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   THE five earlier factors on the Keyline scale will now have indicated clearly which one of the possible alternatives is the best site for the permanent farm buildings, the sixth factor on the Keyline scale of permanence.

   The selection of sites for the permanent farm buildings may influence the pattern of clearing trees adjacent to the site; therefore the sites should be fixed early during the planned clearing of the land. However, deciding the location of permanent farm buildings does not affect the general planning of the trees that are to be left in the clearing of the property or grown on cleared country. Permanent farm buildings should be located in respect to climatic features and land shape so that the best living and working conditions are provided on the site. Consideration is also given in the planning to the general water conservation scheme and to the pattern of clearing as it affects living conditions at the site for the buildings.

   Without the benefits of a full appreciation of the various factors of the Keyline scale it has often been difficult to decide the most suitable site for permanent farm buildings. There may be several sites, all of which could have a particular feature more favourable than on other possible sites. However, with full consideration of all the earlier factors of the Keyline scale, possible sites can be more realistically appraised. The positioning of water supply features guiding the location of farm roads in relation to land shape and climate will disclose all the suitable or possible sites of the access roads from the shire or council roads into the farm. The access road would follow perhaps along the top of a ridge or, from a suitable point on the public road, along a contour of the land high enough to avoid heavy run-off flow. The access road must be trafficable in all weathers and must be permanent. These relevant matters will be so obvious that the final consideration of possible sites can then be made.

   Permanence in such matters on the farm relate strongly to family life and the final decision is made to suit the farmer's wife. The best aspect and view is more important than such matters as easiest sanitation, one time considered as the first in the order of importance. Modern methods and equipment can, with little trouble, provide perfection and permanence in such matters. Sometimes the final deciding factor on the location of buildings has been the availability of a particular water supply. Water supply is important, but, again, modern construction will provide the best of these facilities without the home being necessarily bound too closely to the locality of a suitable supply.

   The Keyline planning of the land opens up and often creates beautiful vistas that make for pleasant home life. Farm homesteads may overlook the public road but need not be too close to the road when the farm access road is as good or better than the public road. Good views and appearance dominate the site selection.

   The homestead takes precedence in site selection over the other buildings, which are sited so that they are overlooked from the kitchen or living area of the home. The old central courtyard with the various buildings grouped around it has much to commend it. The access road from the public highway should then lead directly into the central area and the main farm roads lead out of it. The work area should be of sufficient size at least to enable any vehicle working on the farm or one likely to carry goods to the farm, to turn and manoeuvre satisfactorily. Prevailing winds in relation to smell and dust are considered. Sufficient small paddocks are associated with the building area so that overnight horses and special or sick beasts may be kept under close supervision. Finally, no fire hazard can be permitted in this planning. The higher the development of a property the more fireproof it will become. The development at any time should therefore be greater near the homestead and permanent building sites. Improvement of land could logically start at the steps of the homestead and the first irrigation area to be developed could be the one closest to the buildings. There is no better fire break than paddocks which can be irrigated at the turn of the large water control valve on a dam.

   All the various considerations that are taken into account in the siting of the homestead and permanent farm buildings are not contained in this brief summary under the heading of this chapter. Rather, as with other factors of the Keyline scale, all items higher on the scale form part of the present factor under discussion.