well understand why the costs are as low in rehabilitation, and this is good, provided as the estimated $182,000. This item and the results are good. this part of the report of the Co-ordinator­ General of Public Works will make astound­ I have no doubt that the mineral sands ing reading to the farmers who face the companies will have great interest in the results of the hydraulic surveys that are loss of their farms. being carried out east of Stradbroke, and Mr. MURRAY (Ciayfield) (2.24 p.m.): I that in view of the very high prices being wish to comment on one or two points paid on world markets for the ores of raised by the hon. member for Logan. economic and military value, the Govern­ ment, through this board and other authori­ Mr. Davies interjected. ties, will insist upon a very high standard The CHAIRMAN: Order! The hon. mem­ of rehabilitation, which it is in the ability ber for Maryborough is not in his usual of the companies to pay for. place in the Chamber. I hope also that in the light of recent erosion disasters stemming from insufficient Mr. MURRA Y: He looks pretty distin­ knowledge, planning and authority, the Gov­ guished wherever he interjects from. ernment will see fit to give this board The hon. member for Logan mentioned strong biting teeth to implement such worthy the need for a new formula for appoint­ recommendations as we hope it will come ment of justices of the peace. I am prompted up with. Being an instrument of the to suggest that this whole matter should Premier's Department, it should be able to be looked into. I understand that in Victoria make the Department of Local Government there are about 4,000 justices of the peace, and local authorities follow its recommenda­ and I have heard that in Queensland there tions on what must be done to preserve are over 30,000. I am not certain if that shore-lines and do a better job than has is correct; perhaps the Premier could ascer­ been done in preserving creek banks and tain the number for me. I think we should flood ways. know just what the position .is. Another item in the Estimates, under the Mr. B. Wood: Do you think justices of heading of Co-ordinator General of Public the peace are still needed? Works, that takes my eye is the special works investigations. No doubt this takes Mr. MURRAY: I ask the hon. member in such matters as preliminary surveys. One to allow me to develop this argument a little of them I am very interested in is included, further. When one is first elected to this inter alia, in one short paragraph on page Assembly, one finds that one of his privileges, 9 of last year's report, as follows:- if it may be called that, is the recommend­ "Investigations into the potential yield ing of people in his constituency for appoint­ of other sources of supply in the Moreton ment as justices of the peace. During the region have been continued by this and first year or two as members, I think we other departments." all, in our starry-eyed naivety, are seized This relates to water supply in the Moreton with a sense of responsibility in making such region, and somewhere in this statement is recommendations. We like to interview included the Wolffdene-Mundoolan scheme applicants, talk to them on the telephone, on the Albert River. Its mention has grown and then say to ourselves, "Can I, in all from an "inter alia" level to a whole sentence fairness, and in the light of my position, make reading- a responsible recommendation to the "Investigation into the scheme is well Premier's Department that this person be advanced." made a justice of the peace?" If you, Mr. Hooper, knew as much as I I also understand that each member has know, and as much as the hon. member for to work within a quota; I think each member Albert knows, because part of his electorate is allowed about four recommendations a is to be covered by the proposed dam, quarter. Ministers may have unlimited you would know that this presents a great quotas. Perhaps senior Ministers have problem to the people in the area. If you unlimited quotas, and junior Ministers knew the hundreds of thousands of dollars definite quotas. However it works, if a that this short sentence is costing, how member has filled his quota and another many hundreds of farmers are waiting person asks him for a recommendation, he anxiously for the results of the survey and may be able to find a Minister to whom Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1461 he can say, "Please, Mr. Minister, will you -it is not for me to say that there is not recommend this person for appointment as a proper place for them in the community­ a justice of the peace?" let us identify them, and let us alter the nomination process. Let us get away from Mr. Bjelke-Petersen: There are over 40,000 the machinery of people in an electorate J .P .'s in Queensland. applying to their member to nominate them Mr. MURRAY: That shocks me, and it as justices of the peace. Members of Parlia­ strengthens my desire to reinforce the plea ment are now merely a vehicle-a piece of made by the hon. member for Logan. machinery-in the whole process. Something better is needed. If we are to have justices, Let us look at the situation and see where what about asking them to identify them­ we are going. I repeat, for the benefit of selves? Perhaps they could have a little the Premier who was absent obtaining that red light on their front gate with "J.P." on information, that when we first become it. I do not know what it should be, but members of Parliament we feel a sense of some identification is necessary. People responsibility in recommending people for walk up and down the streets looking for appointment as justices of the peace. But a justice of the peace when they have a this wears a little thin as the years pass and document to be signed. With 40,000 of as we start to realise that we are bound them in the State, there must be one in to make such recommendations, anyway. almost every street. After alL who in this Assembly would refuse If to recommend a person for such an appoint­ Mr. W. D. Hewitt: they put up a red ment? Unless a member knew full well that light they might get some strange callers. the applicant had a criminal record, or at Mr. MURRAY: Well, make it a blue the time was being sought by the police, light; perhaps then they would be even who would refuse such a recommendation? I stranger. ask that question seriously, particularly as the onus for making such appointments is In my opinion, we should face up to not on the member but on the Premier's this. I have heard criticism of the present process from many quarters, and as the Department. hon. member for Logan raised the matter, It becomes extremely difficult for members I thought this may be an opportunity for to reject applications for recommendation. me· not only to reinforce his plea but also They can delay the matter, but, if they do, to make a few comments of my own on somehow or other the applicant finds a way the situation. I hope the Premier will be of circumventing this process and getting able to at least begin-I know these things somebody else, perhaps a Minister, to recom­ move slowly-implementing some action in mend him. I have had experience of that this regard. sort of thing. Mr. LLOYD (Kedron) (2.32 p.m.): The Mr. Uoyd: Don't you think it farcical that comments of the hon. members for Logan people in our position, and perhaps some and Clayfield relative to the duties and others, have to be made justices of the peace appointment of justices of the peace in to enable us to sign documents? We should Queensland have been very interesting, and be able to do it as members of Parliament. I think I should also make some brief comments on the subject. Mr. MURRAY: Perhaps that is right. It has been a source of wonder to me I ask the Premier to give some considera­ over many years that some amendment has tion to this whole matter. Apparently we not been made to State and Commonwealth have 40,00 justices of the peace in Queens­ laws to enable people holding certain res­ land, but where can one be found when ponsible positions to be witnessing officers someone wants a document signed? to many of the documents now requiring Mr. B. Wood: What additional importance signature and witnessing by a justice of the does the signing of a document give? peace. As ordinary members of Parliament, we are allowed a certain quota of recom­ Mr. MURRAY: Some people consider it mendations to the Premier each three months, tremendously important, and I am sure some ;1nd it becomes embarrassing on some people merely want the status symbol "J.P." occasions when one has a list a mile long after their name and have no thought of and someone in the community asks one to giving service to the community. recommend him for appointment as a justice of the peace because he has found in his Mr. B. Wood: But is it necessary for profession that it is necessary for someone the document? I know that many documents to sign certain documents in that capacity. must be witnessed by a justice of the peace, but is it really necessary that they should One has to establish a system of priorities be? in making recommendations for appointments as justices of the peace. Many people want Mr. MURRAY: Many documents must be to become J.P.'s merely for the honour and signed by a justice of the peace, and there glory. I know several people who have are well over 40,000-I thank the Premier been appointed and have put a sign on their for that information-of them in Queens­ front gate advertising the fact-"Mr. W. land. If we are to have justices of the peace Smith, Justice of the Peace", and so on. 1462 Supply (29 OCTOBER] Supply

In the metropolitan area it means very little The general works that the Co-ordinator­ other than that they are available to witness General has in hand at present make certain documents that the law provides must interesting reading. One of the most be witnessed by a justice of the peace. important, of course, is the university capital works programme. This has become, and As I pointed out to the hon. member is becoming, more and more important for for Clayfield by interjection, it is ridiculous the State. During recent years a very low that members of Parliament must make priority has been given by _the povernment recommendations for appointment when they to construction work at umvers1t1es. I say themselves are not authorised to witness this deliberately, because an examination of documents and have to be appointed justices the moneys available to the Co-ordin~tor­ of the peace to become eligible to do so. General for this purpose shows that, m a It is a farcical situation. In a basic analysis period of nine years to 30 June, 1968, the of this matter, I think some amendment of Queensland Government received from the the law should be made, as has been done Commonwealth Government somewhere in in the case of Commonwealth documents, the vicinity of $11,500,000. This was the to enable certain people in the community to amount Que.ensland received out of a total become witnessing officers without actually Commonwealth allocation for matching capital grants to all States of Australia of being appointed justices of the peace. For $113,700,000. In other words, the Queens­ instance, the witnessing of an enrolment for land Government, through the Co-ordinator­ the Commonwealth Electoral Office can be Geneml received for capital works on done by another elector entitled to vote at universities in Queensland, during a period a Federal election. The same thing applies of nine years, 10.3 per cent. of the total to other Commonwealth documents, such as Australian allocation for this work. statements lodged with the Social Services Several years ago the Queensland Govern­ Department. The witnessing can be done ment came to this Parliament and said that, by somebody outside the category of justice because of the failure of the Commonwealth of the peace. As I say, I think the Queens­ Government to realise the importance of land law needs amendment in order to stop university education it was necessary to defer this continual appointment of justices of the construction of th~ Mt. Gravatt university. peace, who are really only document witness­ This university, like the other universities in ing officers. Queensland at present, is recognised by the I think one of ·the most important features Australian Universities Commission as a of the Premier's Estimates is and always will "specified project". In other words, any be, that relating to the Co-ordinator-General moneys that the Queensland Government of Public Works and the work he does as spends on construction work on the r:ew a Government instrumentality. The origin university at Mt. Gravatt would be subject of this position lies in the fact that, years to a matching grant from the Commonwealth ago, Labour Governments found it difficult on a dollar-for-dollar basis. Therefore, the at Premier's Conferences and Council fact that the Queensland Government, since meetings to co-ordinate all ,the activities of about 1960, has only spent in the vicinity the Government relative to construc-tion work, of $822,000 on construction work at the capital works and the construction of major Mt. Gravatt university is an indica.tion of projects. It was thought beneficial at the the very low priority .the Government has time to co-ordinate all these works under given to this highly important project. the control of one man. Previously, the The hon. member for Logan has put Commissioner of Irrigation and Water before the Committee figures showing the Supply, for <:xample, would undertake the inability of university accommodatiol_l. _in construction of a project in one district while Brisbane to provide the necessary facilities the Department of Works Would be the for tertiary education. Let me follow up constructing instrumentality on some other those figures and examine the reasons why work. the Co-ordinator-General has been unable to The approaches by ihe State to the supply sufficient capital finance from his Australian Loan Council became rather own resources to enable the Mt. Gravatt difficult and it was .decided to establish a university to be constructed. I do not system of priorities under a central authority think anyone would doubt the urgency of within the Government. For that reason, the project. control was placed with the Premier's The works that the Co-ordinator-General Depar.tment through the Co-ordinator-General has had in hand over recent years must be of Public Works, who was required to balanced to enable us to understand the co-ordinate the whole of the annual programme problem. It is quite obvious that during of capital works which the Government the past five or six years the Government, had planned or was then undertaking. in making money available to the Co­ Therefore, the position became a most ordinator~General for all purposes, has given important one and, generaily speaking, I priority to projects such as the construction think tha.t by examining it we can ascertain of the Moura-Gladstone railway line. Loan the system of priorities decided on by the funds totalling $27,000,000 were allocated Government for future building programmes. to that project from the Queensland Loan Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1463

Account. They were diverted to the Co­ companies that are unacceptable to other ordinator"General, and he spent them. As State Governments, it must be completely well, the Co-ordinatorJGeneral expended lacking in responsibility. In other States $4,500,000 on the provision of housing, light­ companies are forced to construct railway ing, water supply and sewerage at Weipa. lines themselves, rather than have the However, no priority was given to the con­ Co-ordinator-General carry out the work. struction of the university at Mt. Gravatt, and I point out that expenditure by the I see no reference in the report of the Queensland Government on that project Co-ordinator-General of Public Works to the would have been matched dollar for dollar Goonyella-Hay Point railway line other than by the Commonwealth Government. that the company is to advance the money necessary to carry out the construction work. No doubt the Government will put forward In the last financial year, for the Goonyella the usual excuse that the work done at railway line Utah Constructions contributed Weipa and on the Moura-Gladstone railway $7,000,000 to a trust account. That would line would bring revenue to the Government, have been fairly reasonable as long as the and, of course, that is so. I have no doubt terms under which the Government had to that the income derived from the carriage repay the money were the same as those it of coal on the railway line builds up would have to meet if it had borrowed the the Consolidated Revenue Fund and that money from the Commonwealth Government. the Government would receive interest and redemption payments in return for its instal­ It will be noted that the Co-ordinator­ lation of facilities at Weipa. However, General is charged with the responsibility of there remains the amortisation of the loan undertaking the construction work on the moneys spent on those projects, and those Goonyella-Hay Point line, and the project moneys are an unknown quantity. They fund has to repay the money to the com­ have not been quoted by either the Treasurer pany, on the first account, at a rate of or the Premier to rebut any arguments that interest over 11 years, and on the second have been raised. The construction of the account over a period of lOt years. In Moura-Gladstone line alone has resulted in other words, the debt has to be amortised at a charge of almost $5,000,000 a year on a higher level than if the money came from interest and redemption of the loan moneys another source. required and allocated from ,the Loan Fund to that project. In other States, the companies make the necessary contribution. Clutha Construc­ Loan moneys allocated by the State and tions built two ports and a railway line and the Commonwealth to universities are non­ handed them all over to the New South revenue-producing and are in-debt charges Wales Government. In Queensland, the on Consolidated Revenue. Where is the Co-ordinator-General must take major funds greatest priority in works? Do we need from precious loan funds to construct rail­ university construction? Do we need the way lines for private companies. The work in urgent works that are required to enable question involves the construction of a rail­ education facilities in Queensland to be way line and a port. increased to meet the demand? Is the Government's excuse that it is obtaining The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. revenue from other projects undertaken by Ramsden): Order! There is too much audible the Co-ordinator-General a sound one, especi­ conversation. It must be very difficult for ally in the light of the fact that the children "Hansard" to hear the hon. member. of this State lack sufficient education facili­ 'ties? It is essential for the Government to Mr. LLOYD: We have been told that the provide basic services for the people and railway line will be built with money con­ these basic services can be provided' only tributed by the company. That is certainly ~Y cap.ital e:'penditure, with the highest prior­ so, but the Government has to find Ity bemg given to educational works. $2,000,000 from its loan account for the construction of the port at Hay Point. Any University works are the most important money in excess of that sum will be met at present. In the same nine years South by a special deposit from the company. Australia received from the Commonwealth Government in matching grants $500,000 We are not getting out of this project more than Queensland received for university cheaply. Money is being denied for univer­ construction work. In other words, South sity construction work, flood mitigation and Australia has been spending at a higher beach-erosion control, all of which are rate on university construction than Queens­ undertaken by the Co-ordinator-General of land has, although, on population, Queens­ Public Works. These projects lack priority land supposedly rates third in priority for when this other developmental work has to Commonwealth finance. be undertaken. Mr. Baldwin: We have the biggest cow­ I will outline some of the underspending boy Government. on work to be carried out by the Co-ordin­ ator General of Public Works. I ask hon. Mr. LLOYD: The hon. member must be members to take particular notice of works right. If the Queensland Government is presently being undertaken by the prepared to accept agreements with overseas Co-ordinator-General. 1464 Supply (29 OCTOBER] Supply

Beach erosion control: This is very neces­ what has been said during the past few days, sary but very minor work compared with and I shall deal with two matters only the majority of other works undertaken for because time is running out and I have given the progress and development of Queensland. an undertaking to the Opposition Whip that Universities: This year, $2,725,000 from I shall not take much time. He has been the Loan Fund will be used on capital works. gracious in allowing me to speak ahead of Elimination of level crossings: A very small him, when the right is his. amount of money is allocated from the Loan I have listened to varying thoughts Fund for this purpose. It is not one of the expressed on redistribution, and I shall deal major projects that we would expect the with two aspects of this matter. The first Co-ordinator-General to undertake. is the suggested improved facilities for New Victoria Bridge: This is certainly a members of Parliament, which could be of fairly large project. considerable help. I believe that many of Weipa: This work is being done on behalf the things mentioned as being necessary in of a private company, Comalco, which orig­ this building are certainly required. I have inally undertook to meet the cost. The work spoken on this subject before, and on . a was taken over in 1965 by the Co-ordinator­ previous occasion I supported what was said General as Ibis own undertaking. Valuable on this matter by the Deputy Leader of the loan moneys have been allocated for this Opposition. purpose. They are repayable by the com­ It has been suggested that better facilities pany over a number of years. That money would enable country members to cover could be used for more important work greater areas. I believe that the ass!st~nce which the Co-ordinator-General would afforded in this way would be very hmtted. normally carry out. Increased facilities would be of much greater Brisbane future water supply investiga­ help to metropolitan and provincial-city mem­ gation: I have no doubt that this is very bers than to country members. With clerical necessary work. assistance, for instance, it would be possible Eungella Dam: This is a comparatively to handle a greater amount of correspondence small project. from a larger number of people. But facilities for travel would have to be very greatly I am at a loss to discover any massive improved to allow members with large areas projects carried out by the Queensland to cover them and give adequate representa­ Government. Where is the priority of import­ tion to the people in them. When problems ance of very great works which are required arise in a large electorate and the people in the development of Queensland and there look to their member for assistance, Queensland industries? The bulk of the he has more difficulty in seeing them than money has been spent carrying out works has a member representing a small, compact on behalf of private companies, and has electorate containing more people. It is therefore been taken away from other not that the country member is necessarily essential works. better than the member representing a small Burdekin River Authority: Approximately constituency; it is just that facilities, both $1,535 is estimated to be spent by the Commonwealth and State, are not available Government on this very important work in the far-flung areas for ready access by in Queensland's development. the people. (Time expired.) I believe that 78 members are quite Mr. McKECHNIE (Carnarvon) (2.53 sufficient for this Parliament, and I have p.m.): I take this opportunity to speak on always had that belief. It is also my opinion the Premier's Estimates. Like all Govern­ that, instead of increasing the number of ment members, and a number of Opposition members, the present members should be members, I am proud to be associated with given facilities to allow more adequate the development of Queensland under the representation of their existing constituents. Premier's direction. I am strengthened in my The problem facing the country member is belief by the Lord Mayor of Brisbane, who not the number of people in his electorate said yesterday what wonderful progress we but the area over which they are spread. have experienced in Queensland, and particu­ It is not just a matter of representing individ­ larly in Brisbane. While my priorities might ual members of the public; it is a matter of be different from his, I acknowledge his dealing with all the responsibilities that come compliment to the State Government on the the member's way for the simple reason development that has taken place in Queens­ that he is the only one available who repre­ land. Although I should prefer to see more sents either the Commonwealth or the State. widespread development than he mentioned, Take, for instance, the matter of hospitals. nevertheless I acknowledge and respect his In Brisbane there are only a few hospitals, appreciation of the job done throughout the admittedly large ones. In my electorate­ State. ! use it as an example only because I know I believe that the development that has it well-there are four hospitals, each of taken place has been well covered by Govern­ which at some time or other requires some men members and acknowledged by members assistance and guidance from me. There­ of the Opposition. I do not wish to repeat fore, instead of having the problems of only Supply [29 OcTOBER] Supply 1465 one hospital to deal with, as provincial and with a social service problem turns to his metropolitan members have, I have the pro­ local member of Parliament, whether the blems of four. problem is a State or a Federal one. The position is similar with schools. Metro­ Mr. Casey: Don't you think a fully manned politan electorates would contain perhaps office in your area would be of great assist­ three, four or five schools. In my electorate ance to you? there are more than 40 schools. They are scattered throughout the electorate, and they Mr. McKECHNIE: Many things could be all have their problems. Most have parents of great assistance to me. As I pointed and citizens' associations, which frequently out, in the Brisbane metropolitan area, a have problems that they wish to bring to provincial city or a large country town their member's attention. There is a constant there is no need to go to the member. flow of problems concerning school grounds The necessary facilities are available. In and school associations, and also the pleasant the far-distant areas of the State, however, problems such as speech nights, which every the only course open to people is to approach member endeavours to attend. Some of the the local member, seek his advice, and ask high schools in my area are 100 miles or him to make representations on their behalf. more apart, and it is almost impossible to Mr. Casey interjected. deal with all these matters adequately. It is not so much a matter of giving assistance Mr. McKECHNIE: In some cases the to the rural member of this Assembly; his police have about 40 jobs to do. Conse­ difficulty is presented by the vast area that quently, one cannot expect them to be au ~e has to cover~ and it becomes physically fait with all aspects of the various Acts 1mposs1ble for h1m to service the area as it that they administer on behalf of different should be serviced. departments. There is also the matter of local authorities. Mr. Casey: I am agreeing with you. I The local authority in the City of Brisbane said that public servants are allowed to covers 20-odd electorates, so that the Bris­ authorise expenditure only up to $25. bane City Council has 20-odd members in this Assembly to look after its interests. In Mr. McKECHNIE: The point I am making my area, which is similar to many others is that people cannot go to the head office in this respect, there are three complete local and fill in a form, so they go to the local authorities and part of another. I have member and seek his assistance. As a result. the whole of the Stanthorpe, Inglewood and he has a great deal to do in that line. Goondiwindi local authority areas, and part The question of the appointment of justices of Waggamba. I am sure that all members of the peace has been raised, and the Premier appreciate that all those local authorities informed the hon. member for Clayfield that quite often need some assistance from their there are about 40,000 justices of the peace member. Consequently, it is not desirable in Queensland. However, in the sparsely for any hon. member to have too large an settled areas people have to travel 20, 30, area to look after, and it is essential that 50, or in some cases 100, miles in order to people should have adequate representation. have a document witnessed by a justice of the peace. Mr. Casey: How would the local authority spending in your area compare with the The auestion has been raised as to whether that is :tiecessary. Perhaps it is not necessary spending in l-28th of Brisbane? I think in some cases, but in others it is vitally you have to consider that. important to have a justice of the peace sign documents. In my electorate, there Mr. McKECHNIE: No. It is not a question is a constant demand for me to nominate of the money involved. Similar problems the full 16 that each member of this exist whether the amount of money spent Assembly is allowed to nominate every year. is large or small. Brisbane is an entity, Admittedly, some people seek to become and 20-odd members of the council can justices of the peace merely for prestige. be of assistance when money is to be spent. It is a good reference, because a man with In my electorate and other rural electorates, "J.P." after his name has been investigated on the other hand, there are three, four, by the Premier's Department and found to five, and in some cases six, shires. They be of good repute. have differing problems that require special attention and. naturally, they request the Mr. Thackeray: Have you ever had any assistance of the local member. "knocked back"? Problems associated with social services Mr. McKECHNIE: I am pleased .that the are probably even greater. In the Brisbane hon. member for Rockhampton North asked metropolitan area, provincial cities and the that question. No, I have not had anyone large country towns there are offices to which "knocked back", but I have advised one or a person can go if he has a problem related two people not to apply, sometimes after to social services. In rural areas there seeking departmental advice. This presents are no such offices, particularly Common­ another difficulty in rural areas. I presume wealth offices, and that certainly is true of that most hon. members-! certainly do­ my own electorate. Therefore, anyone like to interview applicants before submitting 1466 Supply [29 OcTOBER] Supply their names to the depar,tment. In some Mr. McKECHNIE: This is particularly instances it is necessary to deviate many applicable in my aTea, because, as I say, it miles to interview a person who has asked adjoins New South Wales for 300 miles. to be nominated as a justice of the peace. The hon. member for Norman may be being Instead of just being down the street, he a little facetious, although I do not mind might be in a neighbouring town 100 miles him saying that I have an affluent area. At away. a function 'this morning that both he and Mr. Tucker interjected. I attended, I drew the attention of the Queensland Social Services League to the Mr. McKECHNIE: The hon. membeT for fact that it did not have any affiliations in Townsville North has mised the matter of my electorate. One lady mistakenly said a list. I am pleased he did because I that it must be an affluent area. I can applied to ·the Premier's Department for a assure the hon. member that we have our list covering my own area. The department gave me one, but pointed out that it was problems, and that rural areas are far from not absolutely up-to-date. I was also told affluent. Again, these become the problem that some of the people would have moved of the local member because worth-while out of the area or be deceased. I have organisations sponsored by the Queens.Jand sought the co-operation of the olerks of the Social Services League are not always court in my area to have the ·list bTought available and it falls back on the local up to date. It is my intention within the member. I appreciate that this organisation next few months to publish in all my local is spread over the whole of Queensland and newspapers a list of the names of people does a wonderful job. It just so happens whom I know to be justices of the peace. that my electorate does not come within At the same time, I wiH have to concede its ambit. I hope it eventually will. ,that it might not be absolutely exact because one or two whom I did not know about The country member also encounters may have left the district OT others may problems associaJted with electricity Teticu­ have entered it. But I will make an earnest lation, which is taken for granted in the endeav;our •to get a list of justices of the provincia•l and urban areas. This causes peace in my area and their addTesses tha.t much work for rural members, as also do is as accurate as possible. problems associated with irrigation, lands Mr. Bromley: Couldn't you get the .and forestry. Certain problems arise in addresses out of the phone book? connection with all these departments, and a rural member's constituents seek assistance Mr. McKECHNIE: I would still have to and guidance on them. Consequently, he determine who they were and where ,they must be able to cover the whole of his are. The phone book is a matter for the area, and any extension of it would make Commonwealth, whereas this is purely a the situation even more difficult for him Sta,te matter. Without dwelling on the matter, the problem of drought, too, has 'thrown on rural members Mr. Bromley: About five years ago I in the western areas perhaps more weight duplicated a list and sent one to the post than any other problem in the last few office, police stations, and similar places. years. Mr. McKECHNIE: The hon. member can I am endeavouring to show that a member appreciate the problems of the Premier's of Parliament who represents a far-flung Department with 40,000 people, many of rural electorate is required to do a lot more whom are frequently on the move. Post­ than his counterpart in either the metro­ masters, Tailway station-masters, and others politan area or the provincial cities, and who need this qualification are constantly therefore should not be expected to have his moving about the State. It is very difficult electorate enlarged to embrace a greater to keep up with them af

One portion of the State that seems to be happened before this Government took office. taken for granted is the rich hinterland of The Lands Office was removed to Bunda­ the Wide Bay district, so I intend to devote berg for good and sound reasons, the a few moments to the development that has main one probably being the large number taken place in that area and its tremendous of sales of sugar lands and the small size potential. With the development of the Wide of farms. Because of the smaller size of Bay area Maryborough became the admin­ farmina areas it was probably considered trative centre. What became known as the that there w~uld be more business there, Maryborough statistical area includes the and consequently the Lands Office was towns of Gympie, Bundaberg, Biggenden, transferred. Gayndah and Mundubbera as well as those The member for Isis and I have recently on the Kingaroy line. Maryborough was the drawn the Lands Department's attention to first town founded in that portion of the the fact that the department in Bundaberg State, and for a long time it was one of the is well behind in its work, mainly because area's best ports. Approximately 150,000 of the Government's policy by which change­ people live within a radius of 100 miles of over is permitted from various forms of Maryborough. The Government tends to leasehold tenure to freehold. We pleaded overlook the density of population in the for the establishment of a full branch in Maryborough hinterland, which is Vhe biggest Maryborough and hope the Minister will regional area in Queensland. Although it is take notice of our representations because difficult to obtain figures, I have been able many applicants are awaiting atte~tion. The to locate statistics relative to the consump­ work is so far behind that applicants are tion of petrol and oil by motor-vehicles and being put to very great inconvenience. farm machinery. They reveal that at least 10 per cent. of the total consumption in the Despite the tremendous natural resources State occurs in the Maryborough statistical of the Wide Bay area it is handicapped by area. being so close to the capital city. If we were as close as Ipswich to Brisbane, we Mr. Casey: On your figures, Maryborough would be included in the Brisbane line by services a population one-quarter the size of ·the Government, but we do not get any Brisbane's. assistance from the Government and depend Mr. DA VIES: Maryborough has been over­ entirely on private enterprise for the estab­ looked in many ways. Certainly, it was lishment of new industrial undertakings. overlooked in the establishment of institutes It was most interesting to hear a Minister, of technology, for which a much greater at an important function recently, trying to potential exists in Maryborough than in explain that, although royalties were low, either Rockhampton or Toowoomba. I do revenue was flowing in indirect ways to the not begrudge those cities the establishment of State and that, therefore, it was not necessary Vheir institutes of technology, but, as I have to worry about the Iow royalty payments. pointed out previously, figures show that However, as the State is short of money for Maryborough has the greatest potential of many important developments, it is apparent the three centres. I do not blame this that his argument was quite illogical. Government for having overlooked Mary­ borough, because the Federal Government Maryborough's close proximity ,to the said, "Here is the money. That's where you capital city should be to its advantage. It must establish institutes of technology." should be able to count on markets in the capital city as an outlet for many Maryborough is the administrative centre of the products of its secondary of the Wide Bay-Burnett district, and it is industries. It is only 17 5 miles by road the headquarters of brandhes of the Railway from Brisbane-a mere three to four hours' Department, the Forestry Department, the drive. A good air service is available to Education Department, the Vocational Guid­ and from Brisbane, and the time for the ance Council, the Works Department, the journey is only 40 minutes. In those P.M.G. Department, the Adult Education circumstances, one would think Maryborough Department, the Police Department, the would receive far greater assistance from Justice Department, the Machinery and the Government in helping to establish vari­ Scaffolding Department, the Valuer-General's ous secondary industries, but one or two Office, the Primary Industries Department, new industries slipped from our grasp simply the Department of Harbours and Marine, because the Government failed to give a the Customs Department and Vhe Common­ little extra assistance. Even without Gov­ wealth Electoral Office. As well, a vocational ernment assistance, the city itself has pros­ guidance officer and a remedial speech pered, thanks to the initiative of its pioneers instructor are now stationed in Mary­ and the enterprise of the citizens. borough, and the Wide Bay-Burnett Regional It is not widely appreciated that Mary­ Electricity Board, which services an area of borough has a wide variety of industries. 17,000 square miles, has its headquarters in When people think of industrial develop­ Maryborough. ment in Maryborough, they think of Walkers. At one time the Lands Department had I will not speak at great length about Walkers a branch office in Maryborough, but some because the success of the firm is well known. years ago it was removed. I am not blam­ It has played a wonderful part in the indus­ ing the present Government for that; it trial expansion of the State. I assure hon. 1468 Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply members that, but for the excellent manage­ In addition, we have a sugar mill. In ment, drive and enterprise of the staff, and the early days, there were 40 juice mills the skill of its workers, the firm would not along the Mary River. There was a large have succeeded as it has. We view with population, a considerable proportion of pride the diesel hydraulics that the firm is which came from the South Sea islands. now manufacturing. It took the firm a The small juice mills sent their juice to long time to convince the Government of the Y engarie sugar-refining mill. Eventually, the value of this type of locomotive. When it closed down and its equipment was trans­ ~he Government wanted 54 shunting engii;es, ferred to Bundaberg. The Millaquin refinery 1t was persuaded to so word the advertise­ in Bundaberg is well known throughout Aust­ ment that the tenders could be for diesel ralia today, and is a great success. electrics or diesel hydraulics. The master stroke was the obtaining of permission from Unknown to many people, we have a the Government for one of the engines to butter and milk factory and a timber fabri­ be used on the railway lines, and it stood up cation workshop. Pre-fabricated houses are to all the searching tests of the Railway produced, and sent away ready for construc­ engineers. It surprised everybody except tion. It will be remembered that some years Walkers, who knew of its great potential ago Hyne & Son won the contract for the and value. This company is now receiving supply of pre-cut homes for Mary Kathleen. orders for the engines from various States. Furniture and joinery is sent from Mary­ Prior to that, in the days of steam, Walkers borough all over Queensland. There is a Ltd. was Queensland's outstanding supplier first-class electroplating workshop in Mary­ of coal-burning engines. They were wonder­ borough. There are firms dealing with car ful engines. accessories, aircraft sales, the dairying industry, plastic illuminated signs, and canvas Walkers recently launched the second of manufacturing. There are also nurseries, and two twin-screw suction hopper dredges. They the fish depot. are the only ones of their kind in Australia. The second one is being constructed for the I must later remind the Government of Queensland Government. This was appreci­ its failure to co-operate with the Burrum ated because it meant work for the shipyards Shire Council in the provision of a good and resulted in additional employment at road to our nearest seaside resort. The hon. Walkers Ltd. This is an important industry member for Isis is co-operating in this compared with some of the engineering wmks matter. Miles of that road are still cor­ in Brisbane and district. None can compare rugated and very rough. The school bus in size, volume of work, and the number of has to travel over it, and fish from one of people employed. the largest fish-producing areas at Boonooroo and Tuan deteriorate in quality when being Walkers Ltd. employs over 1,000 people transported over that rough road. Although and the fact that it is in a country town that area is only 16 miles from Maryborough, should be given more consideration by the Government. Every endeavour should be 4 miles closer than Hervey Bay, the road made to further expand and develop this to it still contains a dreadful corrugated decentralised industry. I doubt if any other section, and neither the Government nor the centre in Queensland has a comparable Burrum Shire Council seems to be able to industry. The first of the two dredges went co-operate with the other in the provision to Melbourne. Walkers Ltd. has acquired of a good road. It is possibly the only the rights from a Dutch firm, to use certain place in Queensland where a popular resort, engines and methods of construction for and a place of economic value through its these boats. It has displayed its skill in fishing industry, is so sadly neglected. this regard. As there is a shortage of I have not as yet referred to forestry in dredges in the State, I hope that the Govern­ the Maryborough area. There are 740,000 ment will let further contracts for them and acres of State forest in the district. A Labour that Walkers will be given an opportunity Government first started forestry develop­ to develop further in this field. ment in the Tuan area in 1948, and today Walkers Ltd. started in about 1867 as it represents tremendous wealth. Trees in a result of the gold discoveries in Gympie. the area are ready to be cut. Woodland It still produces mining equipment. It can Sawmills Pty. Ltd., a consortium of Aus­ produce ships of up to 6,000 tons, which tralian and overseas timber millers. has been is the largest ship that can be taken out awarded pulpwood cutting rights for a huge of the Mary River. It has Army contracts State forest area. The firm of Hyne & that are keeping it busy at the moment. Son is a member of that consortium. Two In this area, we have not only Walkers of the areas in which this firm will be Ltd. but also timber mills, which are second interested are the Toolara and Tuan forestry to none on the east coast of Australia, areas. The Toolara plantings are along the meatworks, pipeworks, brickworks and a Gympie-Tin Can Bay road. Increased plant­ flour mill. We are still disturbed that the ings as a result of more money being made Government has not introduced legislation available by the Commonwealth for this to protect this flour mill and to control the activity are very wise. transfer of bread produced in the capital This was the result of the inquiry by a city. The flour mill is a very important timber commission into future timber industry in that area. requirements, and the realisation that, unless Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1469 something was done, the day would come Generally the contributions were excellent, when Australia would not be able to obtain but one hen. member attempted, as usual, to timbers from Eastern countries. That, of engage in character assassination. I am sure course, is a story in itself of the development hon. members were gratified to learn that of a higher standard of living in Eastern the Government is using the State's resources countries, which means that those people to the full. will need their timber themselves for homes The Leader of the Opposition referred to and newsprint and for other purposes. The migration, and in that field the Go,vernment Commonwealth Government therefore felt has the confidence of and is receiving support compelled to make more money available, from various business organisations in and the planting rate has now been encouraging the right type of people to come considerably increased. to Australia. The State migration facilities The wallum country is being proved were enlarged recently by the appointment capable of development for cattle production. of a migmtion promotion officer to assist the I might mention that I am opposed to open­ already competent staff at the Agent-General's ing this country to large, wealthy concerns, as office in London. The Government expects was contemplated by the Government some very notable results from that action. time ago. I am glad the Government listened The hen. gentleman stressed the need for to the protests from the Opposition, and that the State's representatives in the United nothing has been done about it. If any area Kingdom to be fully cognisant of working is to be opened for cattle, we on this side and social conditions generally in Queens­ want smaller areas for individual families. land, and I think his comments were fair. I hope the Forestry Department will reserve In recent years the Government has given to itself all the areas of wallum that can be several officers from Queensland House the planted successfully with timber. This opportunity to come here and see conditions timber is a crop, and in the final analysis for themselves and learn what is required. it will provide greater employment than I think that is partly why we are already would be created by handing over large attracting more people to the State. areas to big firms. The hon. member for Kurilpa expressed There are still areas that can be used for the opinion that the Agent-General had not cattle, and much work has been done in sufficient funds or staff to implement the that direction in the Maryborough area. migration policy satisfactorily. I inform the There is a report to be produced on this Committee that for the current financial matter, and I hope it will be a balanced year the Government has increased both the report from the Lands Department, pointing staff and the amount of finance available for out to the Government that, whilst cattle that purpose, so it confidently looks for­ production can be important in an area ward to achieving significant results. such as the wallum country of Bundaberg I appreciate the remarks of the Leader of and Maryborough, the growth of timber will, the Opposition relative to Mr. Barton, the in the end, be of greater advantage to the Co-ordinator-General of Public Works. They area. confirm the tribute that I paid to Mr. Barton The areas inland from Maryborough and earlier. However, it is not true that this Bundaberg, out to Biggenden, Gayndah, department has been left without engineers Mundubbera and Monte, and along the as a result of the transfer to the Main Kingaroy line, bring to mind the need Roads Department of ,a group of structural for water storage. A Newcastle firm that engineers who have been engaged for over has been working in the Hunter River two years on the design and supervision of district is coming to explore the economic construction of the Captain Cook Bridge and resources of the Mary Valley, but I will the Riverside Expressway. Because these have to leave that story till another occasion. projects were using funds provided from the Main Roads Department Trust Fund and (Time expired.) the engineers will continue to be engaged for some years on works financed by the Hon. J. BJELKE-PETERSEN (Barambah Main Roads Department, it is only approp­ -Premier) (3.31 p.m.): I thank all hen. riate that they should be transferred to the members for their contributions to the debate control of that department. on this important Vote. It was interesting to hear the comments of the hon. member The technical staff of the Co-ordinator­ for Kurilpa and others relative to this being General is being built up to enable it to the first occasion on which I have had the carry out efficiently the necessary investiga­ opportunity of bringing these important tions and studies that its roll requires. Here facets of government administration before I should stress the fact that, in any case, the the Committee and giving all hon. members Co-ordinator-General is able to eo-opt the a chance to discuss them in full. It is the services of all branches of the Public Service, first time that I can remember it being done, wherever they may be. but I assure hon. members that I hope it The hen. member for Baroona referred to will be my privilege to continue bringing the Public Service Superannuation Fund, and these Estimates before the Committee from the regulation that provides that persons time to time and giving hon. members who were in employment on 1 January, further opportunities to discuss them. 1913, and who are not contributing may 1470 Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply become eligible for a gratuity on retirement. and responsibilities are a recognised and By its very nature and, by the passage of respected facet of Public Service activity in time, this regulation is no longer effective this and every other State of Australia. or appropriate. The hon. member for Toowong com­ A similar situation arose when the Railway mented on the commercial interpretation and Department was included in the Public application of the term "public relations" Service superannuation scheme from 1 April, and, on the understanding that this is a world 1965, and it was provided that gratuities entirely divorced from the work performed would not be payable to those officers who by the State office bearing that name, I agree contributed to the superannuation fund. The very much with many of the trenchant superannuation scheme took the place of criticisms and comments he made in this gratuities formerly payable. This will be regard. appreciated when it is considered that for Mr. Houston: The Federal office was not every $100 of annuity benefit, $65 is met shown up in a very good light recently, you by Crown subsidy. must confess. All officers have had the opportunity of Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: That, of course, contributing to the superannuation scheme, is another subject. and the increase in the number of officers who contribute voluntarily is indicative of The hon. member for Baroona displayed the value they place upon its benefits. his usual keen perception by observing that Therefore, it would be most unrealistic and the Vote for the bureau shows a relative unreasonable if a system of gratuities were increase this year by virtue of the fact that introduced without any contribution by an several of its publishing projects intended officer. lt would be completely opposed to for 1969-70 have been deferred to the current the interests of those officers who have con­ financial year. This was done for various tributed, or will contribute, to the Public reasons, principally ·the Royal visit, and the Service Superannuation Fund on a compul­ amount provided this year is to meet the sory basis. In fact, the suggestion made by obligations involved in producing some very the hon. member would be a retrograde step good literature that publicises the State. and certainly not in the best interests of For the benefit of hon. members, I have the great number of contributors to the with me a preliminary copy of one of these present superannuation scheme. publications, which will shortly be available The hon. member for Baroona endorsed to aH interested parties for the purpose of my comments on the work of the Parlia­ telling the world what a wonderful place Queensland is to live and work in. mentary Draftsman. He is obviously very much au fait with the perplexities of modern Further to the comments about the State drafting requirements and the sheer mental Public &elations Bureau, it was refreshing and physical pressures placed on the Parlia­ to listen to the plaudits of the hon. member mentary Draftsman and his staff during for Norman. They were a]] the more parliamentary sessions. I again pay tribute to meritorious because it is not very often that these very valuable officers of the the hon. member shows much interest in, Government. or appreciation of, the Government's work and activities. The hon. member also canvassed the pos­ sibility of the State Public Relations Bureau Mr. Bromley: I think you are being preparing what, in effect, would be a unkind. directory of senior public servants, in order Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: No, I am being that members may more easily identify the kind to the hon. member. He was very appropriate departmental officer to whom generous in his remarks, and I am sure they inquiries might be directed. This matter is were appreciated by the officers concerned. at present under consideration. However, However, unfortunately, the hon. member its immediate implementation is not intended failed to continue in this strain. Instead, as early amendments will be necessary fol­ he made some ill-informed statements about lowing contemplated accommodation changes decentralisation and deve.Jopment. Decer¥­ when the new Executive Building is avail­ tralisation is a subject on which it is easy able for occupation in the first half of next to talk heely without applying much thought year. to it. It is a very involved matter. Surely Various members attempted to assert that if we look at Blackwater a:nd other places the work of the State Public Relations in Queensland we see that they are only Bureau is designed to expose the short­ a few instances of decentralisation based on comings of the Opposition and at the same the mining industry. We see decentralisation time to present the activities of the Govern­ being implemented on a scale never before ment in an over-glamourised style. Nothing visualised. could be further from the truth. This has I think all hon. members will admit that been amply clarified by my predecessors on tremendous decentralisation has taken place. several previous occasions. The officers of New towns with populations measured in the bureau are capable and conscientious the thousands are being developed'. Surely public servants, and their particular duties the hon. member for Norman Tealises that Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1471 all this development places an extremely he has now taken up a very important post heavy load on the Government's resources in Queensland. We are indeed glad to have in that it provides the necessary amenities Sir Alan back in the community to serve in of houses, schools and water supplies, as this capacity. well as the services of the police and other The hon. member for Salisbury embarked officers. I do not know where the hon. on another discourse on his favourite-! member got the idea that •large amounts of almost said his one and only-topic of Government moneys are not being provided conservation of natural resources. As he for decentralisation. I am sure that if he knows, it is the Government's intention to had second thoughts he would appreciate introduce legislation in this regard during that the Government is spending a large sum the current session. I have given notice of money on decentralisation. to that effect, and the item now appears The hon. member £or Ohatsworth, in his on the Business Paper. It will be discussed usual able manner, made interesting comments in due course. on the Public Service and its present and future I do not propose to do much more at requirements. I am sure he would agree this stage than indicate that the proposed that the over-all increase of 1,980 in Crown environmental council will be designed to employees could not be considered excessive, determine for the Government desirable aims in view of the fact that 1,667 appointments and objectives in the field of environmental cresulted from an expansion of educational control and to co-ordinate departmental faciHties, including the employment of efforts accordingly. Needless to say, the additional teachers. council will also take steps to discuss pro­ A comparison of those two figure's is very blems with non-Government bodies, and to interesting. The State's unprecedented keep itself informed of public opinion, and development includes the expansion in to let the public know of its interests and population growth with the resultant demand activities. for additional social services that require The hon. member for Cairns said he was qualified staff. If the electors of the State concerned about the conditions of officers demand and expect expanded services, as in the Public Service who are transferred they are entitled to, we must try to meet from time to time. In this matter, too, their demand. tremendous progress has been made since I mu~t disagree with the hon. member on we became the Government. He will find one point, namely, the interchange of officers that the rights and needs of transferred between the Public Service and private officers are now properly recognised. We enterprise. This is not something that any have at all times aimed to continually Government could undertake or consider improve these conditions. We will continue lightly. It is a very big issue. It is very to do what we can as the need arises, and involved, and I am afraid that in some as it is warranted. respects, it would not be practical to On the matter of an economic rental of implement. In any ev,ent, it was a new official residences, the present relationship and constructive thought, and was refreshing of actual rents to salaries is far more favour­ to hear. able than it was a decade ago. The hon. member for Barcoo referred to The hon. member for Mourilyan referred the standards of Public Service housing and to forthcoming legislation relative to the office accommodation. After all, it must be Beach Protection Authority. He tried to make admitted that tremendous progress has been the point that the authority spent too mu.ch made in this field since the days of a Labour money in South Queensland compared w1th Government, and it has all been compressed expenditure in North Queensland. When into the short period of 13 years. I was we consider the greater erosion problems, Minister for Works and Housing for a where the beaches are not protected by number of years, and I know the great coral reefs, and the larger population, we progress that was made in the provision must surely appreciate the importance of of accommodation and office facilities. It this work and the need for it. is interesting to note that the progress will Much of the early work of the Beach continue, particularly in country areas. Protection Authority was concentrated on The new housing provided for transferred situations that had become, or were becoming, officers of the Public Service is of a very critical. If the hon. member cares to high standard, although naturally it must be peruse the report a little more intently, he related to available finance. We are very will see that extra survey parties have been conscious of the need to make still further engaged to carry out investigation work on improvements in the field of housing public northern beaches, and that Flying Fish Point servants. is mentioned as one of the places where Several members, including the hon. mem­ investigation work is in progress. ber for Burnett, added further complimentary The hon. member for Clayfield pointed remarks to those that I and other hon. out clearly how well provided we are with members made about the services of Sir justices of the peace, with over 40,000 of Alan Summerville, who did a wonderful job them as against 4,000 in a more heavily in London as our Agent-General. Of course, populated State. This item of Government 1472 Supply [29 OcTOBER] Supply interest creates a considerable amount of the questions for the Vote under considera­ work, because each person has to be checked tion and the balance remaining unvoted for and investigated. His whole history has to Premier and Department of State Develop­ be followed through. I know, from my posi­ ment. tion, that this investigation can go interstate; for instance, to Victoria, where the person The questions for the following Votes came from. were put, and agreed to:- Premier and Department of State Develop- Mr. Thackeray: They go over to England, ment- too. $ ~1r. BJELKE-PETERSEN: Yes. Chief Office 639,140 Balance of Department, Con- A great deal of expense is involved, because a lot of care and consideration must solidated Revenue and Trust be exercised in granting a person this recog­ and Special Funds 42,244,407 nition. The rate of increase in the number of justices of the peace in Queensland com­ DEPARTMENT OF MINES AND MAIN ROADS pares more than favourably with that in other State,. CHIEF OFFICE Mr. Houston: Don't you think there is no Hon. R. E. CAMM (Whitsunday-Minister need to have some documents witnessed by for Mines and Main Roads) (3.55 p.m.): I a J.P.? move- "That $907,828 be granted for 'Depart­ Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: That could be one angle. ment of Mines and Main Roads-Chief Office'." A neighbour of mine at home has on his mail box on the road, "H. Larsen, J.P.", so DEPARTMENT OF MAIN ROADS that people in the area know that they can slip in there to have documents witnessed. To introduce the Estimates for the Depart­ The position would be improved, and it ment of Main Roads for 1970-71, I should would be of great benefit, if many justices like initially to give hon. members a very of the peace did this. brief summary of the department's Mr. Houston: Numerous documents could operations. be signed by citizens-- The department is responsible for the construction and maintenance of 24,813 Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: This could be miles of roads declared under the Main so, too. I would not argue with the hon. Roads Act, comprising 6,319 miles of State member. I am inclined to think that this highways, 30 miles of urban arterial roads, might be the important point in the whole business. 4,779 miles of developmental roads, 5,036 miles of main roads, 47 miles of urban sub­ Mr. Bromley: Does "J.P." stand for "Joh arterial roads and 8,602 miles of secondary Petersen"? roads. Mr. BJELKE-PETERSEN: That could be Revenue for the department is derived so. principally from funds made available by the The hon. member for Port Curtis asked Commonwealth Government under the about the insurance on Queensland House in Commonwealth Aid Roads Act, the State London. Under the terms of the lease, the Grants (Beef Cattle Roads) Act, and from le~sor ha~ the righ.t to nominate the company funds collected by the State itself by way w1th whrch the msurance on the building of motor vehicle registration fees, charges shall be effected. imposed on vehicles of over four tons I have noted the hon. member's remarks capacity as a contribution towards the cost on extending S.G .I.O. activities into the of maintaining roads, and, to a lesser extent, international field. Of course, this is a matter repayments by local authorities of part of the for the Treasurer. cost of works done on declared roads. These The hon. member for Brisbane referred to normal sources of revenue are supplemented assistance for sporting bodies. He can rest by Loan Funds to a limited extent, if these assured that we are interested in this, and can be made available. that each case will be judged on its merits. Co-operation between local authorities and That is as fair as we can be in this regard. the department is most important, as a good I thank hon. members for their contribu­ proportion of the department's programmed tions and the assistance they have given in activities is carried out by local authorities their remarks. acting as construction agencies on behalf of the department. Local authorities are required The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. to repay only a relatively small portion of Ramsden): Order! By agreement, under the the expenditure on declared roads. This provisions of the Sessional Order agreed to money then becomes available to finance fur­ by the House on 15 October, I shall now put ther roadworks. Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1473

Charges now made to local authorities new bridges and major repairs to 39 bridges, are- provision of traffic signals for 14 major Permanent VVorks intersections, elimination of five railway level State Highways Nil crossings and, in co-operation with the Rail­ Urban Arterial Roads Nil way Department, provision of improved Developmental Roads 5% safety devices for 18 railway level crossings. Urban Sub-arterial Roads 10% In addition to 1ts recognised constructional Main Roads 10% activities, the department collected Secondary Roads 25% $17,988,622 for other authorities. Details Maintenance of these collections are-- State Highways Nil Treasury Department- Urban Arterial Roads Nil $ Developmental Roads 10% Motor Vehicle Stamp Duty 3,075,301 Urban Sub-arterial Roads 20% Motor Vehicle Insurance Main Roads 20% Nominal Defendant Fund .. 255,833 Secondary Roads 30% Driving Fees 1,087,557 Hon. members will note that local authorities Traffic Engineering Trust Fund­ Driving Fees 272,266 have been completely relieved of respon­ 401,838 sibility for repayment of part of the cost of Traffic Offences .. maintaining State highways from 1 July, $5,092,795 1969. Prior to this they met 10 per cent. of the expenditure. The abolition of this Insurance Companies-,- charge has afforded them an extra $500,000 $ relief annually. Compulsory Third Party Insur- At this juncture, I will take the oppor­ ance Premiums .. 12,895,827 tunity to remind lhon. members. of the magnitude of the task with which the depart­ $17,988,622 men is faced in its endeavours to provide an adequate road system to meet the needs of all sections of the community. Amounts required in 1970-71 for the various funds administered by the Main Roads The department is charged with the pro­ Department total $94,463,882, compared with vision of such a road system in the second an expenditure of $86,935,579 from these largest State of the Commonwealth, having funds during the previous financial year. an area of some 667,000 square miles and extending about 1,300 miles from north to The amounts are- south and some 900 miles from east to west. Required Expended The population is, to a large extent, decen­ 1970-71 1969-70 tralised, and practically the whole area of the $ $ State is in economic production. This means Main Roads Fund .. 75,268,882 72,147,672 that there are very long lengths of road to be Beef Cattle Roads built through relatively sparsely populated Construction Fund 8,000,000 5,064,421 areas to reach .the decentralised community Commonwealth Aid, settlements. Local Authority A programme of decentralisation of the Roads, Fund 4,300,000 3,654,362 administration of the department's activities Roads Maintenance has been developed. Assistant Commis­ Account .. 5,200,000 4,801,075 sioners, Divisional Engineers and District Main Roads Depart- Engineers are now stationed in the areas of ment Special their responsibility. This enables closer con­ Standing Fund .. 1,695,000 1,268,049 tact to be maintained with local authorities, and gives the department the added advantage $94,463,882 $86,935,579 of a better understanding of local problems, priority needs and the like. Hon. members I shall deal firstly with the Main Roads would be aware that the needs of our road Fund requirement of some $75,000,000. system are far greater than the availability of Included in this figure is an amount of funds. Thus the department is forced to plan approximately $44,600,000 required for development of the road system after a very permanent works. Hon. members will appre­ critical analysis of relative priorities. ciate that it would not be practicable for I believe that. having regard to the road me to go into all the details of this proposed funds available to the State and the demands expenditure as it embraces over 700 separate placed on these funds to develop such lengths projects throughout the State. However, of of road to serve the needs of our vast State, this amount, about $15,800 000 is required we have just cause to be proud of our for development of roads defined by the achievement in the field of road construction. Commonwealth as urban arterial roads, including some $11,000,000 for expenditure During the last financial year, the principal on Brisbane's planned expressway and free­ achievements of the department comprised way system. At this stage, I would like construction and bitumen surfacing of 772 to stress that, under the Commonwealth Aid miles of declared road, completion of 65 Roads Act, there is a mandatory minimum 48 1474 Supply [29 OcroBER] Supply expenditure requirement for urban arterial This then brings me to the question of road development. Further mention of this road maintenance. Maintenance of roads will be made later. accounts for a requirement of $9,600,000 for 1970-71 compared with an expenditure Also included in the figure required for of $10,100,000 in 1969-70. There is the permanent works is an amount of some ever-present problem of confining main­ $28,000,000 for expenditure on roads con­ tenance expenditure within economic limits, trolled by the Main Roads Department in as the greater the amount spent on main­ rural areas of the State. tenance the less funds there are available for Allocation of available funds to individual expenditure on permanent works. However. projects is largely governed by the require­ assets already in existence must be main­ ments of the Commonwealth Aid Roads tained to predetermined minimum tolerable legislation (which nominates mm1mum standards, and the amount of $9,600,000 expenditures on various categories of roads) sought is considered to be the minimum and an objective assessment of priorities of requirement for this purpose. works required on roads within these It has been found that a factor which plays categories. a large part in the premature deterioration The present Commonwealth Aid Roads of road pavements and bridge works is the Act which has a currency of five years from overloading of vehicles. This finding is sup­ 1 July, 1969, introduced a completely new ported by actual experience and results of concept in the allocation of Commonwealth research on a world-wide basis. Conse­ funds to the States. This Act specifies the quently, it is incumbent on the department minimum amounts each State must spend per to prevent, to the best of its ability, this year on each of three broad categories of destruction of the State's assets. In order roads as defined by the Commonwealth. to do this, the regulations covering weight of loads must be rigorously enforced. These are-- Urban arterial roads For the Beef Cattle Roads Construction Fund, the requirement for 1970-71 is shown Rural arterial roads in the Estimates as $8,000,000. I think hon. Other rural roads members are quite conversant with the For the 1970-71 financial year the Common­ objectives of the beef cattle road scheme wealth will be making available $39,560,000 and of the advantages that have accrued to be spent as follows:- from the work done to date. Arrangements Urban arterial roads $16,070,000 have been made between the State and Com­ Rural arterial roads $9,190,000 monwealth Governments for some $70,000.000 to be spent on beef road~ Other rural roads $13,710,000 between 1 July, 1960, and 30 June, 1974. To In addition a further $590,000 has been date 952 miles of beef roads have been allocated for road planning and research. sealed under this scheme and a further 376 miles are under construction. In addition. The increasing amounts forthcoming from 101 miles of road have been constructed to the Commonwealth are helping considerably first stage gravel, leaving 1,118 miles yet in bridging the gap between available funds to be constructed. Up to 30 June, 1970. and road needs, although the total funds an amount of approximately $38,000,000 had available from all sources still fall far short been spent on the beef roads, including an of the desirable level to cater for our traffic amount of $5,064,421 spent in 1969-70. and developmental requirements. The num­ ber of motor vehicles using our roads con­ The department's Estimates for this year tinues to grow at an ever-increasing rate. also include an amount of $4,300,000 as anticipated expenditure from Commonwealth At 30 June, 1940, there were 129,000 motor Aid, Local Authority Roads, Fund. This is vehicles registered in Queensland, giving an to meet estimated payments to local authori­ average of one vehicle to every 7.8 persons. ties for works on roads under their control By 30 June, 1950, this had risen to 211,000 to be financed from their Commonwealth motor vehicles, an average of one vehicle aid. allocations. It excludes $1,260,340, to every 5.6 persons, and at 30 June, 1960, which councils themselves chose to have set the figure had reached 405,000, averaging one aside and held in the Main Roads Fund for motor vehicle for every 3.7 persons. In expenditure on declared secondary roads with August, 1970, the 700,000 mark was reached a $1 for $1 matching contribution by the giving an average of one motor vehicle fo; Main Roads Department. The figure includes every 2.6 persons in the State. some unspent money reprovided from the pre­ vious year and excluded an amount estimated Not only has the number of vehicles grown to be unspent at the end of the current so rapidly, but also the speed and loading financial year. capabilities of vehicles have increased. This has all had an adverse effect on road pave­ The allocations actually made to councils ments. Although this large increase in the for 1970-71 totalled $5,360,182, comprising number of vehicles using the roads has $1,125.000 for expenditure by urban local resulted in an increase in revenue for the authorities on roads defined by the Com­ department, it has also increased the demand monwealth as urban arterial roads and for road improvements and maintenance. $4,235,182 for expenditure by the other Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1475 local authorities on rural roads other than have been drastically reduced. Before these rural arterial roads. There are no rural funds were collected, the average local arterial roads under local authority control. authority contribution to declared road Expenditure of Commonwealth Aid Funds maintenance was 26 per cent. of expenditure. in the urban areas defined in the current Concessions since applied have reduced this Commonwealth Aid Roads Act is confined to to only 10 per cent. on the average. roads declared by the Commonwealth Min­ For 1970-71 distribution of these funds ister for Shipping and Transport to be ,to local authorities wil:l increase by approxi­ urban arterial roads. The funds cannot mately $100,000 to $1,730,000, which is one­ be applied to any other class of road. third of the anticipated collections. I ·think Most of these roads are declared under it will be agreed that this is generous in view the Main Roads Acts or are being built of the fact that something less than 20 by the Main Roads Department. per cent. would probably have been collected As mentioned previously, the amount on account of heavy vehicle operations on allocated to the State this financial year for local authority roads. A large proportion expenditure on rural roads other than rural of these funds is collected on account of arterial roads is $13,710,000. The alJocations running on State highways, the cost of for this category of road increase by 5 per maintaining which is now borne entirely by cent. compounded each year during the term the State. of the Act, and a similar annual increase An amount of $1,695,000 is shown in the is passed on to the rural local authorities. Estimates as required for expenditure from The amount allocated to local authorities the Main Roads Department Special Standing for this category of road under their control Fund. This fund is in the nature of a is over 30 per cent. of the Commonwealth suspense account in which cha-rges are allocation, and this is considered to be on accumulated against work carried out for the generous side when compared with the other bodies, including jobs in which local needs of the more important roads of the authorities have a joint financial responsi­ same category that have been brought under bility. Other accounts, in the nature of the department's control. reserves, are also contained within this fund. The department is under strong and con­ The items concerned are either wholly or stant pressure to increase the funds made partially recoverable or are reserves estab­ available to local authorities for develop­ lished for payment at certain times, such as ment of the roads under their control. How­ annual leave, supervision fees, toll revenue, ever, all the funds available to the State and the like. for expenditure on roads are fully allocated In presenting these Estimates to the Com­ for this purpose each year. An increase mittee, I have endeavoured to convey to hon. in aJlocations to the local authorities for members some idea of the extent of the undeclared roads simply means a corres­ department's activities and their associated ponding slowing down in the rate of develop­ problems, and to stress that every endeavour ment of the more important declared roads, is made to achieve. a balanced development for which the councils also press strongly of the over-all road system of the State. I for greater allocations. believe the department's proposals for The amount of $5,200,000 shown in the 1970-71 are in keeping with this objective. Estimates as being required for expenditure from the Roads Maintenance Account repre­ DEPARTMENT OF MINES sents the anticipated coJlections under the I am fully cognisant of the honour that Roads (Contribution to Maintenance) Acts, has fallen upon my shoulders as Minister which imposes on the operators of vehicles charged with the responsibility for the of over four tons capacity charges based mining industry in this State. The mining on the mileage travelled on public roads. industry in Queensland today stands at the These charges are paid to the Transport very height of its affluence. At no stage in Department as the collecting authority and the long history of this State has mining been are then passed to the credit of the Road in a position to make a greater contribution Maintenance Account at the Treasury. These to the State's economy, and if ·one is pre­ moneys, without any deduction for collection pared to look closely at the circumstances expenses, are then distributed between the prevailing in Queensland today one will see Main Roads Department and the local auth­ that this position could not have arisen at orities on the principle that they should a more opportune time. be paid to those authorities financially responsible for the maintenance of the roads If I had risen to my feet here some 15 or used by this heavy traffic. 20 years ago and told hon. members that During 1969-70, local authorities received the time would come when the State's $1,625,275 from this source, while the economy would be able to withstand the balance of $3,175,800 was paid to the credit full economic impact of a disastrous series of the Main Roads Fund and spent on of droughts, no doubt I would have been maintenance of declared roads. It is partly laughed out of this Chamber. due to the use of these funds by the Main Today, notwithstanding the drought, the Roads Department that local authority con­ level of employment throughout the State is tributions to maintenance of declared roads high; the railways are making profits; the 1476 Supply [29 OcroBER} Supply amount of capital investment is being main­ the company's books have come up with tained at a remarkable level and the economy levels of profit ranging from $20,000,000 to of districts which might otherwise be $30,000,000 a year. If this were the case, expected to be depressed at this point in and taking into account the amount of time is buoyant. capital that the company has and that it All of these factors, remarkable as they plans to invest in Queensland, it is going are, can be attributed either directly or to take something of the order of 20 years indirectly to events within the mining or more before the company recovers its industry, and there is no doubt that from invested funds and thereby makes any actual any point of view the industry has not yet profit at all. reached its ultimate pinnacle of develop­ It is not my intention today to take up the ment and progress. Events in recent times time at my disposal on a lengthy disserta­ have shown that the mining industry has tion on the facts of the mining industry many critics, both inside and outside Parlia­ which should be crystal clear to everyone ment, but none can decry the concrete evi­ except those who, for one reason or another, dence of the industry's achievements or their choose not to see. My purpose today is impact on the social and economic well-being to outline the Estimates for the Department o.f the people of Queensland. of Mines for the 1970-71 financial year. It has always amazed me that so many But I feel I would have been remiss in people are prepared to single out com­ my duty as Minister if I had not used at paratively minor aspects of the industry for least part of my time today to raise my criticism. These same people are rarely pre­ voice in defence of an industry which is pared to give credit where credit is due. doing more than any other to promote pro­ gress and development within this great State. One has only to travel around this State today to see the tangible benefits that mining However, before proceeding to analyse has given to Queenslanders in scores of my department's Estimates and to look close­ widely separated and decentralised districts. ly at the facts and figures which add up to The new towns, ports, railways and many the industry's actual dollars-and-cents con­ other concrete pointers to progress which tribution to the State's economy, I feel bound mining has made into reality would not have to say that in all the development that has been possible as a result of increased activity taken place in mining in this State during in any other sector of the State's economy. the past few years, my department and the industry have been partners. This partner­ As a primary producer myself, I am fully ship has worked well, and the results of cognisant of the major contribution that our what has been achieved are clear for every­ great agricultural and primary industries have one to see. made to Queensland's growth over the years, but I believe there can be no question about I am proud of the part that the Department the fact that, were we relying solely on these of Mines has played in the scheme of things, industries today, because of seasonal con­ and I believe that it is deserving of the ditions and falling prices Queensland would highest possible praise for the way it has present a far different picture from what it gone about its job. No Minister or, for actually does. that matter, no State could have expected more than has been achieved by the depart­ A main point for criticism, particularly in ment and the officers concerned with its this Chamber, centres on the amount of administration. royalty that companies pay for the minerals they produce. For some reason, which I must The total amount required by the Depart­ confess I am unable to understand, there is ment of Mines for 1970-71 financial year is a large number of people who cannot equate $2,567,235. This exceeds; by $506,629, the contributions to Consolidated Revenue and amount actually expended in 1969-70. The contributions in the way of additional great bulk of this increase can be attributed employment, community services and to an increased provision to meet a higher inc·reased prosperity in the same breath. level of salaries and wages of departmental staff, and a provision of $144,300 for Stage If one adds all of these factors to the 2 of the Sunset suburb development at Mt. royalty payments, it is easy to see that the Isa. companies currently operating within the The actual expenditure from the Chief Queensland mining sphere are making a con­ Office Vote for the 1969-70 financial year siderably larger contribution to the people was $629,653.28, of which $360,005.85 was of this State than is disclosed merely in for salaries. The salaries provision for the amount collected by way of royalty. 1970-71 is $441,928. As I have said, the Overlooked, too, is the fqct that it is not increased salaries provision is due to annual possible in the · mining field to amass a salary increments and award variations, as considerable profit without first injecting a well as provision for the appointment of large capital investment. seven new members to the staff. These addi­ In recent weeks the Utah Development tional staff positions have been provided as Company has been singled out, both inside approved by the Public Service Board. and outside this Chamber, as a target for economic speculation, and I note that the The Chief Office contingency provision for many experts who do not have access to 1970-71 is $405,120 as compared with Supply [29 OcToBER) Supply 1477

$214,803 for 1969-70. The actual expendi­ the Coal Miners' Pensions Tribunal. This ture for the 1969-70 financial year was Vote provides for the salaries and expenses $209,739. of the staff. The contribution made by the Increased or additional provisions have Government of $150,000 is now made from been made for the following commitments­ payments authorised by special Acts. The payment of pensions is made from a separate Development of the Sunset suburb at fund administered by the pensions tribunal. Mt. Isa, Stage 2-$114,300. The actual expenditure on salaries and Protection of old mine shafts, which expenses is a charge against the pension is a re-provision-$2,000. fund, from which a refund is made to the Re-provision for equipment at the mines Treasury for expenditure incurred. The rescue stations at Ipswich and Collinsville Government contribution is the only charge -$10,000. against State funds. A new mines rescue station at Blackwater The amount sought for expenditure under -$10,000. the Gas Acts in the 1970-71 financial year A multilith duplicator, microfilming is $81,541. The expenditure in 1969-70 equipment and electronic calculator­ was $57,766.79, of which $45,525.11 was for $7,000. salaries. The salaries provision for 1970-71 Under the heading of "Mining Fields", the is $54,303. Contingencies provisions for amount sought by the department this year 1970-71 under the Gas Acts are $27,238, the is $1,551,797. Provision is made in this increase in this provision being mainly due to Vote for the salaries and expenses of the re-provision by the Treasury for special wardens' offices, inspection of mines, pet­ equipment for testing natural gas at a cost roleum engineering, the geological survey, of $13,000. Other minor variations have the assay office at Cloncurry, and grants and been made in the over-all Vote provision. loans to prospectors and plant and stock I would also like to look at the activities purchases. of these various sections of the Department Portion of the drilling programme expendi­ of Mines in closer detail. The value of the ture is also provided, with the balance of State's mineral production in 1969 totalled necessary funds coming from the Loan Fund, $299,000,000, as against $221,000,000 in together with contributions from the Queens­ 1968. Significant increases, both in produc­ land Coal Board and others. tion and value, in 1969 were recorded in The contribution of $15,850 to the Water respect of bauxite, coal, copper, lead, salt, Resources Investigation Trust Fund, covering zinc, rutile and zircon, and the production geological survey salaries and other costs, and value of tin concentrate increased is divided in order that the total expenditure slightly. However, although there was a on underground water investigations is significant increase in the production of sufficient to attract the full Commonwealth silver, its total value barely changed because subsidy as provided in the State Grant of world market prices. The production Water Re,ources Act. The actual expenditure and value of gold recorded a slight decrease. to 1969-70 under this heading was Mount Isa Mines Limited continued to be $1,352,023.49, of which $887,802.94 was for by far the State's largest single producer, with salaries. combined copper, silver, lead and zinc pro­ Salaries provision for 1970-71 is $994,799, duction worth $182,000,000. The company's the increase again being due to salary incre­ plans for the opening of a new mine to be ments, award variations, and provision for known as the Hilton mine on its northern replacements and additional staff, mainly in leases some 13 miles from Mt. lsa and the the inspection of mines and geological survey establishment there of a new township where the staff recruitment position is still are well advanced. At the existing mine, unsatisfactory. about 5,380,000 tons of ore were milled and The actual contingencies expenditure for 143,000 feet of underground development 1969-70 was $464,220.55. The provision for were completed. 1970-71 amounts to $556,998, with the main Mount Morgan Limited continued as the increases being on behalf of inspection of largest producer of gold with an output of mines, the geological survey and petroleum 57,600 ozs., a decrease of 5,375 ozs. on the engineering. 1968 production. In addition to gold, the company produced about 8,076 tons of The drilling programme revenue provision copper and 7,27 5 tons of pyrites. Almost has been decreased to $120,000 for 1970-71 1,500,000 tons of ore were milled and under a special Treasury provision, with the 3,000,000 tons of overburden were removed. Loan Fund provision being determined at $978,000 and contributions from the Queens­ Golden Plateau N .L. at Cracow milled land Coal Board and others at $70,000, 37 217 tons of ore, which yielded 14,404 ozs. making a total drilling programme provision of' gold and 35,468 ozs. of silver. of $1,168,000. At Weipa, the Commonwealth Aluminium Contribution to the Water Resources Corporation Ltd. increased the production of Investigation Fund has been decreased from bauxite by almost 2,000,000 tons to $30,050 to $15,850 for 1970-71. This year 5,213,533 tons, valued at almost $28,500,000. an amount of $26,069 is being sought for The construction of a calcined bauxite plant 1478 Supply [29 OcrOBER] Supply

to cost over $3,000,000 was well advanced Investigations into oil shales in the Julia at the end of the year. In addition, the build­ Creek area and feasibility studies are being ing of 53 new homes was begun, the primary continued by the three partners, Australian school was extended, and the first two class­ Aquitaine Petroleum Pty. Ltd., the Oil Shale rooms of the secondary school were con­ Corporation (Australia) Pty. Ltd., and Pac­ structed. minex Pty. Ltd. The proposals include the In the Herberton district, 1,398 tons of tin mining of the shale, retorting the shale to concentrate were produced, and of this total produce gasoline, lubricating oils and fuel 909 tons of tin concentrate were produced by oils, and the burning of the spent shale two bucket dredges operating near Mt. to produce electric power and the treatment C_Jarnet. At Wolfram Camp, Metals Explora­ of the burnt spent shale to produce vanadium tiOn N.L. treated stockpiled ore for the pentoxide and ferro-vanadium. If the pro­ recovery of wolfram, molybdenite and ject proves viable, the capital expenditure bismuth to a value totalling more than will be in the region of $100.000,000. $1,000,000. In connection with the underground brines In the heavy mineral sands section of the near Port Alma, negotiations with Dow industry, 105,033 tons of rutile and 70 487 Chemical (Australia) Ltd. regarding the estab­ tons of zircon were produced. Most of' the lishment of a chemical complex at Gladstone production was obtained by Consolidated are continuing. The boom in mineral Rutile Ltd. and Titanium and Zirconium exploration continues unabated and almost Industries Proprietary Ltd. from North the entire area of the known mineralised Stradbroke Island. Other significant produc­ parts of the State is held under either mining tion was by Associated Minerals Consoli­ leases or authorities to prospect. At the end dated Ltd. at South Stradbroke Island and of 1969, 75,142 square miles were held Queensland Titanium Mines Ltd. at Inskip under authority to prospect for minerals Point. other than coal and petroleum. During 1969, about $11,000,000 was spent in exploring In the Gunpowder Creek area north of these authorities. This represents four times Mount Isa, Surveys and Mining Ltd. con­ the amount similarly spent in 1966 and twice tinued exploratory drilling on the Mammoth the amount spent in 1967. In the north­ copper ore body and progress was made in west of the State the search for uranium the development of mining operations and has been intensified and at Cape York and associated services. A concentrator of 1 500 in the Gulf of Carpentaria authorities to tons a day capacity and a power station ~ere prospect for bauxite have been granted to nearing completion at the end of the year. major companies. A_ c:oncrete dam with a capacity of 3,000 m1lhon gallons was built on Greenstone During 1969 the production of crude oil Creek, where the township of Gunpowder is from the Moonie, Alton and Bennett fields being established for an eventual population continued, but at a reduced rate. The amount of 5,000. sold in 1969 was 1,849,329 barrels, valued at just over $5,800,000. The producers con­ From Cape Flattery, 94,000 tons of silica tributed $330,945 to the State by way of sands were exported by Cape Flattery Silica royalty. Mines Pty. Ltd. The company proposes to establish a deep-water port with bulk-loading The construction of the Roma-Brisbane gas facilities at Cape Flattery. pipeline was completed by Associated Pipe­ lines Ltd., and it was officially inaugurated The value of copper obtained from ore by the Premier on 17 March, 1969. Sales supplied by small producers in the Cloncurry of natural gas increased more rapidly than and Mt. Isa district totalled $2,500,000. anticipated and daily throughputs on occa­ In another metalliferous mining project sions exceeded 25,000,000 cubic feet. The that could be established in the next five average daily throughput was about years, Metals Exploration N.L. and Freeport 13,000,000 cubic feet for the operating period. of Australia Incorporated have announced The Roma electricity power-house and the their desire to go ahead with the exploitation Roma hospital were supplied with gas of lateritic nickel deposits at Greenvale. In throughout the year. Sales stations were addition to ~he mine and township at Green­ constructed at Ipswich and Toowoomba. vale, a railway from Greenvale to a point a During the year just over 3.7 billion cubic few miles north of Townsville and a treat­ feet of natural gas and 9,672 barrels of con­ ment plant at this point are proposed. J1he densate were sold. cost of capital works involved is estimated at Petroleum exploration activity continued $180,000,000. The company is currently at a steady level, but apart from the dis­ negotiating a franchise with the Government. covery of the Grafton Range gas field in In respect to the phosphate deposits at the Roma area no great success was achieved. Duchess and Lady Annie, Broken Hill South Nearly all drilling took place on shore. Ltd. is continuing beneficia.tion tests and Off shore, in the wake of the oil spill at feasibility studies, the latter including the Santa Barbara in the United States, consid­ pumping of the ore as a slurry to the Gulf eration of applications for permits to explore and a suitable site for a harbour. Capital was deferred until it could be shown more costs are expected to be well in excess of conclusively that drilling technology was $100,000,000. capable of protecting the Great Barrier Reef. Supply [29 OcroBER] Supply 1479

Drafting of uniform Commonwealth-State Extensive road grants were made either regulations to control operations under the directly to small miners or to 'local govern­ new joint legislation for off-shore drilling ment bodies to carry out the necessary activities continued during the year. repairs. During 1969-70, the Department of Mines The Mines Department drilling branch continued its policy of actively assisting the was also extremely active during 1969-70. mining industry. The funds provided for During this period the department drilled 1969-70 for prospecting, mine development 185,819 feet, the second-highest figure ever and road grants totalled $25,000. For pur­ recorded. chases of machinery an amount of $10,000 Once again coal drilling predomin&ted in had been allocated and $14,000 was allocated order to ensure sufficient reseTves of steaming to the provision of compressor units, winches coal for the expected industrial growth of and pumping plants. the State, and to te.st the resources of coking During 1969 the State treatment works at coal so that ample reserves are available for Irvinebank continued to treat small parcels of the State's ·requirements, having regard to ore for the production of tin concentrates, the exports at present taking place. antimony and wolfram. Drilling operations for steaming coal were completed at West Moreton during 'the year Tin has attracted a number of prospecting and discontinued at Theodore at the end of companies into the area and options have the year. Drilling for steaming coal continued been taken over several small mines and at Blackwater, and short programmes were this has tended to curtail production. The completed at Tarong and Collinsville. The companies are carrying out programmes of proving of coki:ng coal deposits continued! exploration to establish ore reserves and at Moura, Blackwater and the Northern a number of small mines which were previous Bowen Basin. Drilling for coal for special producers supplied very little ore to the mill purposes commenced at Taroom. during this stage. If these options are exer­ cised or even relinquished, the mill supplies The department was aclso active in the will improve. search for metalliferous deposits, and programmes were undertaken at Charters The research officers of the University of Towers, Biggenden, Wateranga, Maleny, Queensland have assisted with advice on Calgoa, The Caves and Almaden. recovery from antimony ore and are at pre­ In view of the anticipated water shor,tage sent actively engaged on methods to improve throughout the State, an accelerated the recovery of tin from the Irvinebank programme of drilling has been in progress residues. The department has greatly assisted during the past year in underground water this research with financial aid, technical investigations to prove future reserves for supervision and the supply of essential equip­ the increasing population and industry of ment. Two flotation units were added to the the State. Drilling also increased on dam-site plant and two jigs were purchased. To help foundations to enable preparation of sites in this research a portable isotope mineral for conservation of w&ter supplies. analyser was purchased and left for use at the university. At 30 June, 1970, 15 departmental driBs were operating. Operations generally have The Venus State Battery has continued been moved to more remote areas, making to provide a valuable service by treating it necessary to purchase 15 more caravans ore mined in the Charters Towers division, for drill-site accommodation during the past but ore supplies have dwindled in recent year. years and the operating methods are being The Redbank and Moura workshops re-examined. continue to maintain and repair all depart­ The Government Assay Office at Cloncurry mental drilling and ancillary equipment. has attained a new record with the through­ During the year the department conducted three put of a totll!l of 8,824 samples involving drilling schools M Redbank, and these schools 10,724 assays. The revenue eamed was also attracted staff from several private companies. a record of $23,276. This good performance During the 1969 calendar year almost was achieved by one assayer and two good 8,500,000 tons of coal was produced in technical assistants. Queensland, which is a new record. The total value of all coa:l produced was The growing activi.ty of large prospecting $47,135,601. Internal consumption by elec­ companies is responsible for the increase in tricity, metalliferous mines and cement supply of samples. The Spekker absorption­ works, together with foundries, distilleries, meter which was purchased the previous year hospitals and other undertakings, continued has helped considerably with vhe throughput to increase. of copper samples. The largest individual increase in produc­ The hire of departmental equipment has tion for domestic consumption was at the been in demand, and two new compressors Callide open cut, where an increase of were recently purchased and 14 compressor 56,000 tons over the previous year was plants were continually on hire. About 18 recorded. There were also dramatic increases Quick winches and a number of pumping in coal produced for export, which accounted plants were made available for hire. for just on 5,000,000 tons of the State's 1480 Supply [29 OCI'OBER] Supply production. In addition to the activities of inspectors the fact that during the period established producers, parcels of bulk samples under review accidents within the coal of coal were exported overseas for testing industry were kept within reasonable limits. from South Blackwater, Baralaba, Yarrabee and Blair Athol. The Geological Survey of Queensland has continued, and will continue, to play a vital During 1969, 50 coal mines operated in role in the development of the State's mining the State comprising 30 underground mines industry. The services provided by the sur­ and 20 open-cut mines. vey encompass a wide variety of mining The introduction of new and improved activities. Sustained interest and intensive production and marketing methods continued activity in mineral exploration by companies at a high level. As a result of developmental and individuals has further increased the and new equipment programmes incorporated volume of administrative and technical during the last few years, it can now be said responsibility of the survey. The demand that, from a production point of view, the for field and laboratory services as a basis Queensland coal industry is as modern as for the development of the sources of that anywhere in the world. The industry minerals and their utilisation, engineering is continuing to meet .the requirements of construction and industrial planning has in Queensland, and I see no reason why the no way diminished. indu~try should not continue to do so in the foreseeable future. The difficulties in recruiting additional pro­ fessional staff have been aggravated by a As spectacular as developments on the continual loss in the face of overwhelming home front have been, they will always tend competition from prospecting companies, and to be overshadowed by the increasingly high overseas recruiting is being explored at every level of activity in the export sector. In opportunity with some success. The 1969-70 the Moura and Blackwater mines re-organisation of the staff has allowed continued as the State's principal producers greater emphasis to be placed on progress of coal for the export market. Work is rather than sectional activities, and all already under way on two new mines, one investigations are closely programmed. at Goonyella and the other at Peak Downs, Departmental geologists have played a major which will both come into the export trade role in the organising of the Mines Depart­ within the next two years. Both mines are ment drilling programme for both coal and being developed by the Utah Development metalliferous ores. The activities of the Company and, if the company's current survey encompass a full spectrum of geo­ plans proceed on schedule, they will establish logical activity, and it can be seen from the two additional mines within the next five demands made on the survey's staff and years. facilities that the work they are doing is Plans for other export coal complexes are more than appreciated by the industry. also well advanced. A new mine at South As a result of the intensification of mineral Blackwater, which is being developed by prospecting, demands on the information Thiess Bros., is now in the production and advisory services of the Geological stage, and a number of other companies Survey continue to increase. These include including Clutha Development Company, the the facilities of the reference library with B.H.P. Company and Mines Administration text books, periodicals and open-file reports, Pty. Ltd. are actively engaged in the pre­ the sale of maps and publications, .the free liminary stages of plans to develop export mineral testing and assay service, the core coal mines in the Bowen basin area. and cutting library at Redbank and personal As spectacular as events in the past have consultation with professional staff. There been, the future would seem to be even has been an increase in the volume of infor­ brighter for the Queensland coal industry. mation issued by the Geological Survey The only foreseeable limiting factor would through its published reports as well as seem to be the amount of time, effort and shorter publications in the Queensland Gov­ capital we are prepared to spend on the ernment Mining Journal. development of our coal resources. The introduction of natural gas into In this regard I am pleased to report to Brisbane and some other far-eastern Queens­ the Committee that exploration for coal has land centres during the last financial year been maintained at an extremely high level. has placed a heavy burden on the staff of Currently some 13,000 square miles of the the Government Gas Engineer and it would State are held under authorities to prospect have been more than over-optimistic to and the area is covered by a total of 52 expect the conversion to natural gas to be individual authorities. The increasing tempo implemented without any problems. In a of activity within the coal industry has programme of this magnitude the human placed an additional burden on the Mines factor was quite considerable, and discipline Department inspectors of coal mines. During of operation was a major factor. The depart­ 1969-70 departmental inspectors made a total ment recognised its responsibilities to assist of 1,251 inspections of coal operations and both the gas companies and the consumers travelled a total distance of over 136,000 in every possible way, and no effort was miles. We can attribute to the work of these spared in this regard. Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1481

It was felt that the department should extremely proud to have played perhaps only liaise very closely with the gas companies to a small part in the development that has help pin-point, identify and solve problems taken place. so that appropriate action could be taken at I know, too, that my sentiments in this the very earliest moment. Priority was given regard are shared by the great majority of to conversion of meters and the work-load Queensland people. I believe that the big­ required a superhuman effort on the part of gest problems facing our society in the the officers concerned to ensure other func­ years ahead surround the co-eXIStence of tions were not neglected. Action taken by mining, with its e11vironment, and the popu­ the staff of the department stands on record lation. We cannot eliminate the environ­ as being a considerable factor in the con­ ment nor can we eliminate the desires of version. Regulations .for the protection of the population, and I think that events in high-pressure mains were promulgated during this State to date have shown that we cer­ the period, which climaxed a long period tainly cannot afford to eliminate mining. of preparation during which many complex problems and overlapping responsibilities had At this point I should like to introduce to be critically analysed. a matter which has given me a great deal of pleasure, both personally and officially. The result is a first basic code of practice My Under Secretary, Mr. E. K. Healy, who, in regulation form for protection of under­ 1 know, is well and favourably known to ground mains. However, while this was a members on both sides of this Chamber, has start, there is still a need to make progres­ had a distinction bestowed on him which sive amendments to ensure undisciplined reflects credit on the Government as well as excavation does not cause damage. It may on himself. He has been informed by the be necessary for an amendment of the Mt. Isa City Council that it decided Gas Acts to bring about this desirable unanimously, at a meeting, to name a neyv aim. Equipment used by the Government and most modern suburb being created 1n Gas Engineer and his staff has been con­ Mt. Isa the "Healy Estate". This suburb tinuously brought up to date to meet the includes some 400 modern homes, park demands of a both complicated and vital lands a school and shopping facilities. In sector of the energy field. Much has also advising Mr. Healy of this honou_r, which I been accomplished with a programme believe is unique among State public servants, designed to ensure that all of the liquefied the mayor of this most progressive northern petraleum gas equipment installed in caravans citY said- in Queensland is safe. "My council does believe that the orderly In the first six months of 1969, the total development of Mount Isa has been possible value of all minerals produced in Queensland through the tremendous s_upport and co­ was almost $100,000,000. During the same operation that you have g1ven us. period of 1970, the total value of all minerals "I am certain that it will be one of produced in the State was just short of the most outstanding residential projects $147,000,000, which represents an increase we have ever had in Mount Isa. of almost 50 per cent. This result is made "The naming of this estate is some recog­ all the more remarkable when one considers nition of the service you have given us that each successive year for mining is a and for your personal interest in the pro­ record. An industry that is capable of gress of this area." recording an increase of nearly 50 per cent. in a six-month period, in the face of a As is well known to members, Mt. Isa previous record year must, of necessity, be would have probably the most acute housing in an extremely healthy condition. I know problems in this State. With . mmmg that figures in themselves do not mean very development proceeding at a fantastic. l?ace, much, but one cannot ignore the import of it is virtually impossible to fully ant1c1pate what stands behind these particular figures. housing needs. My department h~s made substantial sums available for housmg pro­ Of importance too is the fact that the jects. Some $200,000 has been directed. to increase does not represent a rise in the the creation of building allotments, levellmg, value of production of only one mineral. street surfacing, grading, channelling, etc. Movements in the production values of eight This type of development has arisen within minerals have combined to bring about this the department for the first time to meet remarkable result. Surely it is ridiculous to the great development change. Auctions of suggest that an industry that is injecting so land for housing and industrial purposes have much into the economy in the way of been arranged to endeavour to defeat traffick­ capital and development at every level is ing and profiteering in real estate. not operating in the very best interests of I wish to stress that the action of the Mt. the State. Isa City Council is a distinct expression of However, this is a charge that has been praise for the policies of this Government made time and time again, both inside and in framing its miners' homestead perpetual outside this Chamber. It is my pleasure to lease policies to meet modern needs. The go on record as saying that I have the very mayor and aldermen of the council have highest regard for what the men and women repeatedly expressed their appreciation of who have controlled our mining industry how the Government has handled this are doing for Queensland, and I am extremely difficult situation. I feel most 1482 Supply [29 OCTOBER} Supply gratified at the way matters have progressed, production of ore for the export :lllarket and that I have on my staff a public servant has a clear responsibility to the young people who has been so honoured. of this country to create secondary industry Queensland's future as a State, and indeed that will provide job opportunities for them Australia's own future as a nation, is intrinsi­ and eventually give the country the maximum cally tied up with the future of the mining benefit from its mineral resources and make industry. Already mining has done a great it self-sufficient in the metals produced from deal for Queensland, and it stands to do a them. That is only common sense, and I great deal more in the years of development repeat that I am completely opposed to and progress that lie ahead for this great the salient point made by the Federal Treas­ State. urer on that occasion. Companies should be allowed to make a Mr. HANSON (Port Curtis) (4.58 p.m.): reasonable profit, but it is completely wrong We have heard from the Minister this after­ that they should be making colossal profits noon a very detailed account of the rami­ from the export of ore, no matter how fications of the departments under his control. high the initial outlay. If the young people A look at the reports presented to Parliament of Australia are not given opportunities for by the Under Secretary for Mines and the employment and opportunities to involve Commissioner of Main Roads reveals the themselves in the new technology that is great extent of the work of those depart­ sweeping the world, the companies are not ments. Certainly one looks almost in awe playing their part and Governments should at the great increase that there has been in take corrective action. recent years in motor vehicle registrations, and the broad ramifications of the entry The Minister spoke in glowing terms of of mining companies into Queensland to the increased mineral production in Queens­ operate leases in this State. land. Although what he said is true, similar increases in production are taking place all From the earliest days, the mining industry over Australia. I want to destroy the idea in Australia has been geared to the export advanced by hon. members opposite that market. During the .time of its early it is purely because of Government inter­ development, the population was considerably vention, Government interest and Govern­ increased by an influx of Asiatics and others ment legislative enactments in the past 10, who sought their fortunes on the Australian 12 or 13 years that production has increased goldfields. Those were the days of the in this State. That is far from the truth. shallow-miners-the gaugers. They no I have here a copy of "The Sydney Morning longer have a place in the mining industry Herald" of Monday, 26 October. In it of this country. Mining today is, in the one sees "W.A. Government concept of iron main, deep mmmg, requiring expensive ore development"; "Coal largest contributor diamond drilling and other forms of to NSW mineral output"; "Mineral sands sophisticated technology. Previously, with a hit record levels"; and "Bauxite might replace small population dependent mainly on primary iron ore as top mineral". production, the development of Australia's rich mineral deposits was not practicable. A Government Member: Liberal Govern­ The huge expenditure involved in making the ments. recovery from ore profitable would not have Mr. HANSON: I could produce other justified the opening of many mining fields. newspapers to show the hon. member what I might mention that the large mining Mr. Dunstan and the Labour Government in companies--the giants--have been really South Australia are doing. That is not international in their outlook because they something ,that is occurring only in Australia; have had to compete on world markets it is occurring throughout the world, and at prevailing world-market prices. However, it is part and parcel of an over-all expansion many of them have a somewhat selfish point in mineral production. It is not because of view and will not embark upon a venture the Country Party and the Liberal Party have unless it is highly profitable. I concede a majority of members on the Government that a company must make profits. If it benches. Far from it! does not, it will go to the wall and so In a few minutes, I !hope to point out a will its employees. But I certainly am com­ few inadequacies that exist within the admin­ pletely opposed to the comments made by a istration of the Mines Department, and I very eminent member of the Federal Parlia­ hope that some cognisance will be taken of ment-Mr. McMahon, a former Treasurer what I say in order to improve the future -who recently told a society of accountants, of the mining industry in this State. We are when speaking of the changing philosophies told by the Minister that this year the value of the mining industry, that it was quite of mineral production in Queensland will unjust for Governments to make it mandatory exceed $200,000,000. It was a little over for mining companies to go into many $200.000,000 last year, and I admit that it stages of production-for example, the pro­ is a very significant figure. It exceeds the duction of the basic material and the fabrica­ value of production from the sugar industry, tion of metals such as aluminium. In my and I think it runs a very close second to opinion, it is very necessary for Governments t'he value of production from the cattle to write into contracts' a condition ,that a industry. The rate of increase in the mining company that has as its primary objective the industry is faster than that in many others. Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1483

I agree with all this, but it is imperative to industrial exploitation of the wealth that is sustain this increase because I think we have in the ground. At present we !have no well­ only just scratched the surface. This will laid guide-lines or sound planning, except become evident when we have the equipment possibly in the export of our minerals and that will be available in the years a:head. ores. Besides the shortage of geologists, there is a crying need for geophysicists and I hold that at present, because of Govern­ ment inadequacy and policy, a limitation is mining engineers and surveyors. placed upon the rate of development in the Mr. Ahem: Where do we get them? mining industry in this State. This limitation has been brought about by the inability of the Mr. HANSON: Put Labour on the Government to assist the Mines Department Treasury benches, and we will get them. As to cope with the great onslaught of requests I said this morning, in the post-war years for leases and authorities to prospect. The the Labour Government of the day was limitation certainly does not rest solely wi~h faced with an extreme shortage of qualified the inability of the mining companies to dentists in hospitals and institutions, and locate areas or to provide the finance to it turned to the United Kingdom and brought engage in the search for minerals. As I qualified dentists to this State. It did not said, the considerable limitation comes from fool about; it got on with the job. If a within the department itself and is a result Labour Government was charged with the of the administration of the Mining Acts. responsibility of administering the Mines Department it would ensure that Mr. Healy In a number of instances delays of from and his staff are not overworked, as they six to nine months have taken place in the are at present. consideration of applications for authorities to prospect. I do not blame the very fine An examination of page 66 of the Estimates officers of the Mines Department-they are reveals that in the Geological Survey section considerably overworked-but a delay of six of the Mines Department the number of to nine mon~s in processing an authority to geologists has been reduced from 68 to 62. prospect holds back the development of this Is the Government happy with that situa­ State by six to nine months. tion? Mr. Armstrong: Are you blaming the Mr. Ahem: No. Minister? Mr. HANSON: Certainly it should not be. Mr. HA.~SON: I blame the general over­ all policy of the Government, which is The matters that I am referring to are responsible for it. If hon. members opposite important and call for urgent attention. The claim that the mineral development Government needs to adopt an over-all policy in this State and the fact that 7,000,000 tons for the examination and development of of coal will be exported througih the port of Queensland's mineral resources, and unless Gladstone calls for 100 per cent. praise of the it takes urgent action to swell the ranks Government, they must also take I 00 per of scientists and technologists in mining, cent. of the responsibility for delays that international consortiums and firms will do occur. the job for it. And if they do, there will Mr. Armstrong: Whom are you blaming? be more than a quid pro quo! Greater financial assistance than that pre­ Mr. HANSON: I am blaming the Govern­ sently provided must be given to universities ment for the delay. Certainly it rests solely and institutes of technology. They must be at its feet and results from its hopeless given the money, the equipment, the oppor­ inadequacy. Would the hon. member be tunity and the encouragement to get on with satisfied if he went to a business up the street the job. seeking to purchase something for his farm and had to wait six or nine montihs? I am The annual report of the Department of certain he would not be happy. This is a Mines reveals that a total of 9,741 people very unfortunate position indeed. are employed in the mineral industry in this It has been charged, rather unfortunately State, which is an increase of 830 on the but successfully, that Australia as a whole figure for the previous year. But where are has a crippling shortage of geologists, for the specialised men? They are the ones instance, thus exploding the theory that we about whom the Government should be have an urgent and potent desire to develop worrying; yet Government members are our country. critical of any member of the Opposition wh? dares refer to them. In a smug, self­ Mr. Armstrong: So we have. satisfied way, the Government is crawling along at snail's pace. Mr. HANSON: I maintain tihat the blame for the shortage in this State rests at the feet I fully realise that the demands made by of the Government. Over the next 50 years private companies have accentuated the prob· with the advent of Labour Governments we !em that is confronting the Mines Depart­ will see even greater development­ ment; but that is a challenge to the depart­ undreamed of industrial expansion, not only ment, and one of the greatest it faces. Does in the exploration for ore and its extraction the Government expect to stand idly by in the from the bowels of the earth but also in the light of these circumstances and hope that 1484 Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply time will cure all ills? It seems to me that the Estimates for the Department of Mines. the Government wishes to do that. If the He referred to natural gas, which, whether Government members who have been so we like it or not, comes to Brisbane from critical endorse that policy, we on this side the Roma electorate through a pipeline 300 of the Chamber will be only too happy to miles long. Gas is supplied to the Austral­ enter their electorates and inform the electors Pacific complex, the South Brisbane Gas of the lack of responsibility that those Company and to Toowoomba and Ipswich. Government members display in this A problem has arisen in my electorate where natural gas is used in the Roma Power Chamber. House. The capacity of this undertaking Associated with the Vote for the Mines has increased out of all proportion in the Department is that for the Main Roads last few years. It now supplies electricity Department. It is indeed alarming that the to Yuleba, Injune, Surat, Mitchell, Mun­ requirement of the Main Roads Fund this gallala, and reticulation is being expanded year is approximately $7 5,000,000. That rapidly. is an astronomical figure. It was unheard I am pleased that the Minister in charge of years ago, for instance, in 1920, when of electricity is sitting on the front bench. a very fine Labour administration founded I point out to him that the electricity under­ the Main Roads Department. Previous con­ taking in our district is excellent. However, servative Governments tried to ruin the one facet of it worries me and the Roma transport system of the State. They did Town Council, namely, the negotiations with not have the farsightedness of many of overseas people on the price of gas. A pr~ce the old Labour pioneers. was negotiated before the gas was supplied The Minister brought the maintenance of to Brisbane, but difficulties are now being roads to the Committee's attention in a experienced in negotiating a price after striking way when he said that this year supply has been connected to Brisbane users. road maintenance called for the sum of It is a two-edged argument. In theory, gas $9,600,000 compared with $10,100,000 in should be cheaper out there because it has not 1969-70. Speaking of the economics of road to be reticulated any great distance. The oth~r maintenance, he said that existing assets argument is that it should be cheaper m must be maintained at predetermined mini­ Brisbane because it is supplied in such large mum, tolerable standards. That is quite quantities. I hope that the Minister will true. I maintain that inadequate roads are keep an eye on the agreement between the far greater killers than speed or grog. I do Roma Town Council and Associated Pipe­ not doubt that that statement may be dis­ lines because one price should be related to puted by Government members, but it is the 'other. There should be a periodic substantiated by an eminent authority, review, and some relationship should exist namely, Mr. J. Stodart, president of the between the price in Brisbane and the price R.A.C.Q., who, when speaking on this matter out there. only a few months ago, said- Mr. Houston: Are the local people sub­ "! don't think speed is the main killer. sidising the industry in Brisbane? It is the condition of our roads. "Responsibility for their improvement Mr. TOMKINS: I would not say they rests with the Federal and State Govern­ are doing that, but it is very hard to com­ ments. The latter can only work through pare the price out there on a small through­ finance made available by the Common­ put and the price in Brisbane on a la-rge wea'th. throughput. There should be some relation­ "Unfortunately not all petrol and ship. A developing industry out there should associated taxes are put into road improve­ not be penalised. This is part of the grass ment. Some goes into Consolidated roots of decentralisation. Keeping the price Revenue." down is one way of keeping our western (Time expired.) towns afloat. I congratulate Mr. Healy on having a Mr. TOMKINS (Roma) (5.17 p.m.): Unlike suburb in Mt. Isa named after him. It is the previous speaker, I congratulate the a real tribute to his department. I am Minister on the good work that has been sure that he would say that he is part of done in the past year. I find it hard to believe that our road system is not good the system. enough and, as I continue, I will outline Mr. Davies: What benefit have you derived some of the improvements in main roads from gas being introduced into your area? construction in the last 12 years. The Esti­ mates this year disclose that $94,000,000 Mr. TOMKINS: As I indicated, we have has been set aside for expenditure by the a healthy electric light system, and the price Main Roads Department compared with of electricity in the area served by this $86,000.000 last year. The additional alloca­ gas is comparable with that in other areas; tion indicates that the work of the Depart­ in fact, if anything, it is a shade cheaper, ment is increasing, and the standard of so we are not penalised, and, therefore, the work is certainly better. system must be working all right. I propose to deal mostly with main roads The Main Roads Department has done a matters. but I want to refer to one point fantastic job in the area of Queensland in outlined by the Minister when dealing with which I move. Mr. Lowe, Mr. Hansen, and Supply (29 OCTOBER} Supply 1485

Mr. Andrews deserve the highest credit for decentralisation policy carried out by the the work they do not only in country areas Main Roads Department has much to com­ but also in Brisbane. mend it. Recently, it was my pleasure to go with Because extremely good roads are now the Minister to the opening of the new Main being built, I should like the Minister to Roads Department building in Toowoomba. give some thought to increasing the maximum This is an indication that the department permissible speed of 60 miles an hour. is on the ball and looks after its staff in When one gets beyond a radius of about Toowoomba, which covers south-west Queens­ 80 miles to 100 miles from Brisbane on land. The divisional engineer, Mr. Dar­ to open ~o~ds, 60 miles an hour is, mody, is in charge of that division. in my oprmon, too slow. I discovered I should like the department to give con­ when I was in Western Australia recently sideration to erecting headquarters in that the speed limit in that State is 65 miles Roma where there is a substantial staff under an hour, and, from inquiries that I made, Mr. Agnew working in a building that is it seems to be working extremely well. I far too small for their requirements. Roma should like to think that the time will come is a progressive inland centre. Most Gov­ when, in certain areas where the country ernment departments have _branches there. is flat and there are either no obstructions or no obstructions that cannot readily be This division covers the town of Roma, and seen, the speed limit will be increased to the shires of Bungil, Taroom, Murilla, 65. Bendemere, Warroo, Booringa, Murweh, Paroo, Bulloo and Quilpie. Those shires have Mr. Low: What about kangaroos? a total Main Roads allocation of $2,844,000 Mr. TOMKINS: In most cases they can (most of it for work administered by the be seen. They are, as it were, just an shire councils), of which $1,274,722 was occupational hazard, and I would not worry spent in the Roma electorate up to 30 June too much about them. this year. This is a substantial $3,000,000 industry and I think it is a fact of life that The other matter I wish to raise is the it needs headquarters. To get the best out development of what I choose to call north­ of people in Government employment, we to-south roads. I accept that there must must provide conditions comparable with be roads from the West to the capital city. those to be found in private enterprise. However, the real deficiency today, as I see it, is in north-to-south roads. I know that It is a fact that in the last 12 years at present a considerable amount of work or so--certainly after the change of Gov­ is being done on the Leichhardt Highway, ernment-much progress has taken place in the road from Theodore and Taroom, down road construction in this area. I know only through Miles and Meandarra, to Goondi­ too well tha.t it was possible to get bogged windi. The road from Injune to Roma on the Condamine Highway in 1957. That and down to Surat, St. George and Mun­ road was improved and completed shortly gindi, which is known as the Carnarvon after the change of Government. The hon. Highway, is also very important. These roads member for Warrego would agree that the have proved their worth in time of drought, Warrego Highway is now a good road. It but surely the seasons will change. is now possible to travel for a considerable distance west of Longreach on a bitumen Mr. McKechnie: They are carrying a lot road 18 feet wide. The road from Roma of industrial traffic from the south. to Injune, constructed by the shire council, Mr. TOMKINS: That is correct. I believe is now extremely good. that the movement of both cattle and sheep At this stage I should like to commend from north to south has been possible the co-operation between the Main Roads because of dry conditions. However, the Department and the shire councils in the need for an all-weather road will become carrying out of this work. This means that apparent when the wet seasons return and councils in western areas are able to main­ 50 miles of the road between Surat and St. tain substantial work-forces of people who George is not an all-weather road. When live in their areas. it has been completed, people who once As the Minister said, a programme of sold stock to the south will go south and decentralisation in the administration of the bring stock back. The fact that stock will Main Roads Department has been followed. be able to move in each direction will be a It is true that the whole set-up of the Main a very good drought-prevention measure. Roads Department has been decentralised. I know that t'he Main Roads Department The drawing of plans, most of which had is working on the problem. I have seen its to be done previously in Brisbane, and 5-year plan, and if it can maintain its present which, at times, used to hold up work, programme the objective will be achieved. is now carried out locally, even in western The road from Cunnamulla to Charleville is areas. This type of work is now completely equally important. The days of big losses of decentralised. The Taroom, Murilla and livestock in western areas could largely be Bendemere Shire Councils also do consider­ avoided by the provision of roads such as able work .for the Main Roads Department. these, and I hope that the Main Roads This helps to keep people in those ar('as, Department is able to keep to the programme and it helps the economy of the towns. The it has set. Rapid road transport has 1486 Supply [29 OcroBER] Supply

improved conditions greatly. People from my for them. Freight is such a big item in electorate could buy stock at Tamworth and other places if they knew that they could the price of lucerne hay that it has to be get them home. Of course, they are in considered. Anyway, so much for that. trouble if it does rain, but they have not Again I congratulate the Minister on the had many problems in that direction in the activities of his departments. Of course, I last four or five years. do not come in contact with the Mines Another matter, which may not strictly Department as much as I do with the Main come within the ambit of the Department of Roads Department, but I can say that the Main Roads but which is affected by its Main Roads Department in Queensland has, policy, is the saving of stock that could be effected by the more realistic use of tlhe over the years, done a fantastic job. I hope principle of drought-declared shires. Let me it is able to continue to do so. Under the refer particularly to the St. George irrigation new Commonwealth-States arrangement I area. It has done a very good job of supply­ think this will be possible. As time goes ing lucerne hay and fodder to drought­ on I hope that it can perhaps expand its stricken graziers. Under the present system, work, because roads are the lifeblood of coun­ no 40-mile limit is in operation, and a freight try areas. It is absolutely essential that we subsidy of 5c a ton applies from the word slowly but surely service all the settled areas go. I should like to think that the Minister where roads are needed. Until we do, these for Mines and Main Roads could use his areas will not be fully effective. I know influence to allow that subsidy to remain in force when the seasons return to normal. quite a few areas that I believe in due course will develop extremely well once roads are Let me put it this way: a 12-ton truck put in. As I indicated earlier, the Main carrying lucerne lhay on a subsidy of 5c a Roads Department's practice of using shire ton mile would attract a subsidy of 60c councils to carry out its work is extremely a ton mile. Without subsidy, the charge for cartage on the lucerne hay would probably good. be 80 or 90c per mile, so the grazier, wLth (Time expired.) the subsidy provided, would have to pay only 20 or 30c. That would be a very great induce­ Mr. HARRIS (Wynnum) (5.37 p.m.): First ment to people to buy fodder and store it, of all, may I take this opportunity of con­ and I believe that they should be encouraged gratulating the hon. member for Port Curtis to do so. When seasons are good, people who not only on the very able and capable have high-quality hay for sale cannot sell it. way in which he presented the case for They are able to sell it only when tlhings get the Labour Party but also for castigating touglh. If the subsidy could be retained and the Government for some of the things made available to primary producers who which, in his opinion and in mine, are con­ were prepared to buy lucerne hay and store trary to the best interests of this fair it properly for use in times of drought, I believe that would assist tremendously in State. saving livestock. I should like to think the I was a little surprised at the very short Minister and Cabinet would give some time the Minister d:woted to dealing with consideration to my suggestion, because all the Main Roads Department. I suppose one sorts of schemes are put forward to save could be forgiven for thinking that stock and some of them are not very the great silver dollar would possibly practical. dazzle the eyes not only of the Minister for I am not one who believes that a person Mines and Main Roads but also of his col­ breeding cattle or sheep is necessarily the league the Premier and many other members best person to grow lucerne hay. If a man of the Country and Liberal Parties, especi­ is using his property to breed stock, he ally when the Minister spent three-quarters wants to do it and make a good job of it. of his time elaborating on the mining If he diversifies and grows hay, wheat or industry. something else, he generally neglects what I sometimes wonder just how much con­ he set out to do. On the other hand, at sideration the Minister and the Main Roads St. George--and I am only mentioning Department give to the motorist. Before I St. George as an example-there is an irri­ get onto the registration of motor vehicles, gation set-up and as a result quite a number let me point out that the Minister did men­ of people are in the business of growing tion how many miles of main roads have lucerne hay. They are geared to go and, been completed and how much money had if they could get a throughput year in and been spent on the maintenance. of those roads. year out, it is obvious that they could In this connection, I should like to quote possibly reduce their costs. A few weeks this short passage from the journal "Road ago I was quoted a price of $60 a ton for News":- lucerne hay. At the present time it can " Roads determine the shape and siting of be bought for half that. If these people communities as railways determined the could get fairly substantial sales of lucerne shape, size and site of towns and cities hay right throughout the year, the price would a century ago. In the countries with which probably be even a little bit cheaper than we compare ourselves, the standard of that and it would still be good business roads is an accurate reflection of the Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1487

standards of the community. In develop­ companies during the eight months from ing countries, roads, health, education and 1 January, 1970, in the Wynnum electorate housing are the four great criteria of their only- material progress." Month Number 44 I compliment the Minister on the work that January February 58 he had done on the roads. I point out that 75 this is about the only occasion when March April . 67 Government members have not blamed the 52 drought for the condition of our main roads. May However, the hon. member for Burdekin, June 55 l think it was, referred to the condition of July 65 roads for the movement of stock. August 80 I hope the Minister will provide additional 496 funds to develop main roads so that country towns that · have suffered tragically during the drought will not remain in their present It could be logically assumed that if the condition. In many western towns the con­ motor houses sell approximately 500 new ditions under which local residents are vehicles they will sell the same number of forced to live are shocking, and some of used vehicles, so ,that approximately 1,000 those conditions are attributable to the poor motor vehicles would have changed hands access provided to those towns. in the Wynnum electorate during that period of eight months. On that basis, between I wish to refer to the Minister's remark 1,100 and 1,200 vehicles a year would require about the registration of motor vehicles in either a new registration, or a transfer of Queensland. These are the figures since registration. 1940- Perhaps all types of vehicles would not Year Vehicles Registered be sold in my electorate, but they would 1940 129,000 be sold somewhere throughout Queensland. 1950 207,000 This is a list of some of the vehicles that 1960 405,000 could be registered in a suburb that had 1970 700,000 a branch of the Main Roads Department: cars, trucks, utilities, panel vans, tractors, Again I ask the Minister: what has he done station sedans, caravan cars, ambulances, to provide facilities to motorists, other than cabin chassis, cabin trucks, prime movers, those in country towns, to pay their regis­ buses, school buses, semi-trailers, solo motor­ tration fees and have their vehicles checked? cycles, motor-cycles with side-cars, tricycles In the Wynnum electorate a new court­ (powered), and invalid chairs. house has been erected, and on previous I stress the importance of giving ·the motor occasions I have complimented the Minister companies some assistance in vehicle regis­ for Works on the job that has been done. trations. They all allow three hours for In questions I have referred to the fact that the registering of a motor vehicle, although in that court-house there are two vacant they are only 11 miles from the Brisbane rooms, and I have asked if the Minister City Hall. That is the minimum time, would give urgent consideration to establish­ without any hold-ups or delays in the Main ing an office of the Main Roads Department Roads Department. Frequently there is in the court-house in an endeavour to over­ such a long queue that it takes much more come the necessarily long queues at the great than three hours to complete the transaction. complex at Spring Hill. On each occasion the Minister has told me that it is not the When a used vehicle is sold, form M201 policy or practice of the Government to has to be completed by the police, certifying make such facilities available in the metro­ to the engine number and chassis number. politan area. I suppose that 20, 15 or even A vehicle cannot be registered until the 10 years ago that argument would have been verification by the police is given to the valid; however, in 1970 it is not, particularly seller of the vehicle to take to the Main in the light of the Minister's admission that Roads Department to get his number plates this year 700,000 motor-vehicles are regis­ and registration certificate. On many days tered in Queensland. two or · three sales are made, and hon. I have said that there are two vacant members can well realise the time lost in rooms at the court-house, which could completing the M201 forms at police stations. adequately house an office of the Main When a new vehicle is sold, an M202 form Roads Department. That office could be has to be completed. It can be completed staffed by certain residents in my electorate only by nominees, such as managers, direct­ who are employed by the department and ors, or executives of a company, who have are fully qualified to perform their job been approved by the Main Roads Depart­ efficiently. ment. The department accepts their word Nine motor companies have showrooms on the engine and chassis numbers, so that in the Wynnum electorate. They employ does not present such a great problem. between 200 and 300 people. I should like Nevertheless, a visit has to be made to to quote these figures which were obtained .the city to effect registration and, if necessary, from a survey of new cars sold by these get the number plates. 1488 Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply

I am sure the Minister will agree that coast, and what the companies are getting this service should be provided not only in away with is simply shocking. One has Wynnum but throughout the metropolitan only to go over the border into New South area generally. These transactions can be Wales to see the condition of some areas conducted in Cleveland, which is only 2 miles that have been mined. I might also mention from Wynnum, but is not within the Greater that some of the areas that were mined Brisbane area. Imagine how much less and revegetated are now being turned over traffic there would be on our roads, and the and mined again. Is that going saving of the time normally taken to travel to be the position at Cooloola? Is from Wynnum to Brisbane in the morning that going to be the position throughout or afternoon peak hours, if such an office the sand-mining industry? Or is it just were established in Wynnum. I mentioned an isolated case? In one instance, credit the court-house, not becuase the facilities must be given to the Government for doing are available there, but because it is adjacent everything possible to revegetate one area in to the police station and the whole transaction Queensland. A remarkably good job has could be conducted at the one time. been done there. The companies at Wynnum employ 200 When one thinks of what is taking place men, and the managements claim that if on Stradbroke Island at the present time, these errands to the city could be avoided one must not forget that this is one of the by having an office in that aJrea, the time islands of Moreton Bay that could possibly of five men would be saved. Therefore, I be turned into one of the great tourist implore the Minister to give earnest and attractions of both Waterloo Bay and Moreton serious consideration to establishing a Main Bay. It is a crying shame the way the sand Roads office in Wynnum. If this were dunes have been left, and the way the sand­ done-and I think it must come about­ mining companies have been allowed to get we would have an office where licences could away with what is virtually a murdering of be issued. the flora and fauna. Irrespective of the Take, for instance, ·the case of a person angle from which one looks at this matter, who has been a loyal citizen over the years it is having a great effect on part of our and who is now a member of that great heritage. It will not be very long before band of men and women who are possibly some of the flora and fauna of this island stHl the salt .of the earth, namely, our aged will be lost not only to this generation but citizens. He has to travel all the way to to generations to come. the city to renew his registration. I realise Nor do I speak of just this one island. that he could post his renewal certificate and What is to happen to the Great Barrier Reef? hi-s cheque, but it is possible that he would I think all members know that the southern­ have a problem he wants to discuss with most point of the Barrier Reef is just off an officer in the department. Quite often, Pt. Lookout. What is to happen there? because so many rules and regulations govern police activities and travel on our roads, he Again I return to Waterloo Bay and More­ would consider that to travel to the city by ton Bay and ask what is to happen there when train would be safer for both him and his the Queensland Cement and Lime Co. Ltd. vehicle. This should not be the case, because has prostituted the entire island by the extrac­ these people are justly entitled to the facilities tion of coral. The Government claims that that the department should provide through­ the company is to be permitted to take dead out the length and breadth of this city. coral, but how is only dead coral to be The chairman of the Opposition's committee taken and live coral left when the entire on main roads, the hon. member for Port island is a coral island? I ask the Minister Curtis, dealt briefly with the Main Roads to watch closely what happens between King Department. He also outlined Labour's Island and the Karragarra Passage in the policy on mining matters. It is intNesting prostitution of coral reserves by the Queens­ to note that the hon. member for Mulgrave land Cement and Lime Co. Ltd. is not in the Chamber. We on this side (Time expired.) of the Chamber have not decided whether [Sitting suspended from 5.59 to 7.15 p.m.] this is his swan-song or whether he was simply muttering and mumbling in his usual Mr. AHERN (Landsborough) (7.15 p.m.): ill-informed way. I do not think any hon. member would deny I consider that the Mines Department has that mining, as an industry in this State, is done a very good job in the production of the most exciting development in every respect coal and minerals. However, the way it that is taking place at present. The years in has allowed sand-mining companies to get which we live :have been called the "mining away with wh&t they aTe doing in the seventies", and it is with this in mind that supposed revegetation and regeneration of I wish to make a few comments on these sand dunes is a shocking disgrace. Estimates. We have heard on so many occasions First I extend my thanks to the officers what is happening in sand-mining. The of the Mines Department, particularly Mr. most valuable mineral sands extend from Kevin Healy, for the courtesies they have the Hawkesbury River area, in New South extended to me on many oc.casions during Wales, to Curtis Island, off the Queensland the past couple of years. Supply (29 OCTOBER] Supply 1489

Since coming into this Chamber about 2t that it would not have evolved if some other years ago, I have been astounded to hear Government had been in office in Queens­ the tirade of criticism directed against Vhe land. mineral development taking place in Queens­ I was rather astounded to hear the hon. land. Firstly, it was out-and-out opposition member for Port Curtis say that this develop­ to the over-all mineral development. It was ment would have occurred anyway, that it said that the development would produce had an inevitability about it. This is cate­ only holes in the ground and that profits gorically untrue. This development has been would accrue only to overseas companies. carefully planned and it has only been made Mr. Hinze: It could be said that the A.L.P. possible by creating the climate for it to has tried to scuttle mining in Queensland. happen profitably. Does any hon. member think it might happen in Queensland in the Mr. AHERN: That could be correct. climate created by the Labour Party which, Secondly, the emphasis changed from when an extensive mineral development that criticism of the overall mineral develop­ has made an excellent contribution to this ment to mere criticism of the royalties country suddenly turns out to be quite a involved. Thirdly, that criticism has profitable enterprise, confronts it with the now been eJCtended to criticism of the Depart­ threat of nationalisation, which was recently ment of Mines and the effect of mineral declared as policy by the Trades and Labour development on the environment in which Council's spokesman, Mr. Jack Egerton. I we live. I think it is fair to say that I have suppose that is also the policy of the Aus­ heard a tremendous amount of criticism of tralian Labour Party. Does anyone here many aspects of the mmmg industry think that the present mineral development expressed in this Chamber by hon. members would occur in Queensland in that sort of opposite in the years that I have been political climate? I say that it very definitely privileged to be a member of this Assembfy. would not. This Government has provided the eco­ The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. nomic climate that has attracted many Ramsden): Order! There is too much audible people into active mineral development in conversation in the Chamber. Queensland, and it has had many great advantages to the State. Firstly, and most Mr. AHERN: If the Government estab­ lished a factory at Acacia Ridge through its significantly, it has provided employment for agency, the Department of Industrial men on salaries that are higher in many Development, which resulted in a manufac­ respects than those received by many mem­ bers in this Chamber. When I visited the tt;r~ng industr~ employing 600 men and pro­ VIding them With excellent working conditions mineral development in Central Queensland, and wages, which made a worth-while contri­ T was astounded to learn, while talking to bution to the housing needs of the State and men working on the job up there, that some provided a network of roads and ancillary of the skilled and semi-skilled workers about services of great benefit to the State, the the mine were on better salaries than were Government would be hailed as being very hon. members in this Chamber. I know progressive. It would be commended for that no-one will deny that. showing initiative in bringing such an It is also true to say that the vast increase industry to the State, providing employment in living standards today in this State, and for so many men, and improving the standard throughout Australia, has been the result of of living which, after all, is what we are try­ the leadership of the mineral industry. All ing to do. But when the Government tries to industry knows this, because it has had to do something in relation to the mining meet the wage conditions created by this industry-! remind the Committee that min­ climate of economic boom, which in turn ing is only another secondary industry­ has been created by the mineral industry in and provide employment in inland areas this country. of the State by decentralising industry, Mr. O'Donnell: You said that the Govern­ all the considerations relative to a manu­ ment had created it. facturing industry are overlooked and suddenly many conditions that do not Mr. AHERN: Indirectly, it did. The apply to a manufacturing industry Government created the climate for the are applied to the mining industry. I think mining boom, which in turn created this that is more than a little unreasonable. economic climate. The hon. member does not seem to understand the situation. I was privileged recently to make a trip with the Minister and officers of his depart­ As we travelled through Central Queens­ ment to view the mineral developments land, we noticed the tremendous number of taking place in Central Qu10ensland, and there ancillary benefits that the mining boom has we saw very tangible evidence of the plan­ brought to Central Queensland. We found ning that has been done to promote the local authorities very anxious for new development of a mineral industry in that developments to take place in their areas­ part of the State. From my point of view new road developments, new service indus­ it was proof positive that the Government tries, more people coming into the area to has provided an economic climate in which take advantage of the higher wages being development of that type could evolve, and paid. 1490 Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply

On many occasions the subject of royalties I turn now to the administration of the has been bandied about this Chamber by the Main Roads Department. I record my thanks Leader of the Opposition. The royalty to the Commissioner, Mr. Lowe, and to return to this State from its mineral industry Mr. Bill Cock and Mr. Tom Raper, who has been very significant. It was a highly have assisted me very greatly during the past significant feature of the State Budget before couple of years. us at the moment, but I think the most significant feature, and one that is too often In my electorate some criticism has been overlooked, is the great revenue that the levelled against the administration of the mineral industry provides to our railways. Main Roads Department. It is always interesting to look at figures and compare When I was speaking on the Financial them. This year the Estimates for the Statement and made that statement, the department represent an investment of Leader of the Opposition contested it and $94,000,000. In 1957, which is a long time said that it was not in the Budget. I should ago, the figure was $22,000,000. therefore now like to quote this statement by the Treasurer in his Budget- Mr. Hinze: You would call it "peanuts". "Before leaving the subject of railways, let me add that the revenue expected to be Mr. AHERN: It was "peanuts" in those derived this year from the carriage of days. It was nowhere near enough. minerals is some $35 million, or approxi­ I am not going to claim that sufficient mately on~third of the total railway money has been spent on the construction receipts." of access roads to the Sunshine Coast. I This is a magnificent contribution, but hon. feel that, as the area is expanding greatly, members opposite have had the tetnerity to and much beyond our wildest dreams, addi­ criticise this over-all development which has tional funds will have to be made available been of such value to Queensland at this par­ in the future. However, I am prepared to ticular time. I do not think their criticism give credit to the Main Roads Department has the support of the people. where credit is due. Approximately six miles It has also been said that very little plan­ of four-lane highway has been constructed ning has taken place in the development of between Brisbane and Narnbour, and, as the mineral industry. This shows a basic well, the access roads to Brisbane on the ignorance of the real facts. If we study the outskirts of the city have been greatly situation in the coal industry we realise that improved. Previously very bad traffic hold­ extensive planning has been carried out ups occurred on the northern perimeter of towards providing future coal reserves for Brisbane, but during the past few years they Queensland. The Minister has said that for have been eliminated at great expense to the every ton of coal mined two more tons must State. It was necessary to remove them in be proven underground. As well, excellent order to facilitate access to the Sunshine planning of railway and port development has Coast. taken place. It was a pleasure to see the It is significant to record that advance developments in Central Queensland, at planning is under way for a four-lane high­ Moura, Blackwater, Blackwater South, Goon­ way from Bald Hills to the Caboolture Shire yella, Peak Downs, Norwich Park and boundary, and construction of it will com­ Saraji, and the foreshadowed developments mence shortly. If forward planning esti­ by Clutha, Conzinc Riotinto, B.H.P. and mates are fulfilled, the project will be com­ others. pleted by 1974-75. People travelling to the Sunshine Coast will then have a four-lane Mr. Wright: Do you think the meat trade section from Brisbane to the Caboolture should be centralised? Shire boundary. It will not be completed without overcoming great engineering diffi­ Mr. AHERN: That has nothing at all to culties, and it will have to be virtually do with this debate. The point I want to completed before it can be put into use. It make is that a tremendous amount of takes such a direct route that very little of planning has been done in the development it will be usable before it is completed. I of the coal-mining industry in Central understand that the department is consider­ Queensland. When it comes about, I believe ing constructing a two-lane road in the first it will be a tremendous tribute to the fore­ instance, although some engineering diffi­ sight and initiative of the Minister for culties will be associated with this idea. The Mines and Main Roads. He has seen what department plans to commence work on this this coal development on an integrated, section soon. planned basis could do for Central Queens­ land, and he has had the courage to see it By the time the four-lane section is com­ implemented. pleted, a new pavement from Brisbane to Nambour will have been completed during Undoubtedly in the future some conflict this Government's term. A large amount of will arise between the mining industry and main roads work will also have been carried our environment. I agree with the Minister out between N am bour and Gympie, and that in the future a greater onus must be other places farther north. placed on the mineral industry to get across through public relations the great value of Mr. Hinze: Have you a freeway section that industry to Queensland's ~onomy. leading out of Brisbane on the north side? Supply [29 OcTOBER] Supply 1491

Mr. AHERN: No. That is exactly what West to the southern States, would be kept I am referring to. in good, trafficable condition, this has not As I travelled around the State with the been done. I travelled over this road only Minister on a recent tour, I noticed a net­ last Tuesday, and its condition is anything work of roads throughout the State which but good. I am not surprised that transport reflects great credit on the Main Roads operators have placed a surcharge on the Department. When the new pavement from carriage of stock on this road, to cover the Brisbane to Nambour is laid-the greater excess wear and tear on vehicles. They have part of it is already complete, and the final no alternative route and must tackle it. section to be done is between Beerwah and Landsborough-early action is to be taken Fifty points of rain is enough to make it to bypass the townships of Beerwah and completely untrafficable, and on occasions I Glasshouse. That will mean a completely have witnessed poor stock held up for a new road alignment from Brisbane to week because bogged trucks have made this Nambour. road impassable. Heavy costs have resulted Plans are being made to resurface and to stockowners who have been forced to realign the Landsborough-Maleny road. This unload stock either in the towns or along will be an expensive job, and will be under­ the road and feed and supervise them until taken in two stages. It is vital to my elec­ the road is re-opened to traffic. torate because it will cap the last two I feel sure that many of the so-called beef achievements celebrated at Montville a few roads would not carry the volume of traffic weeks ago when the Minister, with 600 or the number of stock that this road carries. people in attendance, opened the new roads I consider it criminal that this Government replacing the two missing links between has delayed the forming and bituminising Montville and Mapleton, and Montville and of this necessary main arterial road for so Maleny, respectively. A network of bitumen long. I sincerely implore Government action roads will thus be provided through the on this road. hinterland of the Sunshine Coast and wiJI be of great benefit both to that area's tourist It is considered by local and interstate industry and to the local residents. operators to be an absolute horror stretch. I would be remiss when discussing the It is costing stock dealers and buyers extra Estimates for the Main Roads Department if money to have their stock conveyed. It I did not refer to the problems associated is a heavy blight on stock-trading activities with the increased traffic on what is com­ throughout the whole of western Queensland. monly known as the "coast road", from I know one Charleville transport operator Caloundra to Noosa. When this road was who took a brand new truck on its maiden first envisaged it was not intended to take run over this road. He found that the cost the great volume of traffic it handles today. of repairing damage caused by the shocking But for the Coastal Roads Development Act condition of this road was as high as $400. there would be no Sunshine Coast as we I am sure that the Government has been know it at present. It is the thread-the made well aware, and has been aware for some ribbon-that ties all the resorts of the area considerable time, of the vehicle-wrecking into one entity or unit. It now carries such condition of this road. No work of a major a significant portion of the over-all Bruce nature has been done on it, despite the Highway traffic that it will not be able to promises of the Minister to put it in good, carry it much longer without imposing trafficable condition. significant loads on local authorities. The No wonder the people of the West are an Minister has rendered good support in the unhappy lot. They are plagued with broken past, but more support will be required in the future. promises and are served by an apathetic, uncaring Government. The wheels of Gov­ The department is considering an over-all ernment action, like the mills of God, grind plan for the long-term future needs of main slowly. How long will it be before the roads throughout this area. In the long Government recognises the value of this term, a greater percentage of the Bruce necessary and vital outlet from the major Highway traffic will travel through this area, regions of this State and moves to make it perhaps across the Bribie Island bridge, up a formed and sealed highway? My argu­ through the island, across the projected ments, I might say, apply also to the Leich­ bridge to Caloundra, on to Noosa, and then hardt Highway and other highways leading further north. This will mean a considerable interstate west of Roma. increase in the amount of traffic using it, and the Main Roads Department will be The hon. member for Kedron spoke this required to take new initiatives in this regard. afternoon of the millions of dollars spent I commend the Minister on the Estimates by the Government in the wooing and he introduced. "sweethearting" of foreign investment com­ (Time expired.) panies, much to the detriment of Queensland generally. When is the Government going Mr. AIKEN (Warrego) (7.36 p.m.): In to stop pandering to the big capitalists and spite of the Government's promise that the give due consideration to our own Queens­ Char!evi!le-Cunnamulla road, which is the landers? Apparently, as the hon. member main outlet for stock and traffic generally for Kedron stated, there is money for projects from the North, North-west, and Central such as the Moura-Gladstone railway line, 1492 Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply the Goonyella line, and the Weipa develop­ transactions and assist in this important ment, but the lavish spending in the coastal field, should be a prime objective of the regions has no pa-rallel at all in the West. Main Roads Department. The delay in Is it not true that the 15 per cent. of property resumptions, which has proved both the State's population who Jive in the West costly and obstructive, could be obviated, are valuable contributors .to the State's to the mutual benefit of the landowner and economy, and are largely responsible for the the Department of Main Roads. present affluence? Why then, in God's name, are not we of the West being treated The development and consolidation of fairly and squarely? Let me tell you, Mr. industries will continue to depend greatly on Ramsden, that the previous great supporters the policies of the department, and lip­ of this Government, namely, the wool-grow­ service can no longer be tolerated. If the ers and beef producers of the West, are State is to continue to grow and become wondering what their loyalty has meant to great, we need strength of purpose and the Government. All it seems to have definite signs that the Government will brought them is contempt. implement a policy of "Queensland First" If the Government has any feelings of and refuse to pander to the golden dollar. pride on its achievements in the development Mr. WHARTON (Burnett) (7.46 p.m.): of the West, let it go and talk to the First, I pay a tribute to the Minister for the councils of Blackall, Tambo, Murweh, Paroo way in which he presented his Estimates to and Bulloo shires, who have made constant the Committee. He gave a very compre­ appeals to the Government on the state hensive indication of what has been done of the Cunnamulla road, only to be snubbed by both the Department of Main Roads and and ignored. I believe that police "blitzes" the Department of Mines. and road safety propaganda are of little value in attempting to halt the carnage and Mr. Bennett: He is boxing pretty well with spiralling death-rate on the highways. Inade­ the Premier, too. quate roads, of which the Charleville-Cunna­ mulla road is a classic example, are the Mr. WHARTON: I prefer not to listen primary cause of accidents and tragedies. to the hon. member's comments. Under the We must act, and act now, to halt the guiding hand of the Minister for Mines and problems that come with rising demands Main Roads, there has been considerable for road development and a consequent rise progress in both those spheres of activity. in the number of road tragedies. We must Main roads have improved greatly, and I improve our highways, and concentrate on do not think the mining industry has ever obtaining the best possible results in traffic advanced more than it has since the Minister engineering and control. took over the portfolio, and he should be complimented for that. His portfolio is a The Land Acquisition Act, implemented in difficult one, but it is made even more a heavy-handed way by the Government, is difficult by members on the Opposition a matter of serious concern. When right-of­ benches who do not understand the situation way is required by the Main Roads Depart­ and who are not prepared to adopt a broad ment, in far too many cases the feelings attitude to the question. of landowners have been ruffled by mis­ understanding and confusion. The Depart­ I do not wish to say very much about ment must concentrate on a public relations mining-! shall refer principally to main plan to help the people, particularly elderly roads-but I should like to comment briefly widows and pensioners who, because of pre­ on what was said by the hon. member for vious poor public relations, are distrustful Po·rt Curtis. Of course, I endorse what of Government action under acquisition the hon. member for Landsborough said rights. Legal action, so frequently imposed relative to the Government's attitude to on these people, is expensive and frightening, mining in Queensland. The hon. member and I am sure that many of the problems for Port Curtis said that development would associated with acquisition of land could be have taken place in any case, that no credit smoothed over by skilled public relations. was due to the Government for what has happened. He said, in effect, that the Property acquisition costs, which must Government had not done anything to include compensation charges, represent a encourage mining development. If he wishes large percentage of road construction costs. to engage in exercises of that sort, he should Because of this, the New South Wales consider first what Mount Isa Mines Limited Government has requested the Common­ and other mining companies have to say. wealth Government to contribute to a fund They applaud the action taken by the for the specific purpose of acquiring land Government to encourage the development of needed for the construction of roads. In the State's mineral resources. the case of New South Wales, the suggested amount was $20,000,000, and I believe that Let me turn now to main roads and con­ the making of such a claim should suggest sider for a moment the work that has been similar action by Queensland. A recent done under the Minister's ,guidance. Anyone Australian road survey has established that who remembers the conditions of earlier the property-acquisition component is about years will readily concede that wonderful 12 per cent. of road-building costs. I believe progress has been made in providing suitable that a skilful public relations plan. to expedite main roads. New roads have been built; Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1493 older roads have been widened. One sees done each council has a work-force on hand progress in every part of the State-in Bris­ and it is necessary to maintain employment bane, and in all country areas. in country towns. I appreciate the problems of the Main Mr. Davies: The Government has not Roads Department, but surely the major jobs even put a bitumen surface on the road beyond the capacity of the local authorities between Maryborough and Boonooroo, the could be done by Vhe Main Roads Depart­ biggest fishing port in the State. ment and the minor tasks left to the local authorities. I know that to some extent the Mr. WHARTON: The hon. member for Main Roads Department criticises some Maryborough would be the biggest fish there. councils for wanting to do these jobs, but I do not think the Minister should cater for the same criticism can be levelled at the his needs. · Main Roads Department as it is becoming a I was speaking to the Lord Mayor yester­ monster. day, and he had a good deal to say about Mr. Bennett: You mean the Minister is a the Government's not providing sufficient monster, too? money for road construction by the Brisbane Mr. WHARTON: No, he is not too bad. I City Council. I shall mention the amounts was makin" the point that we should surely that have been allocated under the Common­ be able to "'allocate some of this work to the wealth Aid, Local Authority Roads, Fund. shires. They each have a work-force waiting Urban arterials have been allocated and pemaps some unemployment. The $13,460,000, which is the largest allocation Main Roads Department should look ~t these in the State; rural arterials have been allocated things and see that the local authonty and $7,700,000 and other rural roads $13,060,000, those who work for it are gainfully employed which is nearly the same as the Brisbane instead of bringing the Main Roads work­ allocation; and planning and research has been allocated $2,500,000. force into a shire area. I know that there is some argument in I make the point that Brisbane received favour of it but even if some councils are the largest share of the State's allocation getting too 'big and overdoing these jobs, of Commonwealth aid. We as a Government the Main Roads Department also should have seen to it that Brisbane got this share, retract somewhat and not try to handle on and obviously all the roadwork done in Bris­ its own the whole of vhe expanding road­ bane has not been done solely by the Lord work in the State. Mayor; this Government has played its part. The State Government has contributed its Mr. Davies interjected. share of funds to build the roads and free­ Mr. WHARTON: If the hon. mem!Jer did ways, wlhich are undoubtedly a credit to both not say so nobody else would thmk so. the council and the Government. Surely Funds have' been allotted under section 19, hon. members opposite must admit that the and I pay tribute to the Minister for his Government has played an important role in consideration in this matter. Local author­ the development of Brisbane and environs, ities-the Miriam Vale Shire Council is one particularly the freeways and other road­ -have problems, particularly where their works being constructed. areas are large and their populations sparse. They !have not the ability to build all ~he Mr. Davies: Are you satisfied with the roads necessary in their areas. Under sectiOn amount being spent on the South Coast road? 19 the Main Roads Department has al!o­ cated sums of money towards developmg Mr. WHARTON: We in this State have to share the available funds, and we cannot be these roads one case in point being the road be too jealous of what someone else gets. running to' the Macadamia nut farm. Allocation is based on population and traffic Mr. Jensen: Would you like to see a flow, and that sort of thing. My concern is processing factory built in Bundaberg? to get a slice of the cake for my area. I do Mr. WHARTON: I would be glad to see not mind if somebody else gets a slice, so long as it is not too big proportionately. a factory built somewhere near Bundaberg. That would be all right with me. It is near I want to say something now about the my electorate and would have an import­ roadways in my own electorate. I am fairly ant effect on it. The project that I mention proud of the roads in the Burnett electorate, is an extensive and long-term one. It which is reasonably well served with roads. involves the planting and harvesting ?f Although we have not all that we need, 600 000 Macadamia nut trees. To a ce~tai_n great progress has been made since I entered extdnt the area is being irrigated, and It IS Parliament. A lot of bridge work has been essential that a road be constructed. Funds done too. To mention but a few, the Walla­ must be applied to tlhe completion of the ville Bridge the Cumonju Bridge and the road, so I hope they will be made available. J ames Camp bell Bridge, recently ocoened by Mr. Jensen: Is it just for the C.S.R. the Minister, have been comnleted. The only Company? point I want to make is that I think the Main Roads Department should allow the councils Mr. WHARTON: No, it is not. Obviously to do some of the work on the approaches to it will sPrve the C.S.R. Companv. because the bridges it builds. After all is said and it owns the property, but the employees on 1494 Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply

the project will have a need for the road. I wish to mention the construction of a As the number of employees increases, so road that will cross the Burnett Highway must the demand for road access to the area at Binjour. increase. The TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN (Mr. Mr. Jensen; You cannot spend a large Ramsden): Order! The hon. member for amount of money on a road for only half Burnett has the floor. a dozen workers. Mr. WHARTON: Thank you, Mr. Mr. WHARTON: I thought the hon. mem­ Ramsden. ber for Bundaberg would have agreed with The point I want to make is that surveys me. must be completed before new roads can Mr. Jensen: Let the C.S.R. Company build be constructed. New surveys are necessary the road, as the coal companies have con­ for new roads. In my electorate a highway structed railway lines. runs from Gayndah to Monto, and at Bin­ jour a brand-new road will cut through a Mr. WHARTON: If the project is a worth­ rich farming property of 160 acres with a while one, it deserves good road access. good water supply. The farm will be virtually It is essential that the product be brought bisected simply to provide a fairly straight out of the area, so a road is needed. It road. will be of great benefit to many people. Mr. Bennett: What are you going to whinge about now that we have had rain? I wish to deal now with the construction of a road from Rosedale to Lowmead and Mr WHARTON: I was going to whinge Miriam Vale. It is a coastal road, and about the hon. member, but I realise that its construction has been commenced. Portion if I do he wiH keep on crying. I do not of the funds that will be allocated to the want to burden the Chamber with his Macadamia nut plantation road will be divert­ weeping. ed to this coastal road. It is essential that it be completed, because it will link important The owner of this farm will be deprived coastal areas with Bundaberg. of part of his livelihood merely to provide a straight road. It could easily be diverted In the near future I would like to see to the end of his property and through the the construction of a roadway from Mary­ business centre of Binjour. He would not borough through Bundaberg to Miriam Vale, mind losing a few acres at the end of his and linking up with the coastal road. property, but it is ridiculous •to cut it in Mr. Jensen: Get right into that one. The half as there are many sharp bends on Government should spend money on that the road from Gayndah, even 90-degree instead of on the Queensland nut road. tums. I cannot see any valid reason for cutting a farmer's property in half merely Mr. WHARTON: I do not want to have to provide a straight road. funds spread around outside my electorate; Mr. Jensen: Just to let the speed hogs nor would the hon. member for Bundaberg have a go. want them spent outside his. He should not argue against the project; he should Mr. WHARTON: That may be, but it is not try to spoil my case. I am trying to wrong in principle. There are many kinks get across to the Minister the message that in the road that are much worse than the if practically all Queensland's coastline is bend that is to be eliminated. I make a served by a road, the stretch between Mary­ plea to the Minister on behalf of the residents borough <1nd Gladstone should also be so and business people of Binjour, and of this served. Tourist resorts such as Bargara, farmer who is being so seriously affected. Moore Park and Elliott Heads miss out. I repeat •that he would be glad to surrender That is a very important area. I believe that land at the end of his property, and the in time the road could go from Maryborough Minister should see if a new route can be to Pialba, then out to Elliott Heads, through surveyed for the road. Even if the business Bargara and Bundaberg and up along the people in small towns only see the dust and coastline. It would be a very scenic route hear the noise of passing traffic, it makes and would be of great benefit to the people them feel that something is happening and in the area. If a coastal road is good that some development might come to their enough for the greater part of the State, neck of the woods. it is also good enough for the short stretch We have made real progress in mining of coastline between Maryborough and Glad­ in Queensland. As the Minister has said stone. Much of that area is undeveloped­ the benefits have not flowed to the State by some of it almost untouched-and it contains royalties alone. I point out that in any popular tourist resorts. case royalties are a tax or an imposition Mr. Davies-. We want a road from Noosa that someone has to meet. We should to Maryborough first. not always think in terms of taxing people. The royalties that have been imposed Mr. WHARTON: Members of the Opposi­ are reasonable. They have encouraged tion can argue that if they want to. They people to stay here, and have not deterred can try to help the hon. member for Isis. them fwm engaging in development. Supply [29 0CfOBER) Supply 1495

Mr. Bennett: They have been so reasonable I do not think any member of the Opposi­ that some of the companies should be paying tion would disagree with the Minister's com­ gift duty •to the Government for giving them ment that the current mining boom in the minerals for nothing. Queensland is assisting the economy of this State in more ways than one. However, I Mr. WHARTON: I do not know what consider that the Minister was wrong when to say in reply to the interjector, but no-one he said that at no stage had mining contri­ goes to more extremes in this Chamber than buted more to the economy of the State he does. and that it could not come at a better time. I suppose it could be argued that the There have been earlier times when this development engaged in by the mining State relied on the mining industry to keep companies is a gift to the State. I emphasise going. When this State was founded, the that other benefits are derived from the coffers were almost empty and the State was development that is taking place. We have badly in debt. Until the discovery of gold earned a lot in

Mr. Lowe is presently serving his 40th Brush Creek. It was a very pleasant cele­ year _with the M~in Roads Department, and bration, held in the rain, and attended by that IS a long tlffie in the service of that many people. It was the culmination of many dep~rtment. As well, to-day is the 50th years of work in building the road. ann:versary of the appointment of the first When I became the member for Camarvon cha1rman of the Main Roads Board. On a little over seven years ago I undertook 2~ October, 1920, Mr. J. R. Kemp, later to try to see that those 36 miles of rough, S1r J ames Kemp, took up the appointment as dusty road would be bituminised in 10 years. chairman of the Main Roads Board. He At the time, I thought that was a fair aim. came from the Country Roads Board of The happiness of the celebrations can be Victoria, which had been established in well imagined, seeing that this 36 miles of 191.3 .. The Main Roads Department has been 18 ft. wide bitumen road was opened three des1gnmg and developing the roads of this years ahead of schedule. That is symbolic State for 50 years. of the work performed by the department Mr. Davies interjected. throughout Queensland. Planning is carried out, and well ahead of time, and a good job Mr. McKECHNIE: I don't know whether is done. I have thanked the Minister for the the Labour Party existed in 1920· I am not completion of the road, and I look forward too sure of my history on that 'matter. I to an extension of it north from Inglewood do not .worry which Government sets up towards Millmerran. new bod1es, as long as they provide a service to the community. The Main Roads Depart­ I pay a tribute to the Inglewood Shire ment has been doing that for 50 years. Council and its employees, who constructed It is interesting to note that shortly after the 36 miles of road exceedingly well. This road is much appreciated because Texas was the time ~ have mentioned, Mr. Ted England was appomted secretary of the Main Roads a somewhat isolated spot for many years. Ten years ago there were no bitumen roads Board. Another interesting fact is that in around it but now they extend in three 1920 one of the permanent works jobs approved in the Allora Shire was undertaken directions. That is symbolic of the. develop­ at a cost of £6. It is amazing to think that ment throughout Queensland. a permanent road schedule, with repayments I am considerably concerned about the over many years, could be undertaken for method of road-building in shallow-soil coun­ a £6 job. It is hard to imagine going to try throughout Queensland. Considerable all that trouble today in drawing up all the areas of country here and there along the necessary forms for a $12 job. roadside are denuded by the scraping away Mr. Davies: Before that, you could get of four, six or eight inches of surface loam bogged between any two towns in Queens­ to be used in the construction of roads. This larld in wet weather. is necessary, but these scalded spots on the sides of roads are an eyesore. The Forestry Mr. McKECHNIE: That is so. I under­ Department insists that in cypress-pine coun­ stand that the tracks of wagons bogged in try, which provides ideal loam for the con­ 1.920 can still be seen in places on the Dar­ struction of roads, the trees be left. This l!ng Downs. Ad~ittedly there was very is a waste of time. It is a nuisance to the httle development m those days, but main Main Roads Department and of no benefit roads have developed, more so in the last 10 to the Forestry Department because, within years. In those 10 years, not only has the 12 months of the removal of the surface length of bitumen roads been doubled, but soil, these trees die. Therefore, it is desirable an equal length of narrow roads has been that these cypress pines be rooted up in the widened and reconstructed. In the last 10 first place and that some use be made of years, too, we have seen spectacular develop­ them, and that the Main Roads Department ment in main roads works. In the current year or the local authority be allowed to take $94,500,000 will be spent by the department the soil out without wasting time working ~m the construction of new roads, the widen­ around the trees. mg and reconstruction of others, and main­ tenance works generally throughout the State. I should like to think that a means could That sum represents a considerable increase be devised so that the Main Roads Depart­ on the high level of spending in the previous ment could dig deeper and denude less year. country, but I know this is a problem in shallow country where there is clay, which Last Saturday, 24 October, the Honour­ is not suitable for road foundations, six able R. E. Camm officially unveiled-- inches below the surface. I should like Mr. Bennett interjected. the Main Roads Department to approach the Forestry Department and point out the Mr. McKECHNIE: The hon. member for futility of keeping these pine trees, which South Brisbane wants to know why I spent die within 12 months. S<;J long at Texas last week-end. He has g1ven me the opportunity to say that I was The hon. member for Wynnum said that very happy to welcome the Honourable R. E. the state of our roads was a complementary Camm to Texas, when he officially opened cause of drought. The people in my area the Texas-Inglewood road by unveiling a believe that the drought would have been plaque halfway between the two towns, at much worse and that its implications and Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1499 effects would have been harsher had it not trip now takes only one hour instead of the been for the considerable improvement in four hours that it previously took, and, for the our roads during the last 10 years. most part, it is on bitumen, Which saves wear and tear on vehicles. Consequently, Mr. Bennett: I thought you were going carta£e costs have been contained. to complain about the floods. Another matter that I wish to raise is a Mr. McKECHNIE: The hon. member has special allocation for tourist purposes. Under never heard me complain about floods. A section 19 of the Main Roads Act, special fortnight ago was the first time the creek grants can be made for opening up new near my house has run in the eight years country. I trust this can be used for tourist that I have been a member of Parliament. purposes. I look forward to the Minister's As a general rule, fl

Main Roads (Mr. Lowe) and his staff for the people who drive only occasionally often courtesies that they have extended to me find themselves in great difficulties when they during my period of office in this place and come to the narrow streets leading off when, for yeaTs before that, I was in the main arterial roads. In fact, one can see local-authority field. From time to time it a pattern in their behaviour. was then neces3ary for me to approach the As I said, the problems are becoming Main Roads Department for information, worse. I still believe that we are working and at all times I received every courtesy and back to front in expanding the system of the information that I sought. I also con­ main roads. Some years ago, when the gratulate Mr. Lowe on his long years in extension of arterial roads was discussed, office. Like many other public servants in it was proposed ·to take them from the Queensland, he is a dedicated man who has centre of the city. In my opinion, that made a career of the service. In his 40 should have been done. I have problems years of service Mr. Lowe has set an example in my own electorate arising from the present in loyalty and dedication to the service. system. The corner of Braun and Board I wish to deal first with the main roads Streets, Deagon, is very dangerous for traffic. system, and I shall deal briefly with the It is on a main road that comes under mining industry if I have time. Although the Main Roads Department. In fact, it the main arterial roads outside the boundary is called the main Clontarf road as it passes of this city are being improved-greatly through that area. In the Sandgate electorate, improved where they pass through certain the inmates of "Eventide" are menaced every electorates-! and many other people in the day because the main North Coast highway City of Brisbane believe that road improve­ passes the boundary of the home. Although ments should begin from the city centre we were notified some time ago that the and branch out. I point out to the Com­ main North Coast road would by-pass Sand­ mittee that motorists approaching the city gate, many people will share my disappoint­ strike considerable traffic congestion as the ment when they discover that this is not roads diminish in width, and problems are to be so. The same problem is encountered created when main arterial roads cease on the Hornibrook Highway. This will be abruptly on the perimeter of the city. I the only crossing servicing the main North use the main North Coast Road quite exten­ Coast road. One has only to see it at sively, and I agree wholeheartedly with travel­ the week-end now to realise what the future lers who complain that it is almost frighten­ position will be. If one car breaks down ing, after travelling along the highway at there is an almost immediate accumulation an adequate speed, to experience the traffic of vehicles stretching well back past "Even­ congestion at places such as Aspley and tide". Chermside on the road leading into the Mr. Wallis-Smith: Are there any city. pedestrian traffic lights there? I know it can be said-probably this Mr. DEAN: No, not yet. We have been thought is running through the minds of informed by people who should know that some hon. members opposite a,t the moment in the near future we can expect installation -that it is the city council's problem. To of pedestrian traffic lights for the people at a certain extent that is true, but the council "Eventide". This will be more important can develop inner city roads only if adequate than ever when the main road is continued finance is allocated to it. Like many other through that area to the North Coast. former aldermen of the Brisbane City Coun­ cil, I will never cease demanding that more The very narrowness of most of our roads money be made available to the council has the effect of restricting speeds to some to enable it to overcome the problems that extent, but, of course, this only a,pplies to now arise on roads leading into the city the sensible motorist. The stupid motorist from the North and the South, and they who, irrespective of the circumstances, are getting worse each year. exceeds the speed limit is the greatest menace on our roads. Late this afternoon, I think, The hon. member for Landsborough men­ an hon. member opposite suggested raising tioned the four-lane highway from Bald the speed limit on some of our highways to Hills to the Sunshine Coast. It has been 65 miles an hour. That might be all right planned, and it will make travelling easier in some cases, but I do not think we have for motorists on that section of the highway. a road in the State on which it could be said However, it will further accentuate the prob­ that one could safely travel at 65 miles lem on inner-city roads, and I remind the an hour. Committee that tourists from the South have to travel through Brisbane before reaching The many distractions erected along our the highway. highways certainly do not add to motoring safety, and I appeal to the Minister to use Many people who use public transport his influence in an endeavour to have adver­ during the week use their cars at the week­ tising signs reduced to a minimum if not end, and many aged people also use their eliminated altogether. Our main arterial cars at the week-end. On the main roads roads are not enhanced in any way by these round the city traffic is frightening. The signs, and, from the viewpoint of safety, person who drives every day usually is flashing signs at night-time have the effect more skilful than the week-end driver, and of distracting the motorist's attention. As a Supply [29 OcroBER] Supply 1501 matter of fact, they have almost the same It is not my intention tonight to enter effect in the day-time. I do not think we will the argument about royalties. The case has get a speedy solution of our highway prob­ been argued so compellingly and so fre­ lems until we co-ordinate under one authority quently that it almost runs the risk of being all our road and transport systems. While branded as tedious repetition whenever it is we have divided authority we will not make advanced. much headway. We need a central authority A few weeks ago I went to one of the to control these systems. popular service stations and bought a little Mr. Herbert: These advertising signs are rubber man which stands a few inches high not on the highway; they are on private land and has a weight in the base so that no adjoining the highway, and the local matter how hard it is punched it always authorities decide whether or not advertising bounces back. It reminded me very much of signs can be erected. There are none on the specious arguments on royalties that are Main Roads land. constantly put forward by the Labour Party. No matter how many times we tell the Mr. DEAN: The South Coast is a classic Labour Party that royalties are only one example. All kinds of signs advertising all small aspect of the problem, no matter how kinds of products are plastered all along many times we remind Labour of the the highway. I have been as guilty as any­ development that has come in the wake of body myself of allowing my attention to mining, and no matter how many times we wander to a certain extent when reading tell that party of the employment oppor­ some of these advertisements. I think they tunities that are offered, it bounces back are very dangerous. again and again and again. Mr. Herbert: They are not on Main Roads As I have said, the Labour Party reminds property but on private property. me of that little india-rubber man that I bought for my children. However, evenually Mr. DEAN: That is why I appeal to the that india-rubber man wore out, and I am Minister to use his influence in the right quite sure that ultimately, under the pressure place. of good, solid argument and presentation of the truth, the Labour Party will be worn Mr. Herbert: It is the local authority that down. determines that-the Albert Shire. On occasions the strange argument is advanced by rather emotional people that we Mr. DEAN: Well, we have a Minister for are running the risk of reducing Australia Local Government, and he could make to a giant quarry surrounded by an oil slick. suggestions to the local authorities. That sort of statement is terribly emotive This afternoon the hon. member for and challenging, and it might carry us away Wynnum made a plea that consideration be completely if we do not return to some given to motorists in renewing their regis­ degree of rationality. tration fees. I suggest that the local C.P .S. This is the age of conservation; this is the office could be used in this way. There is age when, belatedly, we have developed some such _an office in my electorate, and if conscience about our environment. I suspect mot?nsts could renew their registration that because we have raped our environment certlficates there they would be relieved of for so many years we are now motivated by the inconvenience of travelling to the city a sense of guilt. It is therefore terribly and finding parking space in order to pay important that we have organised, orderly their fees. I do not see why the local C.P.S. development, and that a better study of all office cannot accept registration fees. aspects of our countryside be undertaken Adequate staff are employed at the office to before mining is pursued. To that end, 1 provide that service, so I cannot understand whole-heartedly support the argument that why a re-arrangement in the method of the hon. member for Mt. Coot-tha so fre­ payment has not been made. I hope that quently advances in support of regional the Government will consider the suggestions planning. made by the hon. member for Wynnum. In a developing country, we oannot have Mr. W. D. HEWITT (Chatsworth) (8.57 development grinding to a standstill. While p.m.): It is probably true to say that in I repeat that restriction and care must be recent yea:s. n? portfolio has had to face up the order of the day, I emphasise that we to more VICISsitudes than that of Mines and create a great folly when, out of hand, we Main Roads. Over the past few years say that the extractive industries are the Queensland has witnessed a tremendous bad boys of the piece. We should identify explosion in mining development, and public the fact that our society is very much depen­ controversy has raged over the granting of dent upon the products of the extractive certain mining leases and the application for industries. While we control them, we must others. Consequently, it is easy to under­ nevertheless learn to live with them. stand the pressures that have been applied I refer particularly to the arguments to the present holder of the portfolio. I advanced on occasions about the exploitation venture to suggest that he has stood up to of our coal deposits. There are people who that pressure remarkably well, and at all would even suggest that we should curtail our times has shown himself to be in complete coal trade. I would accelerate it as fast and control of the situation. as far as possible. I say that, for this reason: 1502 Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply on the figures I have been able to establish road development is complete, the evidence of known deposits, and at the present rate will be before each of us, and I want to go of recovery, the coal resources of Queens­ on record as acknowledging the competence land will last for some 200 years. Secondly, of these road engineers and applauding their we know that under the Goonyella agree­ very fine work in the metropolitan area at ment, the companies are tied to a situation the moment. whereby they will leave 2 tons of coal in Mr. Bennett: Why don't you make the the ground for every ton they take out. Minister pay them a decent salary? Therefore, the short-term possibility of exhausting the resources is completely nil. Mr. W. D. HEWITT: Opposition members More important is the fact that, in the fore­ constantly go off half cocked. One of the seeable future, coal itself will be a super­ hon. member's colleagues decried the fact seded commoditv. As far into the future that we did not pay our "Hansard" staff as we can see, it will have a use as a ba~e enough. content for chemicals. But that represents Mr. Bennett: That was me. a very small demand indeed. The time is fast approaching when coal, Mr. W. D. HEWTIT: Well, that is typical, as a fuel, will be in demand no longer. because the hon. member is dead wrong I put to the Committee quite bluntly that again. One of his Labour coHeagues in if we left the coal in the ground, generations Canberra, during one of the Estimates debates to come would condemn us for not taking a few weeks ago, decried the fact that the advantage of a natural resource while it Queensland "Hansard" staff is paid more than was still in demand. I repudiate out of hand the Commonwealth "Ha:nsard" s.taff. the arguments of people who say that we Mr. Casey: That was a misprint. should not exploit our coal resources, and I base my argument solidly on the grounds Mr. W. D. HEWITT: Of course it was. outlined. The hon. member is Hke the hon. member Mr. Tucker: I think it is a spurious argu­ for Norman, who denies the accuracy of ment. statis-tics when they do not suit his case. They are impossible people to argue with Mr. W. D. HEWITT: The hon. member because, if certain facts do not suit them, is entitled to his opinion. I do not think they disregard them. I suggest to the hon. much of it, anyway. member for South Brisbane that he check I wish to make some comments about the that claim because he is once again in conflict development of our main roads and, more with one of his Federal colleagues, Mr. importantly, the way we maintain them. Clyde Cameron from South Australia. I know that the hon. member for Sandgate What I am trying desperately to refer to, will hasten to support my comments, because if the hon. member for South Brisbane will he and I are privileged to serve on a body contain his exuberance for a few minutes, called the Keep Australia Beautiful Council. is litter on our main roads. As I have said, I represent the Government on it, and the the hon. member for Sandgate and I serve hon. member for Sandgate represents the on a committee that devotes itself to this Leader of the Opposition. problem. He shares my satisfaction that, Mr. Bennett: He does most of the work. at the Brisbane Exhibition, the Main Roads Department placed some emphasis upon it Mr. W. D. HEWITT: If the hon. member by displaying a very useful sign urging people for South Brisbane says that the member for not to litter rest places, stopping places and, Sandgate does more work than I do, that more importantly, main roads. might be true. But I assure the hon. member for South Brisbane that I do four times as I know that the Minister will be delighted much work as he does, which means that his to learn that this display is referred to in colleague does eight times as much as he the November issue of "N.P.A. News", does. which is the National Parks Association of Queensland newsletter. Mr. Bennett: Four times nothing is nothing. Mr. Sherrington: Yet they allow main Mr. W. D. HEWITT: It is delightful to roads to be cluttered up with hoardings right learn, after all this time, that the member and left. knows something about elementary mathe­ matics. Mr. W. D. HEWTIT: We are not in conflict on that point. I think we can do I think that due acknowledgment is the something about it. However, let us tackle order of the day for the fine road engineers the litter problem for a start. that Queensland is privileged to have on its payroll. I have heard it said in other quarters The "N.P.A. News" says- that the men who design and plan the main " 'QUEENSLAND IS A BEAUTIFUL STATE­ roads in this State hold their own, in DON'T YOU AGREE?'. engineering ability, against any in the world. "This is the wording on a brochure That is a pretty fair claim, and evidence distributed by the Queensland Main Roads of their work is available to us any time Department to hundreds of thousands of we drive around this developing city. In visitors to the R.N.A. Show, Brisbane, five years time, or less, when Brisbane's major in August 1970. Supply (29 OCI'OBER] Supply 1.503

"It carried sketches illustrating the folly It is very important that they mention "Aus­ of LITTER and finished with this message tralian", because that is what we are. We, which really applies to metropolitan streets as members of the Australian Labour Party, and parks also. are here representing Australian opinion. I "Queensland Roads are not RUBBisH lee! that Government members at times fail DUMPS. As a contribution to Road Safety to adhere to loyalty to the country of their the Main Roads has established some 200 birth. Rest Areas for your enjoyment and It rather surprises me to find the hon. relaxation. These are Public Property­ member for Chatsworth coming into the established and maintained with your Chamber and obviously endeavouring to money. bolster up the Minister for Mines by a "BE A TRUE AUSTRALIAN! statement on policy concerning the exploita­ tion of coking coal, which is a matter "K.EEP QUEENSLAND BEAUTIFUL!" prominently before our eyes and looming One of the main aims of the committee that large in our interests. He would realise, the hon. member for Sandgate and I serve if he had any sense, that the Minister is on is to prompt the Government to introduce quite capable of looking after himself. Indeed, adequate litter laws so that people who he has been very pointed when he has been indiscriminately rubbish rest areas can be disturbed, and sharp in his criticism. dealt with by the processes of law. I am pleased that the Main Roads Department Let us get back to what the hon. member has seen fit to recognise this problem and for Chatsworth said about mining. I should do something about it. like to know at what time the Australian Labour Party objected to royalties. What it There are more suggestions that the depart­ said on behalf of Australia was, "We think ment might usefully consider. I notice that the royalty should be more. We feel some­ there are signs on New South Wales roads what disturbed that there is an excess of indicating that rubbish areas are ahead so foreign capital coming ·to this country, and that people can assemble their rubbish and it is to the detriment of this country that dispose of it five miles further along the dividends obtained from that capital will road. One of the provincial cities is go out of the country." Those are simple encouraging a throw-away area so that and obvious points, of which any Australian people can throw their rubbish into a hole should be critical. Nobody--<:ertainly nobody beside the road as they drive along. on this side of the Chamber--objects to We certainly must do everything possible mining development, but it is important to to encourage motorists to be litter conscious realise that an expression of criticism has and to respect the countryside they drive to be made when we, as Australians, think through. Unfortunately, there will always that we are not receiving full benefit from be a few miserable Australians who will the exploitation of our natural resources. despoil their environment and have no It is incumbent on me, as a member of consideration for those who follow. They the Australian Labour Party, to tell the will leave litter and rubbish lying about hon. member for Chatsworth that the Min­ indiscriminately. We must deal with them ister for Mines is quite capable of repre­ by force of law. I hope that the Main Roads senting his department. He must, in his Department, in collaboration with the Local own right, be given that credit, and it ill Government Department, will very soon see behoves a back-bencher to get up and use its way clear to do something about the this debate not so much to support the litter problem. Minister as to make a political attack on the Opposition. That is the only reason I wanted to express those sentiments why the hon. member for Chatsworth spoke tonight because I am sure that at least one as he did. Opposition member is in full accord with what I say. Again I applaud the efforts, Let us now deal with mining. No-one particularly of the Main Roads Department objects to mineral development. We know engineers and the very competent officers that it is fraught with difficulties. We know in the Mines Department. I am pleased to that a great deal of money will he invested associate myself with this Vote tonight. in it. We know that there is also a danger that things might not go according to plan, Mr. O'DONNELL (Barcoo) (9.10 p.m.): It and that some people are taking risks. But, is rather significant that whenever the hon. when looked at from several points of view, member for Chatsworth speaks in this it will be found that criticism does produce Chamber he is condemnatory of the Aus­ positive results. Members who are com­ tralian Labour Party. I wonder what the petent to judge have said in this Chamber hon. member really desires? Does he want that mistakes have been made by the Mines an Opposition that placidly agrees with every­ Department and by the mining companies, thing that the Government does? Does he and. in the result, benefits have accrued want an Opposition that offers no constructive from a change of attitude. criticisms from time to time? It is rather surprising that he should adopt that attitude. Tonight the hon. member for Chatsworth When people discuss political parties, they tried to point out that for every ton taken mention the Country Party, the Liberal out of the ground, two would be held in Party, and then the Australian Labour Party. reserve. That was advocated by members 1504 Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply of the Opposition from the very first day looking for accommodation, immediately it was suggested that the mining industry react and say, "Well, this is not being done was developing. for us." Mr. Camm: What rot! They did not say Let me take another illustration. Hon. that. members know very well that there has been a very disastrous ~roug~t in t~is Sta~e, Mr. O'DONNELL: I refer the Minister to and people associated w1th pnmary mdustnes a speech that I made in this Chamber -this is a fact, whether one belongs to the some years ago in which I said it, and other Australian Labour Party or the Country Party members of the Opposition have said it from time to time. It is only logical to retain Mr. Camm: The Australian Country Party. reserves in case they are needed for Aus­ tralia and Australians. Mr. O'DONNELL: The Minister is stress­ ing it, but nobody else does. I point out to the Committee that I have discussed this very matter with mining com­ In the drought areas people are critical of panies in recent months. I can produce a how much is being done in these developing letter that I wrote to a mining company areas, which, on this occasion, are mining in which I said, "Be careful, before you areas. The hon. member for Warrego made sign any contracts, that you discuss with a spirited speech tonight. Wh~t impelled the Mines Department how much you have him to do so? Naturally, the phght of the to keep in reserve, because it would be dis­ primary producers in his area. He referred astrous to your interests if, after having to the disadvantages in his area and put them signed your contracts and having made a down to the fact that these people, living survey of the field and your opportunities, in a comparatively isolated portion of the the Government said at a later date, 'You State, were not receiving the benefits being shall not take any more than a certain provided in developing areas. quantity.'" I said that in complete honesty. Hon. members opposite might think that this is not good, sound criticism. Maybe I ask the Minister for Mines: before the it is not, but in itself it is an expression Thiess-Peabody-Mitsui consortium signed its of resentment that has been boiling up in contracts, did the Government tell it that it these people because of the drought and the had to keep so much coal in reserve? I decline in their own industries. Naturally, should like to ask the Minister this further this is given expression in some way, and question relative to TPM: was his department it becomes criticism of the Government. satisfied with the survey made by TPM before it went into operation? I think I would When a prominent farmer-grazier in my probably receive the answer "No" in each area, who has extensive as_sets-pmbably instance. That is why I think it is import­ close to $1,000,000-stands m the streets ant that constructive criticism should come and talks about the holes in the ground, he from the Australian Labour Party in Opposi­ is referring to mining. He stands in the tion. The criticism is tendered for the benefit street talking about the payment of electri­ of Australians, and that is why we are city bills. Somebody's electricity had been proud of our title, which is repeated daily by cut off, but he had heard a sound rumour people associated with our political party that T.P.M. were so far behind with their and by people referring to it. electricity bills that they appeared to have almost reached the point of getting favoured I wish to make one last point relative to treatment. He also comments on the fact mining. I should say that there will be sen­ that, although certain things are not allowed sational development in my area if present to him, they flow on to the mining com­ plans come to fruition, and we want them panies. It is undoubtedly unfortunate that to come to fruition. However, such develop­ this should happen, but it does happen, and ment does bring forth a certain amount of we have to realise that this criticism is criticism from Australians in other industries. coming from people who feel that they, I have mentioned this before in the Chamber. because of their geographical and industrial It is quite logical for them to react in that position in this State are not receiving the way. What has the development brought? benefits and amenities that they claim they Naturally, it has brought mining production, are entitled to as Queenslanders. the setting up of lines of communication. I put this to the Committee because the whether by rail or road, and other associated Minister is concerned not only with mining benefits. In addition, houses, etc., have been but also with main roads. This is important constructed. Under the circumstances. and to the point made by the hon. member for to meet the needs of the people concerned, Warrego, which was based on treatment certain action has been taken by the Govern­ through the Main Roads Department. I ment to assist the development. know people who have a strong sense of I know very well that approval has just resentment about the developing areas getting been given for the erection of 30 amenities that are not available to them. houses at Moranbah. That assistance is to I should like the Minister to understand be provided by the Housing Commission and that we, as an Opposition, are entitled to is a logical result of development-housing criticise. It is our bounden duty to do so for people associated with the mining indus­ if we think we can stir the Government into try. But people in other towns, who are better action. Supply [29 OcTOBER] Supply 1505

I should like to refer now to the main Mr. Wright: And also the Drummond roads situation in Central Queensland. I Range. am not going to limit it to my own elector­ ate. I suppose I am fortunate in many Mr. O'DONNELL: As the Minister knows, respects in the deal I receive from the Main that highway is, largely, a single-lane high­ Roads Department, but I am less fortunate way and narrow. As well, it is broken along than some others in that in my electorate its shoulders. The result is that the highway I have not only the Capricorn Highway but has become a death-trap. It runs practically also the Gregory Highway, the Peak Downs due east-west, and a motorist who is driving Highway and the Dawson Highway. Some along that narrow bitumen track with the of these highways are not complete, and sun in his eyes is in trouble when passing as I move around my electorate I am vehicles coming from the opposite direction. beseiged, wherever I am geographically, Not only does he have the sun in his eyes but about the need to "push" the particular also, as the other vehicle goes off the narrow highway on which I am standing at that bitumen track to pass, he is forced to drive througih a great pall of dust that rises from time. I know it is a very difficult situation. the shoulders of the road. It is dangerous, Mr Camm: It puts you in a spot, does it? particularly at night. Deaths have occurred on that road as a result of its narrowness Mr. O'DONNELL: It does not put me in and its bad state of repair. a spot but it puts me in the position of having to say that the money that comes Mr. Low: When was it out down? into my electorate has to be divided amongst Mr. O'DONNELL: In the life of this four highways and cannot be fully allocated Government, but apparently it has not stood to one. I try to get this message across up to the traffic that has used it. The recon­ because, as I say, people look at the world struction of that higihway is the type of work from their own position. on which the Main Roads Department could Mr. Ahem: You have done very well. be engaged. The hon. member for Rockhampton South Mr. O'DONNELL: As I said before, it interjected about the Drummond Range. I is good representation. Whilst it is human am very anxious that that section of the nature for people to feel like that, they Capricorn Highway should receive attention. can also be resentful. I am aware of the difficulties on the Drum­ This year I referred a certain matter to mend Range, but if it was worked on the Main Roads Department and I was to persistently a great many people would be some degree, disappointed by the depart­ satisfied that it was a continuous project. I ment's decision. The Barcaldine Shire appeal to the Minister to see if tlhat can be Council had approadhed me and said that as done. the M_ain Roads Department was g~ing Earlier I was diverted by the hon. member to fintsh off the Capricorn Highway for Chatsworth. In future I hope he does in the Barcaldine section of my elec­ not speak before I do. I have referred to torate, it wished to be the constructing mining and main roads. You, Mr. Wharton, authority. I knew that a similar situation and I, who go to Central Queensland, know existed in the Jericho Shire, because it is that the people of that portion of the State proposed to complete the section of highway are very fine people and do their best for between Jericho and Barcaldine. I put it to Queensland. The other night I devoted 20 the Main Roads Department that, as the minutes to the Public Service of Queensland. Barcaldine Shire Council had made the I assure the Minister for Mines and Main request, it should be given the right to be the Roads that all of the staff in both his depart­ constructing authority, and I hoped that I ments were meant to be referred to in my would attract attention to the position of the eulogy. Mr. Healey, Mr. Cook, and all the Jericho Shire Council. I know very well staff of the Department of Mines, and Mr. that the Main Roads Department has its Lowe and all his staff are worthy of the plans, and I know, too, that it does excellent highest commendation. work-! do not dispute that-but in the (Time expired.) circumstances I thought that it had a golden opportunity to give to those two councils the Mr. BALDWIN (Logan) (9.31 p.m.): Mr. right to construct th

Port Curtis, when ably launching the debate people. If Government members number for the Opposition, opened a line of attack themselves among that small group, they that I intend to follow. Summed up briefly can look out on the real producers of the it was that, in effect, the mining boom is a wealth through rose-coloured windows put world-wide phenomenon, more a result of there for them by those big men whom our generally changed mode of Jiving than they brought here, and they can say, "What of the munificent reign of the Country­ a wonderful thing it is for us." But it is not Liberal Party Government. In this boom, for the workers of this State. Queensland and Australia are benefiting less The whole of the mining industry is built in real return than they did during the mining on a basis of reducing assets. It must be boom of the 19th century and for the same by its very nature. Is not the tragic history reason, namely, that Queensland then also of the ghost towns that followed the gold had a State Government under the domina­ rushes close enough for Government mem­ tion of overseas interests, that is, huge British bers to learn a lesson from it? History tells companies directed by the British Colonial us that the miners, members of the A.M.A. Office. -not the modern A.M.A. down the road, It is truly said that history repeats itself, but the Australian Miners' Association-of and it always will while the Legislature is in the 19th century, practised conservation. It the hands of a socially immature group was conservation of the mineral resources dominated by sectional interests and self­ they knew. By their concerted action they seekers. This was true in the latter half were able to slow down the output rate of of the 19th century and it is mme so now, gold for a while to such an extent that the with the same results, in that the mass of export price actually rose and there was a the people in this State are getting nugatory greater return to the country and to the returns from their share in industry. I worke-r. We cannot do that by direct action intend later to give a necessarily hasty now of the kind the miners took then, but exposition of how that comes about. we should be carrying on the same battle on Labour's shadow Minister for Mines and a higher plane. Main Roads referred to the cmcial shortage Look at what Canada had to do to save of skilled staff and mining operators. His its mineral future. The Canadian Federal criticism is amply borne out by recent state­ Government and the Governments of the ments in the Press by educationists and provinces placed penalty royalities on all university specialist staff. One of the raw-mineral materials being exported and eminent men in charge of the mining depart­ forced foreign companies to set up refineries ment of the Faculty of Engineering a and factories in Canada, thus giving the couple of years ago said that if Queens­ people a long-lasting stake in their own land was going to completely staff its resources. exploration, mining and refining processes, it It is because of this, and because would need to put out 10 times as many other countries, conscious of conserving graduates in the next decade as it did in the their resources for themselves have taken last. That is not occurring, and we are also similar action, that the eyes of these foreign losing many of those that we have to private investors have focused on Australia-not enterprise. the dollar beckonings of the Ministers of this This Jag, this failure to educate sufficiently Cabinet. They turn to this glorious give­ well, from lack of kindergartens to lack of way State. graduates, is the root cause of our sub­ The give-away is progressing at such a servience in the mineral world. While we rate, and foreign influences and economic do not aim at the goal of getting at least a control are entering at such a rate, that the half share in the refining and usage of our Mines Department will soon have to get minerals within the next 20 years, we are together with the Education Department and guilty of gross dereliction of duty to our rewrite some parts of the Grade 4 social country and to our children. studies book. A new name for the State It is not enough to mouth great praises could be made up by taking a letter or two about employment benefits, in the face of from the names of some of the overseas com­ high taxes and killing costs of living. Our panies. One I can think of is Krimmptcut. bauxite, coal, mineral sands and other I shall leave it to erudite hon. members who mineral wage-earners are relatively little have a knowledge of the inroads into our better off than their gold-mining predecessors, resources to work out the names of the who had to pay 50 cents for an egg, $20 companies for themselves. for a pair of boots, and extortionate taxes by way of miners' licences levied by Govern­ The opening lines describing this new State ments of a vein similar to those of today. could read like this- The pattern of exploitation of the wmker "Krimmptcut is a huge State richly then and the worker now is remarkably endowed with vast deposits of Japanese similar. The chief beneficiaries are the coal and iron and American oil and Japanese, American and other foreign mining bauxite." companies and the rapacious Federal Govern­ I could write a completely new textbook. ment in its tax grab. Most of the mining The weak rationalisation of the hon. mem­ enterprises in this State are conducted on the ber for Chatworth on the mining panic-that basis of the greatest good for the fewest we should sell the coal now while we <;:an Supply [29 OCTOBER] Supply 1507

because it will not be any good to us soon, vulnerability than the Mt. Isa strike a few that no-one will want it, and that as a fuel years ago. Look at the fantastic rise in its days are numbered-is rather strange. the home-market price of copper that fol­ It shows his lack of knowledge of some of lowed that turmoil. Look at the huge shift the main uses of coal, particularly as a in shares from Australia to overseas that chemical reducer as well as a fuel and in took place. The industrial side of the smelting processes of many mineral ores; conflict was the screen for the whole manipu­ for we export the coal as well as the ore lation by which this State's percentage equity and then buy the product back at cut-pocket in, and percentage return from, ,the Mt. Isa prices. mine was drastically reduced. From the figures given in the departmental I do not blame the Mines Department report, no section of mining illustrates the staff for any of this. I lay the blame magnitude of foreign exploration more than for the mineral sell-out squarely on the mineral sands. From the figures given, it shoulders of those who should bear it, can be calculated that the average price namely, the Country Party Cabinet and their received for these processed sands is in the party sychophants. Yes, I agree with all region of $165 a ton. The State gets very these sychophants on the point that there little of this. More than 90 per cent. is is huge mining development in Queensland, sold on the world market, and to say that it but I do not agree that we own much has that value or is worth this much is mis­ more than 5 per cent. of it. leading. The average royalty is about $1.65 The Minister also dealt with main roads. per ton, little less than 1 per cent. of the No person connected in any way with the market value that we know and less than electorate of Logan could help but feel a farmer gets as royalty and less than the the importance of main road development in Governments gets for moulding loam or con­ this State. Last year, when speaking during creting sand. the debate on these Estimates, I mentioned, One company, Q.T.M., sells to a con­ amid the ignorant guffaws of the goons sortium at $40 a ton. This company is oppos~te, that Logan was the gateway to wholly foreign owned. I have been told that the South, and that no electorate would this is one of the companies that is very have a greater volume of ,through traffic interested in mining Cooloola and Bribie, at week-ends than Logan, which has three and that at that price its Australian operations sets of arterial main roads cutting through could well show a loss. It would pay no it, namely, the Mt. Lindesay Highway, the tax at all, and I believe that Comalco operates Pacific Highway, and the Cleveland-Redland on a similar consortium principle. Bay highway. While I am not prepared to conserve flora On summer week-ends and holidays, the and fauna at the expense of human advance­ four-way highway to the Gold Coast and ment, I am one of those who believe very New South Wales is choked. If one is to strongly in conserving our mineral resources measure time by the traffic flow, a six-lane to such an extent that we can get the highway is overdue. If the development highest possible price. I refer the Committee in the east and south-east of the electorate to a document put out by a group of continues, and if the satellite suburbs planned university economists on the economics of come into being, a six-lane highway would Cooloola. be choked soon after it was built-and the I believe that a Government, conscious four-lane highway is not yet continuous. of the present good and the future of every The bottle-necks at Eight Mile Plains and section of this State, would cause a wide Pimpama still exist as single lanes. Let us diversion of this outflow of wealth ·to raise hope that they do not exist for much our own potential and our own real wealth longer. by education and training, and by building The overflow from the highway along our own refineries and factories, to a far the back roads through Rochedale to greater extent than this Government is doing. Capalaba, Mt. Gravatt, and Cooper's Plains, The coal catastrophe, the Rough Range is placing an unbearable strain on these "rort", the nickle nobble of Poseidon and roads at such times. These overflow alterna­ many other companies, have cheated our tives must be brought up to at least 24-ft. own investors most shamefully by fraudu­ width and with all necessary safety devices, lently obtaining from them funds for their or the accident rate will rise too steeply. own operations. The growth of the Redland Shire and the The hon. member for Mackay touched northern end of the Albert and Beaudesert on this point further by showing how these Shires is so great ·that that population alone companies have used our resources .to com­ has outgrown the road-safety capabilities. pete on our own finance markets and further A year or so ago the Redland Shire could rob us of finance that we could be using boast a fatality-free year. Last year there to educate and train our own technicians were five fatalities that I know of. and to set up our own refineries and factories. The Moreton region of South-east Queens­ He touched on our price subservience, and land, which contains Logan, holds 67 per our vulnerability to such a situation on the cent. of the population of the State, and world mineral marke·t. No single industrial 74 per cent. of the 405,000 vehicles that incident has more served to illustrate our the Minister mentioned were on the roads. 1508 Supply [30 OcTOBER] Papers of that region. That is nearly 300,000 carried out. Incidentally, I think they are vehicles! In one holiday week last year consortiums of the big petrol companies, it was estimated by road count that 150,000 because no-one but a petrol company or cars passed through the Logan electorate G.M.H. would have a vested interest in along the Pacific Highway. That is no doing such a stupid thing as proposing the laughing matter; that is a fact. establishment of a city with a population of 200,000 25 or 30 miles from Brisbane, with In view of these facts and figures, the no provision that I have seen on the plans amount allowed for main roads development for any kind of industry to make it a self­ and maintenance appears to be far too contained unit. In any case, it would be small. I do not lay the blame for this a stupid place to put it. at the feet of .the Minister as much as I lay it at the feet of the Premier and Mr. Hughes interjected. the Treasurer, who went to Canberra to Mr. BALDWIN: I am giving my opinion, get money for this State. I lay most of !the blame, of course, at the feet of their and I have a very short time in which to Canberra cohorts, who are depriving this enlarge on the subject. If the hon. member State of much-needed revenue, particularly went out and read some of the reports instead for main roads development. The of sitting there interjecting he might see $40,000,000-odd from Commonwealth road what I mean. aid grants is far too little in terms of The problem of pollution will not be urgency, need, and the justice of financial solved by putting coke-catchers on exhausts. equity as shown by revenue-return figures. Everybody who knows anything about chem­ istry and the reaction of sunlight on carbon The figures published in the Common­ dioxide in our oxygenated atmosphere knows wealth Oil Magazine, 1968-69, are very that it is the major and deadly source of revealing. They show sales tax and spare­ pollution. It is over-density of living with parts tax from Queensland as about which the report relative to main roads is $32,000,000, and customs and excise as to some extent concerned. How do we take about $6,000,000, a total of $38,000,000. In our roads round this high-density population the same year the Commonwealth aid grant without polluting the atmosphere even more? was about $35,000,000. The revenue from I do not see how this is going to be achieved vehicles and fuels, licences, etc., from Queens­ by the road network proposed in the land to the Federal Government is not the Wilbur Smith scheme. In fact, Brisbane only revenue that comes from this State. could be like Tokyo, with people on the There is other revenue amounting to almost streets having to wear gas masks. $4,000,000. Therefore, in 1968-69 the Fed­ eral Government made a profit of .at least Progress reported. $7,000,000 on the Queensland vehicle business The House adjourned at 9.50 p.m. in general. That is a financial injustice. Even if one allows $2,000,000 for administra­ tive costs of their Federal sinecures, etc., that is far too much, and an additional $5,000,000 should have been given to this State. I think I have made a case for the assist­ ance of the Minister for Main Roads, but I point out to the Committee that, although I look at the facts of life around me, I do not necessarily condone them. I do not agree with the situation that has created this awful traffic flow. I think that dissemination, dispersion and decentralisation should be proceeding .apace. Of course, I do not mean the kind of decentralisation that one sees in New South Wales at Mt. Druitt, 30 miles outside Sydney-no industries, and people paying up to 30 and 40 per cent. of their weekly income in fares and car expenses. That only adds to the pollution of the inner city. We are planning for that self-same thing at the northern end of the Albert Shire, and even in the Beaudesert Shire. I hope the Minister for Indnstrial Development, the Minister for Mines and Main Roads, the Premier and all the other Ministers will get together and try to prevent it happening. The freeway will not be free within 20 years if the developments envisaged by huge overseas companies such as Inter-capital Realty are