PM Transcripts

66/ 032
FOR PRESS P. M. No. 22/ 1966
TALKS WITH PREMIER OF QUEENSLAND
Statement by the Prime Minister, Mr. Harold Hnlt
There was a discussion today between representatives
of the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments on the question
of an extension of the Brigalow Scheme into Area 3.
Area 5 is the Mackenzie Isaac River Basin section of
the Fitzroy Basin area. It contains an area of about six
million acres. It has a rainfall of about 25 inches per annum.
Major operations in Areas 1 and 2 are nearing
completion, and the Premier of Queensland, Mr. Nicklin, put it
to Uommonwealth Government representatives that this is an
appropriate time to consider Area 3.
In addition to the Prime Minister, the discussion
was attended by Mr. C. Adermann, Minister for Primary Industry,
Mr. D. N. Sutherland, Head of the Northern Division of the
Department of National Development, Mr. D. H. McKay Director
of the Bureau of Agricultural Economics Mr. arrett First
Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Treasury, and
Mr. D. J. Munro; First Assistant Secretary of the Prime Minister's
Department. the Queensland representatives were in additidn
to the Premier, the Hon. A. R. Fletcher Minister for Lands,
and Mr. E. C. Muir, Chief Commissioner lor Lands.
The Commonwealth Government views the Brigalow Scheme
as one of the most hopeful development prospects in Australia.
Despite having to contend with drought conditions early in the
history of the Scheme, experience in Areas 1 and 2 had been
sufficiently encouraging to call for a full and early examination
bv the Commonwealth overnment of the request now made to it
in respect of Area 3. I assured the Premier of Queensland that
the matter would be brought promptly to the Cabinet for its
consideration. The Commonwealth Government would view the
request against its general objective of maintaining a good
rate of progress in Northern development.
This morning's discussion also dealt with the effects
of drought in Queensland. Mr. Nicklin expressed appreciation
of the assistance already provided by the Commonwealth Government,
and pointed to problems Which remained, particularly in relation
tn the matter of re-stocking where serious stock losses had
been experienced. I assured him that this matter had been
actively under consideration and announcements could be expected
shortly on this and other aspects of drought relief.
CANBERRA, 4th March, 1966.