Dean Wells explains how he became the Environment Minister. He describes the importance of coastal legislation and the process and challenges of negotiating with developers. He describes how an original cause regarding canal development was a sticking point and the amendments that were made to circumvent this issue.
Peter Ellis discusses his time as head of environmental control and the pressure of environmental groups upon the government. He discusses one of the early processes implemented to understand the environmental impacts of development projects. He discusses the broader problem for all governments on how to measure environmental impacts at the time.
Peter Ellis discusses the expansion of his job to include planning and environment at a time of rapid development in Queensland. He notes the many development projects he was involved with including the Bowen Basin, Mourilyan sugar port and Weipa. He notes the technical expertise of his department and the lack of interference in it by politicians. He describes, what is to him, the important local functions of state governments.
Jim Soorley details the Brisbane City Council's efforts to retain Brisbane's heritage values, especially in relation to housing planning and construction.
John Strano discusses the mood in the Queensland public service when he commenced his role in 1984, in particular the development ethos of those in trade. He notes the financial situation in Queensland and the other states at the time.
John Strano lists the departments he worked in. He notes the implications of having the same industry focused role in each case but being pushed into different departments.
Rosemary Kyburz describes the demolition of the Bellevue Hotel, the role of the police, the anger of the Liberal Party members with Joh Bjelke-Petersen and her ongoing distrust of the National Party.
Rosemary Kyburz reflects on the sexual division of issues, with men more concerned in this era with the economy and money. Her concerns included housing developments, maintaining green corridors, protecting land from over-development.
