The development of the rural landscape and economy of the Darling Downs, Queensland, 1885 - 1915

Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)The Darling Downs - the 'fertile crescent' of Queensland - were a focus for political, legislative, economic and social developments in the period 1885-1915. From the pastoral 'base' of the colony the Downs developed into the leading mixed-farming and dairying district of the state. The new agricultural systems established after 1890 in the main stemmed from direct government action. Geographical location, small and scattered populations, limited private capital resources, and immense natural obstacles were among the circumstances which made the Queensland government accept developmental functions which might otherwise have been left to private enterprise. By the early 1900s 'state socialism' was an established function of government. The correct allocation of resources - land and finance - formed a central focus of public policy and political legislation in Queensland in the period 1885 to 1915. The three most important instruments of government aid to agricultural settlement were changes in land policy, the construction of railways and the provision of credit to the agricultural sector. New concepts in land allocation were formulated and enacted: basic to the changes in land policy was legislation which aimed at the development of a system of rights to the use of land which best fitted the needs of agriculture based on small family units. The Land Purchase Acts of the 1890s did much to supply land for closer settlement on the Downs. However, it was soon apparent that the mere provision of land was not the panacea for agricultural settlement that many politicians and selectors had hoped for. Not only had land to be provided but also its allocation had to be worked out and many other supporting acts and inputs in terms of finance and technology were required. The construction of light agricultural railways, marketing and technical aid and the provision of direct credit to the individual selector, together with the new land policies, ultimately provided the opportunities for the development of new geographic patterns. Initially it was envisages in parliamentary circles that the pastoral system on the eastern Downs should be replaced by wheat cultivation. However, adverse conditions, limited farm technology and competition from the southern colonies prevented wheat cultivation from becoming the main source of farm income on the Downs. There was a search for alternative farm enterprises and farmers on the Downs gradually realised that commercial success was more likely with a mixed-farming system with a strong dairying component. As the new patterns of land occupance emerged many of the problems experienced in agricultural colonization came to the fore. The problems of seasons, soils and correct cultural techniques confronted all agriculturalists and it was only an expanding and increasingly efficient and diverse technology that permitted an ultimate degree of success. The period of radical change and the developments on the Downs form part of the world-wide movement of agricultural colonization. This study seeks to analyse some of the complex of interrelated factors which created the new spatial patters in this particular portion of the earth. The process of agricultural