Mount Gambier City Council this evening voted to approve additional funding for its Beacon Art Project which was recently quoted at $136,250, despite the initial budget being $80,000.
The artwork, aimed at raising the profile of Mount Gambier, generated strong mixed discussion at tonight’s council meeting with some councillors for and others against.
Mayor Lynette Martin acknowledged there had been much discussion swirling around the community since the concept was released in council’s agenda.
The recommendation to fund the project was carried, with an additional recommendation that council was not in favour of the artwork being situated in front of the Town Hall and a further report will be brought back to council proposing alternate sites.
The recommendation was supported by Councillors Josh Lynagh, Jason Virgo, Paul Jenner, Max Bruins and Sonya Mezinec. Crs Mark Lovett and Kate Amoroso did not support the motion, with Cr Amoroso calling for a division. Cr Frank Morello, who was one of the councillors on the assessment panel that shortlisted Huna Studio’s creation, was an apology at the meeting.
