The future of a controversial blue artwork proposed for Mount Gambier’s CBD is up in the air, with a decision to be made at next week’s City Council meeting.
Councillor Paul Jenner has 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.
The “blue blob” has attracted widespread criticism from the community, with concerns raised about its appearance, cost and initial proposed location.
Cr Jenner is also proposing 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 calls for $116,497 to stay in the Beacon Art budget and the consideration of additional funding in the 2025/26 budget process.
He has 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.
Meanwhile, if the motion fails then a councillors will consider a second report on Tuesday night to decide on the sculpture’s location.
The preferred location is adjacent to the Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre on Bay Road report, while a second option is the corner of Bay Road and Commercial Street.
Several other locations were considered for the sculpture, however those spots were excluded for consideration due to a range of factors.
