FRANKSTON Council has taken the axe to their sculpture program in a cost saving measure.
Council has cut nine public art projects that were set to be leased or created in the next year. The artworks would have been installed at Pines Pool, Baxter Street, the library forecourt, Peninsula Link at Frankston-Dandenong Road, Fletcher Road, Eel Race Road, and Mile Bridge.
The motion approved by Frankston councillors on 1 June read that “COVID-19 has called for an assessment of critical and urgent works and potential savings to support the community during the relief and recovery phases of the pandemic. The short term financial savings may support council’s COVID19 community care package for the greater good of the community.”
The axing of the projects will see just under $500,000 returned to council’s strategic asset reserve.
The mayor Sandra Mayer said “our residents and businesses are enduring unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19. To ensure they have everything they need to recover, we have unfortunately had to defer some of the projects we had planned for the 2020-2021 financial year. This includes some sculpture installations and upgrades.”
“We are committed to delivering these projects as soon as possible and hopeful that the community will understand the tough choices we’ve had to make to provide relief and protect our city from the pandemic,” Cr Mayer said.
“These decisions have been made in consultation with businesses, community groups and residents, many of whom suggested initiatives which were included in our $6.434 million relief and recovery package.”
Council had planned to lease four pieces from Sculpture by the Sea, but have put those plans on hold. Commissions that will not go ahead include two murals on Fletcher Road, an illuminated “blade” at Nepean Highway and Broughton Street, a sculpture at Eel Race Road, and three public art installations along Frankston-Dandenong Road.
Council will proceed with the removal and storage of the Roadside Marker sculpture on the corner of Beach Street and Cranbourne Road, and with the repair of the Sandcastles and Kelp sculpture by the Long Island Tennis club.