By Dominique Tassell
Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) approved in principle the Stanthorpe Chamber of Commerce’s Public Art Project Proposal Application subject to a number of conditions.
The four conditions were that all other appropriate approvals were gained prior to the installation, a risk assessment is completed to SDRC’s satisfaction prior to any installation, the final design is put out to community consultation prior to installation, and the final proposal is clear of the Quart Pot Creek flood zone.
The purpose of the Public Art Reference Group (PARG) is to provide SDRC with strategic guidance and/or recommendations in relation to Public Art projects, activities and events for the Southern Downs Region.
PARG is comprised of six members, including the Deputy Mayor, two Council staff, the two Art Gallery Directors and one community member.
Proposals for Public Art in a public space must be accompanied by a Public Art Assessment Application submitted by the applicant.
The proposed sculpture is to be located along Quart Pot Creek in Stanthorpe and is intended to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Stanthorpe.
The sculpture aims to capture the energy and fervour that tin mining brought to Stanthorpe, and that gave birth to the town.
It will consist of a large granite boulder with a pan used for panning tin.
The pan will be more than double the size and forged from stainless steel.
A deep polished smooth swirl will be carved into the granite boulder behind the pan.
This will resemble water and capture the energy and motion of this movement as if the pan is being swished by giant invisible hands.
The energy and fluid motion of the pan brings this sculpture to life and represents the energy and effort that the town of Stanthorpe was created from.
Inside the Pan, a lump of tin will be placed as if being caught by the eager miner.
Comments on the proposed sculpture were that “it will be a cultural asset that will continue to create interest and entertain into the future” and that it will “enrich our natural environment and our knowledge of cultural heritage”.
The report did state that the submission did not include a risk assessment and as such, it is not possible to determine if public safety requirements have been or will be met.
It was proposed that the application be resubmitted and reassessed with that attached.
It was also commented that the application lacked detail regarding the budget, and there was no specific site identified.
The panel were split three for and three against, to support the application in principle, with the risk assessment being the main area of concern.
SDRC approving the submission in principal means that they can be asked to submit further information prior to moving forward.
The motion was moved by Cr Andrew Gale and seconded by Cr Cameron Gow.
