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Queenstown is a town in the West Coast region of Tasmania. It is located in a valley on the slopes of Mount Owen, West Coast Range.
Queenstown’s history has long been tied to the mining industry. Gold and copper were extensively mined from nearby Mount Lyell.
In the 1900s, Queenstown was the centre of the Mount Lyell mining district and had numerous smelting works, brick-works, and sawmills. The area at the time was finely wooded.
Owing to a combination of tree removal for use in the smelters, the smelter fumes, and the heavy annual rainfall, the erosion of the shallow topsoil back to the harder rock profile contributed to the stark ‘moonscape’ state of the mountains for many decades.
The northern slopes, clearly visible from the Lyell Highway passing through the Linda Valley, show the extent of this degradation.
Queenstown, Tasmania, Australia.
Mamiya ZM film camera, as is.
108 views at 24/6/11
I live in Australia and enjoy bushwalking in the great outdoors, especially the world heritage listed Blue Mountains National Park.
My photographic interests are pretty much related to Australian landscapes, rustic Australia, historic Australia, Australian wildlife, flora, fauna, birds, etc. Guess I love the country I was born and live in.
Feel free to click on my portfolio, view more images, and leave a comment. You can also purchase a card, print, or calendar.
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Comments
Very nice capture of this valley and mountains.
Thank you Judy
– Michael John
So sad :(
Yes, but hopefully it will eventually return to its former glory.
– Michael John
Like a scar across a heart… but a ‘heart’ nonetheless… There’s still beauty to be found within – even if its just the hands and hearts that join together to bring some level of restoration…
Tis still a great capture by you, Michael – despite the destruction within.
xxx
That is right Donna, from death comes life. Thank you.
– Michael John
You’re right! It is shocking.
We’ve been losing woods to mines and to lumber mills for hundreds of years. And, of course, to housing, etc. The US is not blameless in its own history, either!
Yes, let’s hope that these areas can regenerate. Thanks for commenting.
– Michael John
Well captured..our past does haunt us , but as you said.. from death comes life..:-))
That’s right Dave. Thanks for commenting.
– Michael John
Fantastic capture, so sad this happens
Yes, I agree. Thanks Kathy.
– Michael John
Nature often has ways of recovering from devastation. Let’s hope that nature can reclaim this place eventually, though it’s sure to take some time. Interesting shot Mike.
Yes, it will take some time but is on the way to recovery. Thanks Michael.
– Michael John
this is a wonderful capture Michael ..
it is so sad to think that our “need” results in this degradation… I think we should have a planetary policy for “if you take ,you must help to replace” – with a good management plan it is possible… let’s all hope this area can regenerate…Thankyou for sharing.
That sounds like a great policy Gail. Thanks for commenting.
– Michael John
It looks like someone has stripped it bare !
Unfortunately, yes!
– Michael John
I’ve always thought Tasmania was a little island off of Australia but i begin to recognise that it’s large enough to attract the worst of mankind ( as well as the best ). Thanks to folk like yourself bringing a touch of history along with photographs :))
This shows devastation and regeneration, a very informative piece Thank You :-))
I suppose this can happen anywhere. Thanks for your comment.
– Michael John