Nov 1831: After settling into his new position, Governor Oakwood began to discover significant issues with the finances of the Colony. He uncovered huge amounts of debt had been amassed by his predecessor, which had primarily been used for the construction of the Mannering Bridge, North-South route, Royal Palace and gardens, and the monuments to King Archibald III. The Royal Palace and gardens project was put on hold and the new government worked through various solutions to remedy the troublesome budget situation.

Jan 1832: In an effort to repay some of the debt and provide a quick cash boost to the government coffers, Governor Oakwood sold off large parcels of land to developers along the North bank of the Windsor River to the East of Newport, along the new road to Hudson, at South Hudson just West of the industrial area, as well as along the road to Mannering. Governor Oakwood knew this would only be a short-term fix, and further long-term solutions would be required.

Mar 1832: Newman Developments jumps on the opportunity and purchases much of the newly opened up land around Windsor and Hudson. Alfred Newman partners with Norman Kewel to create some of the first major planned residential subdivisions in the Colony. The new suburbs of Newman, Normanfield, Alfred Park and Felicity Gardens, named after Alfred's wife, were established. The new subdivisions were the first in the Colony to use concrete paved roads, as dirt roads were becoming problematic with the increase in traffic in the larger towns. Kewel Cottages sprung up all across the development sites and Newman Developments and Kewel Industries generate record profits.

Aug 1832: As part of Governor Oakwood's long-term solutions to the Colony's financial problems, various schemes were introduced which were aimed at promoting development in both rural and urban areas, in an attempt to stimulate economic growth, boost population, and increase the tax base to assist in budget recovery. One of which, the Land for Ladies grant, was designed to attract more women to the countryside and promote productivity in rural areas. The grant provided heavily subsidised land to single women looking to establish farms in inland areas.

Nov 1832: The Land for Ladies grant was received well by the local population, however due to limited government funds, the scheme was restricted to a select few applicants. Governor Oakwood announced grants for six women - Emily Maywether, Susan Roxbury, Winifred Fenchurch, Germaine Pepperton, Isla Huntington and Penelope Aldridge.

Feb 1833: The new farming settlements of Maywether (West of York), Roxbury (East of Frankston), Fenchurch (West of Weymouth), Pepperton (South of Wellington Bay), Huntington (West of Albatross), and Aldridge (West of Jefferson) were established by the six women under the grants.

Jun 1833: Roads were laid between the new farming communities and the larger towns nearby, and more families began to move to the newly established settlements.