Dozens of termite mounds, dressed in clothing to resemble people and scattered along an outback highway, are causing a stir in outback Queensland with views on the roadside statues ranging from "nothing unusual" to potential litter.
Key points:
- The creator of the roadside termite mounds remains a mystery
- Some people love them, others worry they could distract drivers or injure cattle if ingested
- The local council doesn't want "thousands" on the roadside but says they are good for tourism
The first dressed-up mound first appeared a decade ago and since then more have mysteriously popped up on the lonely stretch of the Capricorn Highway near Jericho, about 500 kilometres west of Rockhampton in Central Queensland.
The town is home to about 115 people, including Shane Ross who has lived there for 32 years.
He was taking the strange phenomenon in stride.
"I think a lot of people get a good laugh out of it," Mr Ross said.
"When you're out here, nothing's unusual," he laughed.
Creator unknown
The highway stretch between Alpha and Jericho — where the termite mounds are most concentrated — has become home to most of the oddly-dressed characters.
Mr Ross said whoever was behind the creations remained a mystery.
"My feeling was probably mum & the kids were out and decided to kill a bit of time in between long distances, but now it's taken off.
"Anyone with a wooden leg, I suggest if they do come out here not to stop, 'cause the white ants will have you."
Some of the creations depict road workers, witches, even Santa Claus and more were appearing each month.
But not all of the locals were impressed and some feared they would distract drivers.
"A lot of locals think it's litter," Mr Ross said.
"[People say] cattle will eat that clothing and get it stuck in their throat or rumen."
'Unique' creations making people smile
The Barcaldine Shire Council said while the creations attracted tourists, they did not want the situation to get out of hand.
"We don't endorse that people go out and do more and more and we get to the point where there's thousands," chief executive Steven Boxall said.
"I would hate for it to become a major litter problem or it to become a problem that causes road safety issues."
Mr Boxall said the council was also unaware as to who was creating the figures, but acknowledged they gave people a laugh — especially in tough times.
"You can call it art, you can call it tourism, it's just really unique.
"It's not hurting anybody," Mr Ross said.
"If we can put a smile on people's faces out here in these hard times through drought, it's got to be a plus I reckon."