CAB129-37 — Page 269

Page 269

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Cultivationalbef dome7by large-scale, scientific method? 79 AgriMAūre.

For the first few years sorghum would be the main crop grown, and this would be used in conjunction with green feed and other protein rations for fattening pigs in Central Queensland, surplus grain production being available for export to Britain as feeding stuffs. Sunflowers would also be grown as an oilseed for export to Britain.

Personnel to operate the scheme would come from Queensland and the United Kingdom, preferably suitable farm workers and ex-servicemen. Not later than seven years after the establishment of the undertaking a review would be made as to whether the undertaking should continue, or whether it should be con- verted into a co-operative undertaking, or in the case of the grain farms, into individual holdings. In the latter case preference would be given to employees of the undertaking.

Action taken prior to the establishment of the Corporation

In order that no time should be lost, and in accordance with the tentative agreement, the Co-ordinator-General of Public Works immediately initiated action along a number of lines:

A survey party of experts in agriculture and land visited the Central West area and made a close inspection of the Peak Downs property, and an inspection of certain other properties. A valuer from the Valuer-General's Department valued the Peak Downs property. The Lands Department obtained firm offers for several potentially suitable freehold properties.

Main Roads Commission officers inspected the area and reported on road work necessary for its development as farming land.

The Co-ordinator-General and Mr. Hollins of the United Kingdom Ministry of Food consulted with the Parliamentary Draftsman concerning his drawing up of suitable legislation.

The nucleus of an administrative office of the scheme was set up in Brisbane, and a small staff engaged, with two senior officers seconded from the State Government Service.

Orders were placed for farm machinery necessary for the first season's operations.

Discussions were commenced with a large contracting firm with a view to an early start to ploughing.

The Chairman of the Overseas Food Corporation was continuously consulted about the above lines of action.

Legislation setting up the Corporation

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A Bill was introduced by the Honourable the Premier (Mr. E. M. Hanlon) into the State Parliament on March 24, 1948, and passed all stages on that date.

Royal Assent was given on April 2, 1948, and the Act is known as "The Queensland-British Food Production Act". A summary of the chief provisions of the Act is as follows:

The Act provides for the Development and Extension of Primary Industries by establishing a Corporation (The Queensland-British Food Corporation), having the general duty of securing the production, processing and marketing of food- stuffs, and in particular the special duty of increasing the supply thereof to the United Kingdom.

The Corporation shall consist of a Chairman, Deputy Chairman, and either four or seven other members appointed by the Governor in Council, holding office for a term not exceeding seven years, two-thirds of whom shall be nominees of the Overseas Food Corporation. The Corporation shall be a body corporate and may set up its organisation. The Corporation may determine salaries and wages of its officers and employees, subject to applicable Industrial Awards.

The Corporation shall be charged with the duty of carrying out projects for the production, processing and marketing of foodstuffs, and may carry on all activities which appear foghem requisite in this connection 270 of 1097

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