We've launched our ‘Outback in Focus’ photographic competition.

The ‘Outback in Focus’ photographic competition and exhibition was launched today by the Our Living Outback alliance, Outback Queensland Tourism Association and the Professional Photographers Association of Queensland, with photographers from across Australia encouraged to take part.

The competition aims to highlight the amazing natural beauty of Outback Queensland landscapes, wildlife and native plants, and the people who care for and manage the land.

“Outback Queensland covers almost two-thirds of the state and is one of the last great regions of nature left on Earth. We’re looking forward to showcasing nature and the people working hard to sustain the health of Outback Queensland,” said Fiona Maxwell from the Pew Charitable Trusts, a member of the Our Living Outback alliance.

“From the tropical rainforests of Cape York, the Gulf Country’s savanna plains, the spinifex hills of the Mount Isa ranges and the vast floodplains of the Channel Country; our Outback has many beautiful landscapes that photographers have enjoyed exploring for decades.”

“Our Outback has an extraordinary diversity of native plants and animals - from Cassowaries and Cuscus in the rainforests of Cape York, to Bilbies and Budgerigars in the desert lands of far-western Queensland.”

“It’s also home to many people who work hard to carefully manage the landscape and its wildlife. Whether it’s a grazier in the west controlling weeds, an Indigenous ranger to the north managing fire, a park ranger dealing with feral animals or scientists protecting threatened species, the health of the Outback relies on people.”

“Outback Queensland is a truly stunning place, and we’re very much looking forward to seeing the amazing ways that people have captured this through the camera lens,” said Ms Maxwell.

Details:

• Competition entries and further information can be found at www.outbackqueensland.org.au/photo_comp2019
• Photographs are available for publication for media purposes related to the competition.
• The competition will be judged by Greg Sullavan, a Canon Collective Ambassador and AIPP Master Photographer with a passion for travel and nature photography.
• There will be a separately judged category for children under the age of 18.
• The shortlisted images will be exhibited at the Outback Tourism Awards in Winton and a special Brisbane exhibition to celebrate the Year of the Outback.
• Outback in Focus is a joint project of Our Living Outback, the Outback Queensland Tourism Association and the Professional Photographers Association of Queensland 

Key dates:

• Competition opens - 5th August 2019.
• Competition closes - 20th September 2019.
• Shortlist exhibition at Outback Tourism Awards in Winton - 31st October 2019
• Winners announced at major exhibition in Brisbane - December (venue TBC)