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In 1936 a Royal Commission was appointed
by the Queensland Government to examine the position of the
electricity industry in Queensland. The final report noted
that Queensland’s electrical development was slower
than some other states in Australia. It was agreed that extension
of electricity reticulation was urgently needed.
The report stated that an electricity supply was:
"…one of the best agencies in arresting the
drift to the cities, spurring the land-holder
to his best efforts because it makes his work less laborious
and more lucrative and his family’s surroundings more congenial."
At the time of the report, a complex
situation existed in Queensland. There were 68 electricity
authorities comprising 21 private companies and 47 local authorities
operating 138 separate Orders-in Council and 19 other related
licences. Light On! revisits outback and rural Queensland
towns to remember stories about community ‘switch-on’
and ‘lights-on’ ceremonies. Memories and experiences
of such events are vital in order to understand the impact
electrical reticulation had on the development of isolated
towns in outback Queensland.
This exhibition is available to tour. For more information
contact Dr Jan King, Director, Queensland Energy Museum.
Phone: (07) 3854 1266
Email: director@energymuseum.com.au.
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