The Alan Fletcher Research Station (AFRS) began life as the headquarters for the Commonwealth Prickly Pear Board in 1921. It was from this centre that the famously successful prickly pear campaign was directed. Following the disbandment of the board, staff, resources and responsibilities were assumed by the Biological Section, Queensland Department of Lands in 1939. Research activities broadened to include biological control of other weeds, herbicide assessments and pest animal work such as the manufacturing of the myxomatosis virus for rabbit control.