What did Arthur Phillip do in his lifetime to make a significant contribution to Australia's history?

Answer 1

In October 1786, Phillip was appointed Governor-designate of the proposed British penal colony of New South Wales. Captain Arthur Phillip was Governor of the colony of New South Wales, the first settlement of Europeans on Australian soil. He was a practical and forward-thinking man who suggested that convicts with experience in farming, building and crafts be included in the First Fleet. Unfortunately, the authorities rejected his proposal.

The First Fleet left Portsmouth, England, on 13 May 1787,and arrived in botany Bay on 18 January 1788. Phillip immediately determined that there was insufficient fresh water, an absence of usable timber, poor quality soil and no safe harbour at Botany Bay. The fleet was moved to Port Jackson, arriving on 26 January 1788.

Phillip faced many obstacles in his attempts to establish the new colony. British farming methods, seeds and implements were unsuitable for use in the different climate and soil: much of the seed had rotted or been eaten by rats on the journey over, and the implements and tools could not stand up to the tougher treatment and conditions of the Australian soil and climate. The colony faced near-starvation in its first two years, and was finally saved by the success of a barley crop.

Out of necessity, due to the growing need for more land in Sydney, Phillip undertook several expeditions of exploration in the immediate area. His explorations resulted in the first spread of settlement to the Parramatta and Rose Hill areas. He also traced the course of the Hawkesbury River as far upstream as he could, to Richmond Hill, and he then continued on to the junction with the Grose River. Phillip noted the promising rich soil and timber as he traced the river to Richmond Hill.

Despite numerous setbacks, under Phillip's rationing and sensible direction, the colony finally succeeded in developing a solid foundation, agriculturally and economically, thanks to the perseverance of Captain Arthur Phillip. As a military man, he began to establish a legal code by publishing weekly orders for the governance of the colony. It was by his leadership alone that the colony became entirely self-sufficient. He also worked to improve understanding with the local Aborigines.

Also whilst Governor, Captain Arthur Phillip established the military colony to protect the East India Company trade as directed, and in doing so also preempted French intrusion into the area. He also established a station on Norfolk Island, under Philip Gidley Hunter, to begin to supply masts and flax for the British fleet.