By Denise Deason
WYNDHAM City Council will commission public artworks for three locations, at a total value of $90,000, in a bid to improve the image of the municipality.
The council agreed to the commissions at its recent meeting for a $50,000 sculpture or artwork at the Point Cook Learning Centre, another one to the value of $21,000 along the Werribee Shared Trail, (for bike-riders and walkers) between Shaws Road and Cottrell Street, and the third , at $19,000, at Chirnside Park.
The councillors passed a report that said public artworks could contribute to changing some of the identified negative perceptions of Wyndham, held by non-residents, which in turn built community pride.
The Point Cook Community Learning Centre is being constructed this financial year, with a budget allocation of $5.7 million.
The artwork has been allowed for in the total, according to the council’s “per cent for art scheme” which allocates 1 per cent of the total cost of a project for art.
The council believes an artwork along the Werribee River would assist in reinforcing its commitment to preserving and beautifying the landscape surrounding the waterway and highlight the river’s importance to the municipality.
Since the 2003-04 financial year, $1.492 million has been spent on developing a network of trails along Wyndham’s waterways. An additional $668,673 has been allocated for the coming year.
The Werribee River Trail is the only major trail within the city that doesn’t have an artwork associated with it.
There are artworks in place at Cambridge Reserve, Heathdale Glen Orden and Skeleton Creek.
Chirnside Park is used by bowlers, tennis and cricket players, and Wyndham’s VFL club.
There is also the soon to be re-opened outdoor pool, as well as casual users of the riverside picnic area and playground.
An artwork sited there is seen as strengthening the links between art and sport.
