With so many regional areas struggling for economic survival, more than a few have come up with some unconventional concepts to attract more grey nomads and other tourists.
Among the more innovative ones have been the painted silos at Brim in Victoria, the ‘used’ windmill collection in Penong in South Australia, the bra fence at Wyandra in Queensland and, of course all manner of big things, rusted sculptures, and snappily dressed termite mounds.
For the most part, these think-outside-the-square initiatives have been welcomed and praised. Not so, however, the unexpected return of the return of the giant Marree Man carved into the South Australian landscape.
When the original artwork was first discovered in 1998, the 28-kilometres outline of an Aboriginal warrior became a massive magnet for travellers. But the artwork slowly faded into the desert sands … until last year when Marree Hotel publican, Phil Turner, finally responded to constant questioning about the iconic figure by putting it back on the map. He and a team of locals spent five days ploughing the Marree Man back into the earth.
And so, the tourists returned, eager to see the figure and to ponder the mystery that still surrounds the original artwork that was accidentally discovered by a bush pilot.
However, despite the fact that the ‘new’ figure was restored based on the original markers used by the still-unknown original artist, the SA Department of Environment has now decided to investigate whether there has been unlawful clearing of native vegetation.
Critics of the probe point to the tourism boost and say that everyone except the government department seems happy with the project. And, they say, the indigenous Araban people were fully consulted before the Marree Man was restored.
The Adelaide Advertiser newspaper agrees that, if the letter of the law was applied, the restorers should have sought permission but it adds caustically that, given the record of government departments in making decisions, that would have meant an inquiry, probably interdepartmental committees, and months or years of consideration and argument and the project then eventually being refused.
Meanwhile, the tourists continued to arrive and enjoy … and Marree publican Phil Turner continues to insist the new grading merely restored what was done in 1998.
“It’s just bureaucratic stupidity,” he said.
· What do you think? Have you been out to see the new Marree Man? Comment below.
It is very innovative , and a boost for the local economy . It does not need an ” inter departtmental enquirey ” as the indigenous people had aleady sanctioned it . Let it stay , no encumerances .
Yes, we flew over it in 1998. It looked spectacular from the air. I say “good on to the publican”. It’s an icon. Whoever was responsible for first doing it was doing Maree a favour. Think of all the visitors it has brought to the town. Remember, visitors spend money. Governments should remember that when decisions are being made. People talk and it costs the Government nothing.
Typical bureaucratic stupidity. It was there already it was just tidied up what’s their problem?
More Artists – Less Bureaucrats