Mount Gambier’s controversial “blue blob” art sculpture will live to fight another day after a motion to rescind its approval was defeated at the Mount Gambier City Council meeting on Tuesday evening.


Councillor Paul Jenner lodged a notice of motion to revoke the council’s decision to approve the blue figure, and instead proposed to retain the Beacon Arts Project going forward, but with more community consultation.


His motion was supported by Crs Kate Amoroso and Mark Lovett, however it was opposed by fellow councillors Josh Lynagh, Jason Virgo, Frank Morello, Max Bruins and Sonya Mezinec – meaning the art project will proceed, with elected members voting to install it on Bay Road.


The artwork has attracted widespread criticism from the community, with concerns raised about its appearance, cost and initial proposed location. 


Since council’s resolution, there has been significant interest in the work, the Beacon Art Project and its potential location.


Social media has seen substantial commentary primarily in opposition to the project, but with some support.


Cr Jenner had also proposed that council continue to support public artworks and artists in a variety of forms, both large and small-scale and continue to work on fostering a vibrant arts and cultural scene in Mount Gambier.


His motion called for $116,497 to stay in the Beacon Art budget and the consideration of additional funding in the 2025/26 budget process.


He also recommended that Huna Studios be thanked for the works completed and council staff would be authorised to negotiate an appropriate settlement for works already completed.


In speaking to his motion on Tuesday evening, Cr Jenner said council’s process, budget and staff were all proper, however it had become clear to him there was not a lot of community support for the project.


“Last month I voted yes for the Beacon Arts Project because in my mind council process and the budget was right, then what happened is there was a lot of talk on social media and that social media was quite negative, and to the point there some people talking personally about people and unfortunately I suppose that’s how social media works these days, but really it’s about the …. blue megafauna and that’s what we should all be talking about,” he said.


“Anyhow I did not take lots of notice of the social media, but then a couple of weeks ago people started seeing me in the street, people started talking to me.


“As I said last month, I personally I do not like it, I just do not, but that’s not why I voted yes last month.


“People have said what are you on about Paul, this is just not Mount Gambier. They have really challenged me on what I’m here for.


“I think it’s taking Mount Gambier too far from where most people, most people, in Mount Gambier think.”


Cr Lovett said the majority of comments received on council’s Facebook page were negative.


“We did receive 51 correspondence via emails, out of the 51, 49 were against it,” he said.


“To me that speaks about the majority of the community saying no. The majority of the City of Mount Gambier do not want it.”


Cr Morello said he was glad the blue megafauna was generating so much discussion, which he believed was the purpose of public art.


“It’s also a great storytelling vehicle,” he said.


Cr Mezinec said she could not recall an issue during her 10 years on council that had caused so much discussion and debate in the community.


She said the bold public artwork made her smile, and she was immediately taken in by its bright blue colour.


“It invites interaction – I call it kinda ugly cute … perfect for merch opportunities,” she said.


Cr Bruins said “despite assertions to the contrary we do listen”.


He said that he firmly believed the process that had been followed was correct and those people who had made derogatory comments about staff “should be ashamed of themselves”.


Cr Lynagh said the project had been supported every step of the way over the years and to back out now due to community backlash would be wrong.


Cr Virgo said there had been a thorough process followed, and initially he had only received one email about the project.


He said that rescinding the decision “would be like closing the stable door after the horse had bolted”.