# data[].attributes.headline
The Australian Colonies Government Act- The act allowing newly named Victoria to become an independent state

# data[].attributes.subject
The Australian Colonies Government Act- The act allowing newly named Victoria to become an independent state

# data[].attributes.headline
Early map of Melbourne and the Port Phillip District

# data[].attributes.subject
Early map of Melbourne and the Port Phillip District

# data[].attributes.headline
3 facts about settlement of the Port Phillip District

# data[].attributes.subject
3 facts about settlement of the Port Phillip District

# data[].attributes.body
- In 1837, positive reports of the district by John Batman saw a wave of settlers. More prominent than the settlers however was the extreme growth of sheep. Between 1841 and 1849, the number of sheep increased from 780,000 to 5,130,000
- During the 1830's women were outnumbered by men at a ratio of seven to one.
-The Port Phillip District was at first owned by the state of New South Wales but after much negotiation and many letters, it was decided that Victoria would become independent. The arguments made in favour of the states independence were that the road from New South Wales to Victoria was long and treacherous and therefore not logical for it to be under New South Wales' jurisdiction.

# data[].attributes.body
The Port Phillip District officially gained independence as a colony of Victoria on the 1st of July 1851. On the 15th of July, Charles La Trobe became the first Lieutenant-Governor of the colony.

# data[].attributes.headline
Factors that helped and hindered the growth of the colony

# data[].attributes.subject
Factors that helped and hindered the growth of the colony

# data[].attributes.body
The Port Phillip District began its growth in 1803 when Lieutenant-Governor David Collins, attempted to establish a penal colony. Although, the project was unsuccessful, the Lieutenant had brought with him, 308 convicts, marines and seventeen free settlers. All of these established a base for the future when the colony was settled successfully. Another factor that helped with the growth of the colony was the rich pastures. The are was perfect for farming land and harvesting crops and allowed settlement to be much easier.
However, there were factors that hindered the growth of the colony. The land was owned by New South Wales, and therefore it was illegal to simply settle there. Fines had to be payed if the settlers did not keep within certain boundaries. In addition, there were Aboriginal people living on the land prior to the free European settlers causing constant problems between the two parties.

# data[].attributes.body
Port Phillip District was seen as an ideal place for sheep and wheat farming. The area had rich pastures and was optimal for farming and pastoral expansion, encouraging many people to settle in what is now known as Victoria

# data[].attributes.body
The Port Phillip district was discovered in 1802 by Lieutenant John Murray and Arthur Phillip, however, it was not settled until  thirty three years later in 1836. A group of Tasmanian sheepmen opposed the settlement banned which had been formed by the government and moved flocks onto the land. This encouraged more settlers from Tasmania and New South Wales to settle in the Port Phillip District.