Lockhart Shire has resolved to back the modified version of the mural artwork for the Yerong Creek water tower despite the community labelling it too “loud and gaudy”.
A selection panel established by Lockhart Shire Council to advise and recommend a preferred design for the Yerong Creek Water Tower mural reviewed feedback from the most recent community consultation and its recommendation was presented to Council on Tuesday night.
But opponents of the art work have refused to give up the fight saying the “cartoonish” style has split the tiny town.
Known for his mural on the Weethalle silos, Melbourne artist Heesco Khosnaran was engaged to prepare a design concept for Yerong Creek in late 2020.
The mural was based on four broad themes of transport, education, sport and agriculture showing changes over time, along with the district’s indigenous and military history.
A petition with 95 signatures objecting to the design was received by Council along with 28 individual submissions, 14 for the design and 14 against.
Council received oral presentations at its meeting held on March 15 and gave an undertaking the feedback received would be conveyed to the selection panel for its review and consideration.
The panel considered the feedback and the matters raised by submitters and recommended changes be made to the design.
They included removing five children on technology and replacing with AFL goal posts and two children in Yerong Creek football uniform kicking a red AFL football, removing trees and tractor and replacing with a sunset, add canola, wheat heads and a round hay bale, and add a small bowling ball, an echidna and a horse racing cup with historical links to the village.
“The panel believed the changes responded specifically to issues raised in the submissions and enhance the design whilst keeping faith with the initial theme including colour and style,” a Council spokesperson said.
“Each broad theme and image will also be brought to life through stories to be displayed on interpretation panels connecting back to Yerong Creek’s deep history and community pride.”
The panel’s recommendation was endorsed by Council at its meeting on April 19, and a development application for the project will be now finalised with work due to start in May.
Lockhart Shire Mayor Rodger Schirmer said as is the nature of public art projects, there has been strong and passionate views regarding the mural design and it was important Council provided the opportunity it did at the last Council meeting to hear those views.
Cr Schirmer also thanked the selection panel comprising representatives of Lockhart Shire Council, Riverina Water, Yerong Creek Progress Association and Eastern Riverina Arts.
“We appreciate their time and effort in what has been a challenging task. We also appreciate the co-operation and patience of the artist.”
Yerong Creek resident Shayne Collins instigated the petition against the artwork and has worked with graphic designer Holly Willis on an alternative concept.
He felt “angry and betrayed” over Council’s decision to back the proposed artwork, saying the majority of the signatories to the petition were totally against it.
“We thought it was too loud and gaudy, not representative of the area or landscape. If you saw that coming down the highway, it would cause a car crash,” he said.
“The Lockhart and Milbrulong water tower murals are simplistic but beautiful to look at.
“The Yerong Creek mural would be ideal on the side of a city library or school but not in the middle of a small rural community.
“We have been in touch with Heesco and he is happy to work with another concept to please the community.
“It would be great to keep him on board as an artist as he is capable of some fantastic work such as the Gunnedah, Grenfell and Weethalle silos.
“We want earthy tones that fit in with the natural surroundings rather than being over colourful and cartoon like.”
Mr Collins labelled the process as “unfair from the get go”.
“The amount of community information out there was basically nil – many people didn’t know it was going to be painted until they saw the new signs (on the town approaches),” he said.
“It’s been a two year project but there was little information put out to the public and that’s why they were upset when they saw it on the Council website in early March.
“Council has the right to have a democratic vote but we weren’t forwarded that same privilege.’
Mr Collins said a total of 109 signatures out of a population of 140 were ultimately collected for the petition against the art work.
“That is a clear majority and Council have chosen to ignore that and handballed the process to the selection committee.
“Two councillors tried to make an amendment to the process and hold off on the artwork until we could have consultation and mediation with the Progress Association to come up with another concept. That was quashed in Council.
“We are not prepared to lay down and play dead yet.”
