From: Tim Baier [
(personal contact details deleted)
]
Sent: Friday, 29 January 2010 7:09 AM
To: Irving, Jason (DEH); Tyne, Ted (PIRSA)
Cc: Arkaroola Admin
Subject: Seeking a Balance Submission
Dear Mr Irving and Dr Tyne,
I wish to express my thoughts regarding the proposed rezoning of the Northern
Flinders Ranges as outlined in Seeking a Balance .
Comments pertaining to the "Flinders Ranges Landscape Quality Assessment
Project"
Firstly, speaking as a film industry professional and photographer, I concur with the overwhelming amount of negative comments lodged by participants at the end of the internet photo survey. On technical and creative levels, the quality of the images were exceptionally substandard.
Creative criticisms aside, how can nothing but wide snapshots accurately portray landscapes so varied and rich in detail as those found on Arkaroola. The lack of closeups was compounded by the lack of any form of interpretation, or even location names for that matter. This is of particular concern given the 40 years of geo-tourism occurring within Arkaroola, which emphasizes interpretation and celebrates humanities capacity to share what would otherwise only be specialist knowledge, which is of particular cultural value.
Photographing only from vehicular tracks is like saying the world is only comprised of areas you can see from a boat.
With Marathon Resources already being inclined to avoid any mention of the geotourism legacy of Mawson and Sprigg, the photo survey was so unbelievably superficial that one could be forgiven for thinking that there is a conspiracy behind such an arguably farcical effort. Personally, I'm more inclined to conclude it is more to do with the economic limitations of the photo shoot, apparent lack of ANY photographic credentials behind it, and an unfortunate assumption that the Flinders
Ranges can be photographed as one would photograph a costal region or vineyard as done in previous internet photo surveys.
It is common knowledge that results of a scientific survey, or experiment, need to be repeatable. When things like purple photos are provided as input, how can anybody have any faith in the output. Particularly when, as documented, so many participants commented that the image quality altered their rating?
The documentation associated with the survey states that this is the first such survey to be applied to a mountainous region. I suggest there is much room left for improvement.

Regardless of the statistical methodology applied, I assert that the techniques amount to no more than an immature science that considerably discredits the legitimacy of the Seeking a Balance proposals being made.
An Invitation
For comparison, I invite you to observe audience reactions to a photo presentation I have made of Arkaroola and the Flinders Ranges. I will be screening it to the public in late February. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcWnWyImEAE
From the outset, I had the objective of educating in the tradition of the geointerpretation founded by Reg Sprigg. I've weaved satellite imagery, aerial photography, ground based photography, and macro photography into a presentation that depicts just some of the wonders of Arkaroola and the Flinders Ranges.
Multiple locations have been documented along the length of the Flinders Ranges from Quorn in the South, to the Mawson Plateau in the North.
I need not explain my rational for believing the sentiment expressed in the above video (which can be provided on disk) is more informative than statistically manipulated 1-10 ratings gathered from a monotonous survey.
I've used stereoscopic imaging techniques, the novelty of which can't alone explain the reactions from audiences as documented below. I consider these comments to be a measure of what happens when people are connected with nature, in this case via technology rather than being there in person.
Since I have documented the landscapes and natural sciences of the Flinders Ranges, and Seeking a Balance states that the DEH wishes to continually refine the policy as new information becomes available, at my own expense I offer a study based upon my presentation.
General Comments
It is with a great deal of conviction that I believe that you have a national treasure in
Arkaroola, in terms of its unique geology, but also with the educational and recreational value of the Mawson-Sprigg legacy continuing in the geo-tourism operation.
I appreciate that scientific evidence is preferred with specific reference to refining the boundaries of the proposed rezoning, but with vast tracts cutting across the middle of
Arkaroola flagged as Zone 3, and patchy zoning such as that stamped on Split Rock, and little reference to the specifics of the environment and even less of the heritage, I believe the peculiarly titled Department of Environment and Heritage may justifiably be suspected of having already jumped into bed with PIRSA.
How can a place as iconic as Sillers lookout, which has appeared countless times in
Australian tourism campaigns, be classed as Zone 3?.

I concede that we are in an economically driven society and there are many positive aspects of that, but it also leads to short-sighted opportunism. This is precisely why organizations like the DEH are needed... to consider and protect the longer-term interests humanity and the environment.
I request that you ponder the sentiment that would be expressed by future generations if such treasures were to fall into the irresponsible hands of companies such as
Marathon Resources. The records already show that this company is grossly irresponsible. Do we really want to treat such a precious location as a quarry?
My GPS tells me Beverly uranium mine is less than 24 km from Mt Gee. With such significant in-situ-leach deposits in the immediate vicinity, can I suggest mowing the lawn, not the garden?
Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is the brainchild of two of South Australia's most gifted sons, Mawson and Sprigg. Sprigg, a geologist, biologist, and oceanographer,
was not a capitalist, yet he raised the millions of dollars required to realize his mentor's dream of preserving Arkaroola for future generations to experience this fantastic window into deep time. It was, and through the efforts of the second generation Spriggs, it continues to be the manifestation of their passion, and the ability to share it.
The combined scientific credentials of Sir Douglas Mawson and Reg Sprigg earns their informed opinions much validity and respect. In support of his ability to recognize environmental value, I note that it was Sprigg, a petroleum geologist himself, that spearheaded a move to exclude the Great Barrier Reef from both exploration and mining operations. He also held Arkaroola in such high regard as to dedicate extensive effort to ensure it is protected.
With an emphasis on the natural sciences, the tourist operation at Arkaroola has been inspiring awe and wonder within its guests for more than 40 years. It is a living entity.
The exploration operations have already done immense damage to the Mt Gee area, with precious minerals stolen by the truck load, and large amounts of mining waste covertly buried.
The likes of Mawson and Sprigg are exceedingly rare, harming their legacy would be like stepping on a kitten. It won't come back to life.
Yours Sincerely,
Tim Baier
(personal contact details deleted)
Standing in Amazement - Feedback
IRIS CINEMA 3-9 JULY 2008
TRANSCRIBED COMMENTS FROM GUEST BOOK, IN ORIGINAL ORDER.

Ralph & Val: Totally Spectacular
Marlene & Allan: Fantastic, Brilliant Photog.
Lynn: Brilliant
David: Truly Amazing, just great
David: Very well done
Brian: Brilliant
Janet: Thank you, superb
Jo: Thanks, we loved it!
Janet: Special!!
Helen: Great stuff!
Jenny: Excellent film
A.N.: Awe inspiring film
Roma: Excellent show
Bob: Excellent show
Julie-Anne: A visual feast
Emilia: Mind blowing, I am lost for words
Eve (6 years old): It was cool! It was beautiful
Ann: A wonderful production of the Flinders Ranges!
Val: Excellent, not to be missed
Rex: 3D very effective / I'm sure I could reach out and touch things
Ruth: Absolutely stunning, thank you!
Luke: All the best for on going development
Andrew & Jacqui: Fantastic hope to see more
Dennis & Maria: Awesome & beautiful. Well done
Wilma & Ron: Wonderful, wonderful!!
Peter: Thank you v much
Edda: Magnificent insights & experiences
Glenda: Keep following your dreams
Roman: Fantastic, I've been there but not like that
Chris: Truly spectacular... The use of scale is so impressive
David: Just brilliant!
Tim & Gaye: Absolutely awesome!
Kathy & Allan: Amazing!
Virgina: Please keep me informed of future screenings
Jonathan: Wonderful and best wishes for the future applications
Mick: Well done / fantastic
Dan: Inspiring to see another stereo-photographer committed to a cause
Kay: How great though Art!
Dina: Congratulations, I have always loved the Flinders Ranges, felt like I was there again
Milton: Inform me of a screening in S.A. & I'll tell a mineral group
Judith: What a combination, the stunning Flinders Ranges AND 3D!! just loved it & feel privileged to have seen it. I'll be on the lookout for your future work
SELECTED QUOTES FROM E-MAILS RELATING TO THE IRIS CINEMA
SESSIONS
Caroline: i would love to see it again and again !! it is SO AMAZING !!! your work is fantastic, you have an excellent eye !! It was GR 8 to meet you and view
"Standing in Amazement."

Caty: I really enjoyed your 'amazing' film on Tues night - so much so it kept taking over my dreams all night.
Good luck with your endeavours. Truly inspiring.
David: Tim thanks again for the show last night....I thought it was just brilliant!!
Ken: I was fortunate to attend your presentation on Sat.
It was very exhilarating and encouraging.
Your skills, passion and presentation was great.
I hope that you will see a way that this presentation can be shown regularly.
We visited on Sat with 10 friends and they are still talking about it
Nance: I went with a girlfriend last night and we were so inspired we're definitely going to come up to Arkaroola later in the year
Thanks again - the technology was amazing!
Niki: Your film was the first time ever that I've felt a picture or video came close to representing the immensity and depth of the landscape. This is an amazing achievement that should not go unrecognised.
The film was so engaging that even my four year old daughter was motivated to 'ask' questions, or probably more aptly make statements. To engage people of all ages and levels is another great achievement of your work. the technical brilliance of your work is inspiring and I deeply appreciate your inclusion of information about the mining of Mt Gee, environmental threats to the area and politics involved.
I wish you all the very best for the future and hope you are well supported in all that you do.
Phil: This is a must, must, must see! Have seen it before – it is truly awe-inspiring.
FEEDBACK FROM SA GREAT EVENT, DECEMBER 12th 2007
Bronte: I think a lucky few witnessed a very speacial event. The combination of (well integrated) expert comment from the three panellists, with Tim Baier's simply astonishing imagery, was very powerful indeed. Tim's technical and creative genius is nothing less than world-class...and his passion, infectious. It was a privilege to be there
Robyn: The event was fabulous, the content amazing
Deb: I absolutely loved the presentation. I had no idea it was such am interesting area and now want to visit. The speakers were brilliant, never boring, ears pricked up the whole time. The only part I felt could have been added was an historical indigenous moment as appranelt the arkarrui (serpent like snake came out and brought the minerals from below and formed a range near some mineral special area....
Hendrik: This event was simply stunning! Well organised, friendly, topical and informative
John: We should work out a way this can be displayed again

Nathan: Thought it was an amazing experience. One of the best presentations I've ever seen
Chris: I hope the audio input from the panel can be recorded and combined with the film for public viewing