Struggle Country

This chapter examines the long-term obsession of Queensland governments with developing a rural-agrarian rather than industrial-urban economy from the mid-nineteenth century through to the 1960s. It will discuss why closer settlement became the cornerstone of rural development policy in Queensland and how it evolved from its distinctly liberal-agrarian origins to an agrarian socialist focus, before finally becoming conservative agro-pastoral in character. I consider how in many ways closer settlement failed to deliver on the agrarian dream during most of the twentieth century, but then also look at where rural development has proved more successful, particularly from the later part of the century, as farming approaches have been more effectively adapted to Queensland conditions.