Street art ‘parked in the wrong place’

By Shaun Inguanzo
RATEPAYERS say they are furious that Greater Dandenong council has spent $55,000 building an outdoor art display in a location it was never intended for.
The council planned during 2004 in consultation with the Dandenong South community to build a gateway-style monument alerting motorists they were entering the area by using symbols reflecting the history and many cultures of Dandenong South.
The Star has learned that engineers scrapped plans to place the monuments on the bridge because they would be too heavy for it to support.
But despite the hiccup, the council pressed ahead with the project and built it in Woodcock Reserve.
Outraged Dandenong Residents and Ratepayers Association president Jim Houlahan said the project should have stopped once engineers found the bridge could not support the monument.
“It should have stopped immediately, but it appears council had already made a commitment before the analysis.”
He said a $55,000 price tag should have been enough to deter planners from continuing with the project.
“I do question the value of putting artwork on a thoroughfare like that when there are more funding issues in the city that council should be addressing.”
Mr Houlahan said placing the works in the park did not have the same impact as on the bridge.
“I have driven along there and I have not noticed it,” he said.
“If it were on the bridge, obviously, it would be more visible.”
Greater Dandenong’s library, arts and heritage services manager Karen Ward-Smith said the council was far from disappointed with the monument.
“The current artwork does reflect the Dandenong South community through a series of images that were collected directly from the community through interviews with key community leaders, photos taken by local school children and general community consultations,” she said.
Ms Ward-Smith said the monument in Woodcock Reserve was next to the bridge and was still visible for motorists.
“It is at a highly visible location and seen by thousands of passing motorists every day, contributing to positive perceptions of Dandenong.”