Red Sand Green Heart > The Book > About The Book

About The Book

"From taipan snakes and pelicans to hippie activists and hardline miners, John Read brings to life the characters, creatures and cultures of the outback."

 

Red Sand Green Heart explains how the unique wildlife and vegetation of the Australian outback have been shaped by the harsh climate of this vast, infertile land.

In recent years indigenous groups have been joined by pastoralists, conservationists, miners, tourists and military, communications and transport users as key stakeholders in the outback.

Red Sand Green Heart documents exciting new discoveries and describes the fascinating life of some of the Outback’s most interesting creatures.

The roles of different industries, organisations and the public in outback conservation, which is vital to prevent the extinctions that are still occurring today are also explored.

Through vivid, personal stories John shares his experiences as an ecologist making new discoveries, challenging conventional approaches to pastoralism, mining, tourism and environmental management, and witnessing the precarious balance of nature as species are pitted against the harsh climate of the outback.

Presented in a non-scientific way, Red Sand, Green Heart: Ecological Adventures in the Outback evokes a humorous, entertaining and informative picture of Australia’s desert region and the environmental issues that affect us all.

The Book Launch

John's book was launched in March 2003 at the Roxby Downs Cultural Precint. 

Invited guests included many of the characters who were immortalized in the book, and they travelled from all over Australia to celebrate the occasion.

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