A gem came to me last week via the Griffith Review
online in the form of a digital essay – Ground Truthing - by artist and
academic Pat Hoffie. It describes a road trip she made through the Queensland
outback to investigate the state of affairs at Bimblebox Nature Reserve,
formerly Glen Innes Station. In 2003 the Bimblebox Nature
Refuge Agreement looked like guaranteeing the survival of the area's flora and fauna ‘in
perpetuity’. The Environment Protection Agency in
Queensland claimed it as being “the richest, most biologically diverse region
in the Desert Uplands”.
Unfortunately, despite the support of
all levels of government, no-one thought to insert a clause that would prevent mining in the nature
refuge. Four years later, enter Clive Palmer.....
The blurb for Hoffie’s essay states:
“...a contemporary road trip, immeasurably enriched by
the images, sights and sounds and the strong and unique characters who inhabit
this land and who are passionate about it. Listen, watch and read an artist’s
journey to the heart of Queensland and it will earn a place in your
imagination, and heart."
It will indeed but it might break your heart as well.
Hoffie has used the multi-media publishing tool
Atavist to present the lengthy text, the photographs and a few videos along
the way.
The prose itself is always engaging, and often exquisite,
for example:
"As if in preparation for this golden hour, the
Rusty Jacket gums appeared to have slithered into gold-lamé outer garments for
the event..."
Some breathtaking photographs by Emma Harm and Greg Harm accompany the text.
It's not a quick read so when you can make the time,
brew a pot of tea, shut out all potential intrusions and thank your lucky stars
for people like Pat Hoffie and for the Griffith Review.
You’ll find it at:
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