2020-shortlisted

Stuart Murphy – The Lakes

By February 10, 2021 No Comments

Lake Cathie on the NSW mid north coast is a lake that runs through a naturally irregular cycle that sees it connected and disconnected from the ocean. The neighbouring lake is the expansive Lake Innes which was a freshwater Lake a until a channel was excavated in 1933 connecting it to the tidally influenced lower reaches of Lake Cathie. Ive been recording the changes in the lakes over a dramatic 2.5 year period featuring drought, fire, flooding and finally the intervention of an excavated to channel to facilitate an early opening. Intense debate seems to focus heavily on the perceived health of the lower lakes and the amenity value of a tidal pulse of salty green water. The story of the lakes beyond the salty green is important. This series provides a visual record of impacts not easily seen.

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