CAB129-37 — Page 268

Initial Investigations

Page 268

A delegation consisting of Messrs. L. A. Plummer and A. J. Wakefield, of the Overseas Food Corporation, and Mr. F. Hollins of the United Kingdom Ministry of Food, visited Australia in January, 1948. After preliminary discus- sions with Commonwealth Government representatives the delegation came to Queensland at the end of January.

The primary purpose of the delegation was to find, if possible, additional large areas suitable for peanut production, owing to the very high oil and protein yield of this crop per acre. Discussions with Queensland Government officers, and a charter flight through various districts, convinced them that no suitable peanut areas were available in Queensland except those which require substantial clearing. The Overseas Food Corporation did not at this date wish to undertake such work in Queensland or elsewhere in Australia as the East African project was using all available heavy clearing equipment.

However, the delegation was also interested in the production of fodder grains that could be used for meat and fat production. They visited the grain areas of the Darling Downs, as guests of the Minister for Agriculture and Stock (Hon. H. H. Collins, M.L.A.), accompanied by the Co-ordinator-General of Public Works. Here they were able to see land developed for grain growing and also land of similar quality undeveloped-thus giving them a yardstick by which to measure other areas of suitable soil and somewhat similar rainfall conditions. The open downs grasslands in Central West Queensland, occurring between Rolleston and Clermont, appeared the most suitable of these other areas for the production of grain sorghum, which could be used either for pig production in Queensland and/or for export to Great Britain, and for sunflower and possibly other oilseed production.

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After their return from a ground inspection trip early in February discussions were arranged by the Co-ordinator-General of Public Works between the members of the delegation and leading experts in land utilisation, grain and animal produc- tion, soil erosion and allied matters, from the Department of Agriculture and Stock, the Department of Public Lands, the Bureau of Industry, and the Bureau of Investigation of Land and Water Resources.

These discussions covered all aspects of the problem, including suitability of climate, methods of cultivation, costs of production, transport and other require- ments for such a large-scale farming undertaking.

Decision to start activities in Queensland

The delegation had full discussions with the Premier of Queensland, and both parties were satisfied with the prospects of success of such an undertaking. On February 25, 1948, the Premier, on behalf of the Queensland Government, and the representatives of the Overseas Food Corporation, signed a tentative agree- ment covering the following points :

A joint authority would be formed, consisting of representatives of the Over- seas Food Corporation and of the Queensland Government. This authority would be created by statute, with power to operate the undertaking.

The Queensland Government would supply one-quarter of the capital required, up to a limit of £500,000, and the balance would be supplied by the Overseas Food Corporation.

Representation on the new authority would be on the basis of capital supplied. It was proposed by Mr. L. A. Plummer, Chairman of the Overseas Food Corporation, that he should be Chairman, and that Mr. J. R. Kemp, Queensland Co-ordinator-General of Public Works, should be Vice-chairman.

The Queensland Government would acquire suitable land and lease it to the new authority.

The target would be set at 250,000 acres for cultivation. An effort would be made to get at least 20,000 acres under crop for the next year.

Immed

authority being given, Mr. Kemp wouldge-268 the services of officers of State Departments in order to start the work of cultivation.

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