Murray River Council’s ‘River Country Art Trail’ detoured leaving Bunnaloo, Caldwell and Wakool not available for inclusion.
MRC stated that whilst the silos were initially earmarked for inclusion in the $1.7 million trail, Bunnaloo, Wakool and Caldwell are not eligible for use under GrainCorp’s new Silo Art Policy.
A GrainCorp spokesperson stated that Bunnaloo is not a GrainCorp site, and that the Wakool and Caldwell silos are not eligible for GrainCorp’s silo art program.
“Although there have been conversations about the sites, Murray River Council proceeded with planning and announcing the projects prior to confirming unconditional approval from GrainCorp to use the sites and silo assets for their project.
“Notwithstanding this, once we were made aware of Murray River Council’s announced proposal for the sites, a further review of the eligibility of the two sites was completed to see if the status of the sites had changed or if a work around could be achieved.
“Unfortunately, the factors that render the Caldwell and Wakool sites ineligible still apply.
“However, we have informed Council that there are alternatives to a permanent mural, such as a light and/or sound installation which has worked well at other sites.”
Murray River Council stated staff have been seeking alternative solutions for artwork in the three affected towns, however, the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund clearly stipulates that funded projects must offer a high-impact visitor experience.
With Council believing no other viable options immediately available meet the criteria, and to ensure the funds were not at risk due to lapsed milestones, Council sought a project variation, which included use of Moama’s water tower and an additional sculpture in council-owned space at Tooleybuc.
These alternative elements have now been approved by the funding body.
The new project scope will include use of Council-owned water towers in Barham, Mathoura, Moulamein and Moama, plus the introduction of the large-scale art piece in Tooleybuc’s Mensforth Park.
Mayor Frank Crawley said councillors and staff share the community’s disappointment in the current situation, but it doesn’t mean Caldwell, Wakool or Bunnaloo will miss out on future projects.
“It simply means no projects right now under this particular funding stream.
“Whilst we won’t be adding large-scale mural works as initially planned in those towns, we will still be seeking alternative funding opportunities that may lean into other types of projects that can enhance the visitors’ experience, support the townships and excite the community members.
“We’ve also invested in upgrades in many of our towns to entice travellers, like the new signage at Wakool’s Recreation Reserve on the camp-friendly facilities there, so it makes sense to look at offering further incentives to entice visitors to stay longer.”
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 9 May 2024.
