Graffiti in the outback

Submitted: Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 14:06
ThreadID: 49352 Views:4015 Replies:18 FollowUps:19
This Thread has been Archived
I'm recently back from the Simpson and I was extremely disheartened to see the amount of graffiti in places such as along the Madigan Line. I was under the belief (misplaced obviously!) that 4x4 drivers had respect for the bush. But when confronted with the numerous pathetic attempts at immortality by way of graffiti and stickers saying this or that club was here, mounted on additional star droppers to the one placed to identify Madigan's camps I was mortified! The best one in my book had to be the 4WD Club that installed bollards and a chain around Madigan's blaze tree with a plaque asking people to leave the place as they find it. Why couldn't they do just that! Or are their club members such d#ckheads and bad drivers that that they felt it necessary to protect the tree from being rammed by their fellow club members! Pity I didn't carry an angle grinder! I go to the bush for its pristine nature and am not interested in putting my name in the visitors book let alone reading who else has been there - does anyone read these books anyway? Is it just me, or are there others out there that would prefer to see little or preferably no other signs of humans when going bush?

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: Member - Stephen L (SA) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 14:24

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 14:24
Just,
I do not find them as graffiti. Some make very good reading. Most times it is a feat in itself to get some very remote places. All the plaques that I have seen will be of interest in many years to come. What do you say about the Len Beadell plaques and the Blaze trees by our early explorers, "Graffiti"

I think you have said enough.

We all enjoy the Bush, some more than others

Stephen
Who has been here

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 260484

Reply By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 15:00

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 15:00


>> and bad drivers that that they felt it necessary to protect the tree from being rammed by their fellow club members!
this dribble was the give away.
AnswerID: 260491

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 17:08

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 17:08
Just,
I've been out there each of the last 3 years.
I agree wholeheartedly about that chain around the Blaze Tree at Camp 16. It wasn't a club - it was put there by a 4wd accessory company from Qld who run the odd trip. The plaque is in your face - it makes the people and company out to be a bunch of heroes. The chain itself is a good idea - it helps protect the tree.

I really like the stuff that was put there in years gone by. In the visitors books there have been photos placed of people's adventures from the 70's and 80's when the Madigan Line really was a huge achievement. And it shows you just how quickly the blaze has been growing over.

Star droppers and aluminium plates from the past don't bother me. But to see a group go through last year and slip a star dropper with all their names on it irks me. Every man and his dog has easy access to Camp 16 these days.

Cheers
Phil
AnswerID: 260523

Reply By: Willem - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 17:31

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 17:31
Man and woman leave their marks everywhere. It is in our nature.

From the ancient peoples who pecked the rocks to the explorers from the 16th 17th,18th,19th and 20th centuries and such as the European Explorers of this continent, their marks are there to make their own statement.

Personally I don't mind writing in a visitors book. The book is there to guage the interest shown in the area or to find out your address and send you some advertising material....lol

Stickers were invented to stick. To advertise, either a business or goods or an organisation of some sort. It doesn't rub off on me and I nary give it a second glance. I am guilty of sticking ExplorOz stickers in way out places. Why? Why not? Its the same as any sign on any fence or any gate anywhere. It shows someone from ExplorOz has been there and it promotes the site so that the more people who use this site and/or become members, the better the functionality of the site is, and a help to all and sundry who make use of it.

So there..................

Cheers
AnswerID: 260532

Reply By: carswell - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 17:54

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 17:54
I have been watching this forum for a couple on months and love the wealth of experience and practical knowledge that it represents.

What I really don't like is the personal attacks on some bloke who presents an idea that is unpopular with some of you.

Without agreeing or disagreeing with Just, I note that of 4 replies, Phil was the only one who was civil. The other three added unsolicited verbals, not to mention the spray can image:

"I think you have said enough.
We all enjoy the Bush, some more than others"

"this dribble was the give away. "

"So there.................."

I have seen people put a view on this forum and get flamed, and they are never heard from again.

How about addressing the issues of a message and not shooting the messenger, because that's a good way to lose participation.
Tom Carswell

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Position  Send Message

AnswerID: 260537

Follow Up By: Gramps (NSW) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:35

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:35
carswell,

I agree. Give 'em a bit of stick. It's the pack mentality coming out in some of them.

0
FollowupID: 521981

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:51

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:51
Yer talking crap carswell. So you are flaming those who appear to be flaming the poster.

Differences of opinion that is all it is. There is a positive and a negative to all opinions. This is a public forum and we may voice our thoughts to a certain degree. If the moderator does not like it, it is removed.

And as for participation, this forum has been active since 2001 and grows stronger every day.

And as for you, Gramps....you'll keep...lol

Cheers
0
FollowupID: 521986

Follow Up By: Gramps (NSW) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 21:04

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 21:04
Willem.

I thought that was my serious side replying LOL

0
FollowupID: 521990

Reply By: Shaker - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 18:21

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 18:21
I tend to agree with the OP, from memory even the brass marker plates at Cameron Corner & Poeppel Corner have names scratched into them. I think someone has even tried to lever the one at Poeppel Corner off. Then we have the bogans that stole the Licola metal sign, & track name markers etc. etc..

In reply to some of the above replies, what happened to "leave only footprints, take only photos", doesn't that apply to us?
AnswerID: 260544

Reply By: Jack - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 18:36

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 18:36
I to love the Simpson - but I am disgusted with the graffiti that was left on the white post at the end of the shot line on the Hay River track by one of the above people - and his other exploits in the region in the last few years.

And I agree with the above, I enjoyed reading the book at C16 regarding the achievement by those in the 1970's & 1980's to get to that part of the desert - as it would have been REMOTE then. But now it's just not that hard !

Yes the large plaque at C16 is wrong as are the star dropper - if something is to be left there, it should be done by an appropriate authority, such as Friends of the Simpson Desert or by the Geographical Society of SA, the body which was instrumental in the success of Madigans trip.

Plaques placed in the modern era advertising a club, business or peoples own personal achievement (big or some) in that pristine environment should be removed.
AnswerID: 260546

Follow Up By: Geoff M (QLD) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 19:24

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 19:24
".....I to love the Simpson - but I am disgusted with the graffiti that was left on the white post at the end of the shot line on the Hay River track by one of the above people...."

C'mon Jack, if you're goin' to put up a post like that, then go ahead and name names or don't post at all.

Innuendos are just another form of BS.

Geoff
0
FollowupID: 521966

Follow Up By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:31

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:31
I know the post you mean.
I don't leave stickers.

And the jerk that left "paintball" advertisements all over the wells on the CSR might like to know that most have been removed.
0
FollowupID: 521978

Reply By: Gone Bush (WA) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 19:39

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 19:39
Geez,

I've left a couple of really bad turds in the bush. I hope you don't hang sh1t on me for that.

Just stirring boys. This is better than watching Big Brother.
I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
- Augustus McCrae (Lonesome Dove)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

AnswerID: 260556

Reply By: Axel [ the real one ] - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 19:46

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 19:46
One mans Graffiti is another mans art , not condoning the vandalism of trains , walls ect , but leaving a marker of ones passing has been going on since time began aka: aboriginal cave painting ect ect , explorers blazing trees , building cairns ect , planting a flag and leaving rubbish ,even on the moon.
AnswerID: 260559

Reply By: Member - Richard L (WA) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 19:52

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 19:52
Just
I whole heartedly agree........what sort of mess will we have in years to come if everyone decides to leave a calling card.
I do however think a visitors book is appropriate and interesting and doesn't impinge on the enviroment

Regards
Richard
AnswerID: 260560

Follow Up By: Shaker - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 23:04

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 23:04
Refuge Cove at Wilson's Promontory was a classic example of how to desecrate an area for personal gratifcation.
Just about every vessel that moored there painted their name in white paint on the rocks & cliffs.
0
FollowupID: 522030

Reply By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:13

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:13
Well I don't object too much to the stickers and star droppers, but don't condone it either. I've never left one, and probably never will. These things are at least temporary and do no long term harm.

On a trip to the Kimberly a couple of years ago I was disgusted with the vandalism of many Boab trees. These trees have taken hundreds of years to grow to the magnificent specimens we see today. But after all that time, in just 50 years (mostly 20 years) 'we' have totally vandalized them. Every man and his dog has thought it necessary to carve his name in them. An don't tell me it is no different to Burke and Wills or other early explorers. Even graffiti on trains and busses can be removed. This cr@p can never be removed.

As some of these areas become more accessible, I hate to think what further damage will be done to effect the enjoyment of these remote areas for my kids and grandkids.
AnswerID: 260565

Reply By: Gone Bush (WA) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:20

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:20
OK I give in.

What's a star dropper?
I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
- Augustus McCrae (Lonesome Dove)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

AnswerID: 260567

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:24

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:24
A steel fence post in the shape of a Y.
Farmers use them for building wire stock fences.
VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 521976

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:25

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:25
Sorry should have added, I have no idea why they got the name "Star Dropper"
VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 521977

Follow Up By: Axel [ the real one ] - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:33

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:33
In Qld its called a star picket.
0
FollowupID: 521980

Follow Up By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:37

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 20:37
Yeh, I've always known them as star picketstoo, but I knew a Tasmanian who called them droppers (well one of his heads called them droppers anyway), so I knew what they meant.

Australia, a bunch of states divided by a common language.
Norm C
0
FollowupID: 521982

Follow Up By: Andrew from Vivid Adventures - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:15

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:15
star droppers in South Australia, if you don't mind.
0
FollowupID: 522009

Follow Up By: Gone Bush (WA) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:24

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:24
Aaaah Norm, gotta luv ya.

Star pickets in WA too.

Anyway, just to hijack the post and earn a spraycan image...

I bet the Eagles are going to take out the flag again this year. Wipe the floor with the lotofya.
I'm glad I ain't too scared to be lazy
- Augustus McCrae (Lonesome Dove)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 522011

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:56

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:56
Nobody answered the question why a "Dropper"?
VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 522026

Follow Up By: Shaker - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 23:01

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 23:01
I have done quite a bit of farm fencing, we call them star 'pickets' & 'droppers' are the metal or timber wire spacers used between posts/pickets, usually 2 between each, they are used to stop the animals pushing the wire apart & getting through.
0
FollowupID: 522029

Follow Up By: Member - andrew B (Kununurra) - Thursday, Sep 06, 2007 at 07:37

Thursday, Sep 06, 2007 at 07:37
I think Shaker has it!...A dropper, is usually refering to a metal/timber, sometimes plastic, and even sometimes the vertical wires in a ringlock type fence, where its sole purpose is to keep the wires evenly spaced and reduce the chances of the wires spreading in longer sections between the fence posts.

If this member is hit into the ground, it is no longer a dropper, it becomes a post or a 'picket'.

Possibly some of us may remember the old ringlock (may have been hingejount) fencing add where the Son had installed a ringlock fence, the father came along, cursing and asking "and where are you droppers, forgot them I spose' Son: 'They are built into the fence...have you ever worked out how much droppers add to our fencing costs?' Dad: 'and I spose you ave, on your flamin little computer eh!

It went something like that anyway, so for me, its a star picket or post if its hit into the ground, a dropper if its suspended in the air (or intended to before the fence sagged..)
Cheers Andrew
0
FollowupID: 522060

Follow Up By: Member - Norm C (QLD) - Thursday, Sep 06, 2007 at 09:01

Thursday, Sep 06, 2007 at 09:01
Andrew, you are absolutely right. You have described it as I use the terms and I've done a fair bit of fencing in my time.

That doesn't change the fact though, that Tasmanians, South Australians and perhaps other 'Southerners' call what you and I call a star picket a dropper.
0
FollowupID: 522082

Reply By: Shawn - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 21:21

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 21:21
I whole heartily agree.
Look at all the graffiti painted and spat on the walls of countless caves and overhangs.
OUTRAGESS!!!!
AnswerID: 260579

Reply By: Andrew from Vivid Adventures - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:14

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:14
Has anyone seen the graffiti on the southern gate to the Boggy Hole track?

It had me and a group of poms I had with me totally cracking up.
AnswerID: 260592

Reply By: Mick - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:29

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:29
I'm surprised that it's taken you till now to realise that the average four wheel driver is a brain dead moronic red neck. If there's a bog hole he'll go through it as fast as possible and those around will take pics of the spray and mud. If there are hills he'll try to get up the steepest, often with dire consequences as at the "Widow Maker" at Wonnangatta. If there's a tree he'll cut it down to keep warm at night. And if there's some bush he'll bash his way through it with his super bull bar and raised suspension.
AnswerID: 260598

Follow Up By: Truckster (Vic) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:42

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:42
Some of us go further than the carpark at Coles.
0
FollowupID: 522019

Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:48

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:48
Does your tricycle have a flat today??
And does your mother know your playing with her computer?
VKS737 - Mobile 6352 (Selcall 6352)

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 522022

Follow Up By: Willem - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:50

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 22:50
Ahhh Mick. You are back from the dead with your sardonic comments.

What do you drive, Mr Average?
0
FollowupID: 522023

Reply By: Member - Kim M (VIC) - Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 23:05

Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007 at 23:05
Just

I agree with you totally. Just a bunch of ego's leaving there mark for self praise. I drive around the damn things and could'nt give a damn about their thoughts.

Regards

Kim
AnswerID: 260604

Reply By: Quent - Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 at 20:11

Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 at 20:11
Just

I agree. Naive I may be, but when I get to remote places I'd prefer not to be reminded that a long precession of other people had been there before me.

While visitors books are one thing (and I agree with the comments on the photos at Madagan's Blaze Tree) I don't understand what people are hoping to achieve by erecting a plaque, with their name and date, amongst dozens of other similar plaques.

Personally I don't understand how these make "good reading" and to compare them with the Blaze trees by our early explorers or aboriginal rock painting or NASA's Apolo missions is "drawing a very long bow" and smacks of a feeble attempt to justify past (and sadly, future) actions.

Do they really believe that other people who follow are interested or impressed. Or do they erect them in case they visit again in later years and need confirmation that YES, they were there before.

I for one find them an eye-sore.




AnswerID: 262905

Reply By: Wayne (NSW) - Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 at 20:50

Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 at 20:50
This is the tree and fence in question.

Signing a visitors book is always good for an alibi.




Wayne
AnswerID: 262914

Sponsored Links

Popular Products (9)