Linking a Nation: Australia's Transport and Communications 1788 - 1970
Australia: Our national stories
By Dr Robert Lee of the University of Western Sydney
Australian Heritage Commission, 2003
Introduction
'Linking a Nation' forms part of a research project on the theme of Transport and Communications, and was commissioned by the Australian Heritage Commission. The Commission recognises that European settlement of Australia has produced outstanding historic sites and infrastructure, which document our responses to the scale and challenges of the Australian environment. Many of these places have special qualities and attributes that exemplify Australian achievements in transport and communications, both terrestrial and maritime, including the development of specific Australian transport systems, the complementary roles of State and Commonwealth governments and symbolic and evocative meanings, such as 'The Ghan' and the 'Indian Pacific'.
The consultant for the project, Dr Robert Lee of the University of Western Sydney, has produced a scholarly thematic history, with a focus on the historic places associated with events, processes and people connected to the theme. The Indigenous story will be a separate project. The views and opinions expressed in the thematic history, which follows, are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Commonwealth Government or the Minister for the Environment and Heritage.
While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are factually correct, the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this publication.