Records 1983

On 26 August 1983, Cabinet considered an Information Paper on the development of a possible cashew nut trial proposed by a consortium formed by CSR and Twentieth Century Foods Limited of Singapore.

A Brazilian expert in cashew nut culture, accompanied by two executives of CSR, visited the Wildman River Pastoral Lease in the Northern Territory and two areas in the north west of Western Australia.

The expert’s report was favourable and formed the basis for a detailed cost benefit study leading to the proposal to establish a 25 hectare pilot farm at Wildman River to test the feasibility of cashew nut production over a period of five years.

A major technical problem was seen as the acquisition of suitable high-yielding planting material from new varieties developed in India. Possible quarantine problems had been discussed with CSR and were being researched by the Department of Primary Production.

It was anticipated that given a favourable decision for Wildman River, CSR would have further discussions with the Government in relation to leasing of land and matters such as the availability of ground water supplies for irrigation.

The Information Paper noted that CSR had not indicated its preference for a site however it was understood that Wildman River was favoured. 

Depending on the results of the pilot farm, this could be the site for a major development and the establishment of a cashew processing plant in the Northern Territory.

Cabinet noted the Information Paper.

Read the Cabinet decision - submission number 2673 and decision number 3132 of 26 August 1983 PDF (682.3 KB).