ANOTHER step in the creation of the new nature play area in Millicent was taken on Tuesday with the addition of a decorative timber seat featuring two carved lizards.
Wattle Range Council commissioned renowned Millicent wood workers Ant and Hat Martin to create a resting place using timber from a felled cypress pine tree.
The tree was cut down about a year ago and was not fully cured, with the work piece measuring six metres to provide ample room to carve a shingle back and blue-tongue lizard.
Mr Martin said council wanted two lizards but did not specify the type.
“I decided to go with the blue-tongue and the shingle-back as they are found around here,” Mr Martin said.
“A council worker cut out the seat for me.
“In all, we worked on it for around 90 hours. I usually work with fallen timber which is about two or three years old.
“After the carving was finished, the timber was sanded and we applied resin and a marine clear. There will not be any splinters from sitting on this seat.
“The nature play area will be good fun.”
The couple have operated Ant’s Redgum Gallery for the past 15 years and this is the first commission they have received from Wattle Range Council.
They have carved timber sculptures for Adelaide City Council along with suburban and regional councils.
Ms Martin said the Wattle Range commission was appreciated and timely.
She said the number of visitors to the gallery had fallen sharply owing to the COVID-19 impact on tourist movements.
The nature play area is part of the Domain upgrade on Ridge Terrace which is being funded by council along with state and federal government grants.
Some finishing touches need to be applied before the facility can be opened to the public.
Wattle Range Council engineering services director Peter Halton said the nature play area was budgeted at $320,000, while the total cost to upgrade The Domain was $955,000.
Mr Halton the other significant expenses at The Domain related to lighting, fencing, signage, public art, paths and a replacement pedestrian bridge.
“The works at the nature play area are nearing completion however will require a final audit which is planned for the end of the month,” Mr Halton said.
