A SEAT design which pays homage to a Blue Lake myth has been rejected by Mount Gambier City Council.
Rotary Club of Mount Gambier West had put forward a seating design to recognise the legend of the Blue Lake Bunyip on a southern portion of John Watson Drive near an existing parking bay.
The initial concept – discussed at the January meeting – featured a statue of the story’s protagonist, Sam MacGregor, jumping over a fence with a seat next to the artwork.
Failing to gain council support, the club went back to the drawing board, but its new submission at the March meeting was also turned down.
Councillors Christian Greco and Ben Hood both stated the design was not what was expected from council after the initial January meeting outcome.
“What they have essentially done is removed Mr MacGregor and just have the seat that is pictured,” Cr Greco said.
Cr Hood said council “whole-heartily” supported the project, adding the edge of the Blue Lake was “the right place” for the seat.
“We believe it will be a fantastic piece of artwork for years to come,” Cr Hood said.
“Council also agreed the delivery or what was proposed may be lacking and not in keeping with the area of the Blue Lake which is the jeweled crown of Mount Gambier.
“It was resolved at the end of January council meeting that Rotary engaged an artist and bring alternative options back to council, yet it seems that what has happened is the actual structure of the man and the horse has been removed and broken into stages.”
Cr Sonya Mezinec agreed with her peers.
“The reality is that we as elected members need to take leadership here,” Cr Mezinec said.
“It might create some discomfort but what we are looking at is short-term discomfort for a much better long term gain.”
Project presiding member Ray Herbert said the club was disappointed with council’s decision but would work closely to come to a resolution.
“Our plan now to move forward is to work with the City Council,” Mr Herbert said.
“Obviously the council has some guidelines which are detailed and specify the types of things they wish to see.
“We are excited to work with council to ensure that it is something for the community and that our interest is to evolve something for the community and the tourists.”
Planning to engage with council and its artistic team, Mr Herbert said club would revisit the design with their long-term goal still in place.
“Council did ask us to look at other designs but not knowing why they did not like the original design and not knowing why it got rejected means we now have to engage with them to find out what is acceptable.”
Mr Herbert said the club would not give up on the project, stating members believe it is worth pursuing.
