Joh’s legacy

WITH the upcoming auction of the remaining possessions of Joh and Lady Flo, it is probably this will be the last time they will get a mention in the mainstream media.

I therefore would like to recall a few of Joh’s achievements as premier of Queensland and also as a Minister.

Regarding the coal industry, during the 1960s, Joh and Minister for Mines and Energy Ron Camm went to Japan on a trade mission and convinced the Japanese to change from diesel-generated electricity to coal-fired steam turbines, resulting in the coal industry Queensland has today with the royalties and jobs provided.

Development of Weipa bauxite deposits and establishing an aluminium smelter at Gladstone and the building of power stations at Callide, Rockhampton and Gladstone to supply power for the coal industry and the smelter.

Building of dams across Queensland to establish irrigation areas (Beardmore Dam at St George and Fairburn Dam at Emerald).

Hinze Dam on the Gold Coast to provide water to that growing area, there were many other smaller dams also constructed. Fairburn Dam at Emerald also supplies water to the coal industry of the Bowen Basin.

Construction of the MI and Gateway Bridge plus other infrastructure across southern Queensland and Brisbane.

Establishing a government air wing to enable government ministers to be in contact with all areas of Queensland electorates in times of need (ie drought and flood). Also to provide quick transport of organs for transplant operations.

These are just a few of the achievements of the government delivered under Joh’s leadership.

He was ambitious for Qld. G. MORRIS, Toowoomba