A dream more than a decade in the making is a step closer to coming true, after Gunnedah Shire Council approved funding for planning of a major artwork.
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The original mosaic work for a rainbow serpent water fountain was completed by artist Max Powell and a group of Gomeroi people and Elders 11 years ago, but the fountain has not yet seen the light of day.
Council voted this month to allocate up to $25,000 for design and construction plans for the eight metre long fountain, despite concerns by a number of councillors about the cost.
Deputy mayor Gae Swain said she wanted to make sure $25,000 was the “upper limit” for the design phase.
Council’s executive manager for customer relations, communications and lifestyle Lisa Davis said $25,000 was intended to be the upper limit, but council had found it was expensive to design the necessary hydraulic systems.
She said while no funds had been allocated for construction, the design would allow council to apply for grants.
Councillor Steve Smith said he remained concerned about the cost.
“I’m against it, I think it’s exorbitant before it even gets off the ground,” he said.
Councillor Rebecca Ryan said she believed progress on the fountain was “well overdue”. She said she also had reservations about the cost, but believed the planning stage was necessary before funding could be sought.
The fountain was part of a master plan that included three installations.
The river red gum tree and water mural have been completed and installed at the Creative Arts Centre in Chandos Street, and the rainbow serpent water fountain is planned to be installed outside the centre.
The fountain project has been stalled because no money was available.
Aboriginal Elder Gloria Foley said the group who worked on the original plan, including completion of mosaics for the work, were very happy to see progress being made.