Land exchange and Commonwealth acquisition records

Research Guide to land exchange and Commonwealth acquisition records at Queensland State Archives.

Legislation enabled the Governor-in-Council to grant any portion of Crown land to any person in exchange for lands required for settlement or other public purposes. An exchange could be initiated by owners of freehold, Government departments or Shire Councils. Reasons for exchange include requirements for roads, cemeteries, camping reserves, schools, and closer settlement.

Section 85 of the Constitution of Australia provided for the transfer of property from the States to the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth Land Acquisition Act 1901 dealt with land which passed to the Commonwealth with former State functions (eg. defence). This Act was replaced by the Lands Acquisition Act 1906. Under the new Act, land could be acquired for public purposes, such as post offices, customs and excise buildings, roads, defence purposes, and airports.