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.

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 report covers the work carried out by the author who was the geophysicist in charge of seismic and magnetic work conducted on Macquarie Island during 1951-52. It deals mainly with the preparation of and repairs to huts, the continuation of the seismic recording programme and the installation of a magnetic recorder. Although scientific achievement was not outstanding, the way has been prepared for a successful observing programme in the future.

This report covers the work done by the author who was geophysicist with the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition at Macquarie Island from April to December, 1953. It is a sequel to Records 1953/30 and 1954/32 and deals with observatory routine and maintenance and other general duties required of the geophysicist. The report contains the results of absolute magnetic observations and initial earthquake phases. Detailed tables of scientific results will be published separately in reports at present in preparation.

This point dataset contains the air traffic services centres in Australia.

This report has been prepared at the request of Engineers of the Department of Works and Housing. The writer spent a day with Mr. Crotty examining the site, and another day alone studying general geological conditions relevant to the proposed scheme. The visit and its findings are outlined in this report.

The establishment of seismological and magnetic observatories at Heard Island is described. Brief descriptions and photographs of the huts and instruments are given. Earthquake phases recorded between April 1951 and February 1952 are listed, as are absolute magnetic observations made between July 1951 and January 1952. Although Heard Island has two active volcanic craters, the region is not very active seismically. Only two near earthquakes were recorded, both probably 2°.9 distant along the Kerguelen ridge. The absolute magnetic observations showed that the high rate of secular change in declination and horizontal intensity is continuing.

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.

In November, 1945, the Department of Works and Housing requested that a Geological Survey be made of a section of the Upper Cotter Valley in which it is proposed to construct a dam. Four possible dam sites were examined along the Upper Cotter River between Bushrangers and Collins Creeks. This report deals with the geology of the area examined with special reference to possible dam sites. The report is also intended as a basis for future regional work in the area lying west of the Murrumbidgee River where little is known of the geological structure and stratigraphical sequence.

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.