PLAN FOR PROSPERITY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20143, 12 January 1940, Page 2

PLAN FOR PROSPERITY

DEVELOPMENT OF N.S.W. PRELIMINARY PLANS MIGRANTS EXPECTED SYDNEY, Dec. 20. Anticipating a boom in migration and industrial expansion immediately after the war, the State Government during the week inaugurated a scheme for planned development, more ambitious than any yet conceived in Australia. The Cabinet placed in charge of the scheme the Minister for Mines and Forests, Mr. Vincent, who has already begun a preliminary stocktaking. Basing its plans on the experience of the last peace, the Government expects an influx of migrants from weary Europe when this war ends, and is getting ready to encourage a flow of men and money. The Government calculates that New South Wales could carry a population of 25,000,000 provided that the State’s resources are intelligently used and development is carried out to a plan. The first step, which is now being undertaken, will be a complete survey of resources, and the first area to be examined will be the north-eastern portion of the State, where there is room for vast expansion.

Construction of the Inverell-Guyra-Dorrigo railway line immediately after the war will open up Coff’s Harbour, which can be deepened by dredging to accommodate the largest liners and will become an important overseas port. , New Industries Harnessing of the River Styx at its junction with the Macleay will yield 26,000 horse-power to be used in industries in the Armidale district. In this district, some of the finest wool in the State is grown, but none of'it is processed, and it is hoped eventually to establish a textile industry there. Power from the Styx could also be used to develop the valuable bauxite deposits in the Tingha-Inveyell district. This bauxite yields aluminium, for which there will be a growing demand as Australian aeroplane and motor industries expand, but which has not yet been produced in this country, mainly because a large volume of cheap power' is necessary. Coal In Plenty Water from the Keepit dam, on the Macdonald River, could be used for the development of a paper pulp industry in the Pilliga forest country, where there arc huge supplies of Cyprus pine awaiting exploitation. There is good coal at Ashford, Gunnedah, Werris Creek, and at places in the Clarence River basin, all of which could be used as the backbone for secondary industries. These facts are revealed at a first glance, but further details will be prepared for communication to the British Government, and as a basis for planned migration when the time arrives.