Notes from the field: Balancing act
This time, it was with photographer Max Mason-Hubers to the agricultural hub of St George, in outback Queensland, for part one of River Stories, a four-part series that takes a state-by-state look at the… well, state of the Murray–Darling Basin.
River Stories comes at a time when the Murray–Darling Basin Plan, which seeks to balance the many priorities of managing water throughout the Basin, is set for its first update at the end of 2026, and AG wanted to start by heading to a town that lives on, and draws its strength from, its river.
“A couple of St George locals were kind enough to take us out for a boat ride on the Balonne River the first morning we arrived, which really gave us a sense of how central the Balonne is to everything that happens there,” Adam said.
“St George is such a great, thriving community. The pub where we stayed was jam-packed every night. The cafe where we grabbed our morning coffees was flat out. Most of all, the people I met were so welcoming, and more than anything just wanted to share their stories about their part of the world.
“I also got to experience one of the most incredible sunsets of my life there. Max and I were out on a wheat farm during harvest. Night was falling and Max was waiting patiently for the light to hit just right.
“It was getting dark and nothing was really happening in terms of great light, so we were ready to call it a day. Then, at the last moment, the light broke through and some of the most stunning yellows, reds, oranges and purples began showering the wheat field.
“Max, legend that he is, sprang into action and started chasing the harvester through the field to get his shot. He has the scratches to show for it! But in the meantime, I got to sit back and enjoy the light show on that wide-open country, which is something I’ll never forget.”
