The principal alternative sites for an administrative centre which have been considered or suggested are discussed from the points of view with which a geologist and vulcanologist is primarily concerned - namely vulnerability to volcanic action, earthquakes, and tidal waves, foundations, water supply and accessibility of material suitable for road resurfacing, aggregate, etc. The areas considered are Rabaul, Nonga-Tavui, Keravat-Kabaira, Vunakanau-Taliligap, and Koko-Rapopo.

This report concerns a geological reconnaissance made of a portion of the Kosciusko area and the preliminary geological plan compiled from air photographs and field observations. General geology, engineering geology, water problems, and proposed works for the hydro-electric scheme are discussed in the report. Three geological plans are included.

The first geological reconnaissance of the proposed diversion of the Snowy River to the Murray Valley was undertaken in late 1946. This work was followed by more detailed work in the summer of 1947-8 when field parties carried out a reconnaissance of a strip of country covering the approximate route which the main tunnel is expected to follow. Part I of this report deals briefly with the geological work accomplished during the two field seasons and provides a summary of the engineering geology of the main and subsidiary tunnel lines. Parts II and III consist of the geological reports by the leaders of the two field parties. Part II covers the survey area from Waste Point to the Geehi River. Part III covers the survey area from the Geehi River to Khancoban. Accompanying plans are included.

An examination was made of a proposed dam site at Geehi in April, 1947. The report comprises notes on access, general geology, evidence gathered from aerial photography, and the suitability of the site. Three accompanying plans, and a petrographic report on rocks collected from the vicinity, are appended to this report.

This geological report on the Jervis Bay firebrick clay deposit and the Jervis Bay aerodrome is comprised in three distinct sections. The first discusses the situation and production history of the area, and describes the geological surveys completed to date. The second describes the geology and topography of the aerodrome. The final section describes the investigation of the firebrick clay and the results of this investigation, with reference to the aerodrome and the proposal for a new runway. Accompanying plans of the clay deposit and the aerodrome are included.

For nearly nine months of the year the river proper is confined to a narrow channel two to three hundred feet wide. During the remainder of the year, however, the river is subject to periodical floodings resulting from heavy tropical rain on its water-shed and for periods of a week of more at a time the low level bridge is covered by flood water. The dislocation of rail traffic which results from these periodical floodings has been a matter of serious concern to the Queensland authorities for many years and a decision was made to construct a high level rail and road bridge to replace the existing structure. Construction was commenced, but before it proceeded far, it was considered desirable that the depth of the bedrock, previously examined, should be established without doubt. In view of the uncertainty of the depth to be drilled and the very considerable difficulty in drilling through alternating layers of drift sand and boulder wash, a request was made by the Co-ordinator General of Public works for Queensland for a geophysical investigation of the site. A survey was carried out by the geophysical section of the Commonwealth Bureau of Mineral Resources during August and September, 1947. The investigation of the results is far from complete but the seismic method gave such concise results that this preliminary statement is justified. Geology, geophysical methods, results, interpretation, and testing are discussed in this report.

A site for a National Park Reserve is proposed at the head of the Tidbinbilla River, and a Zoological Park is planned, within the city limits, between Yarralumla Nursery and the Molonglo River. The Department of the Interior has requested geological information on these sites with special reference to supply of building stone. The geology of the proposed sites is described in this report. Possible sources of building stone in the vicinity of these sites are considered.

An examination of a small area flanking the Molonglo River at Acton was undertaken at the request of the Department of Works and Housing. The construction of the weir across the river within the area examined to raise the water level to 1825' is proposed, and the geological investigation was carried out in connection with this proposed work. Aspects of general geology and engineering geology are discussed. A geological plan and sketch sections are included.

On 29th September, 1948, the writer, assisted by K.R. Fleischman, spent one day examining the rocks of the Cotter River Valley in the neighbourhood of the dam and mapping geological features which would have a bearing on the proposed extensions. Representative rocks were collected from the quarries on the right bank of the River below the dam. The mapping was done by chain, compass and Abney level. Aspects of general geology and engineering geology are discussed in this report. Two accompanying geological plans are included.

The four field parties and the Airborne Geophysical Section continued operations in the area during the quarter ending 30th September, 1953. This report provides a summary of the geological and geophysical operations carried out during this period, and an overview of the staff and housing situation.