"During World War One Australian states introduced soldier settlement schemes to reward and rehabilitate veterans ... Although South Australia was the first to legislate for soldier settlement, Queensland seized the initiative when it opened up a large area of land at Beerburrum, just north of Brisbane, to settle military veterans in July 1916. It was an experiment in rural development that was, however, to have unfortunate results, for in far too many cases returned servicemen, their wives and children were confronted with severe environmental difficulties, economic hardship and bureaucratic obstruction."--Back cover.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 127-158) and index.