Sean Cunningham, Narrandera Argus
Anyone want a five-metre lizard (Eastern Bearded Dragon) sculpture in town and a new entrance sign which could cost $300,000?
This was the hot topic of conversation during Narrandera Shire Council’s meeting on Tuesday.
A proposal to erect a new town entrance sign on the vacant block on the corner of Larmer and Cadell Streets and a towering five-metre lizard sculpture at the Destination and Discovery Hub (DDH) sparked debate among councillors, with opinions split on the project’s priority, design and cost.
The decision is being put to the community for locals to have an input before councillors make a final decision.
Councillors themselves disagreed over the proposal, with some arguing the additions would create an eye-catching welcome for visitors, while others questioned whether the funds could be better spent elsewhere.
Cr Tracey Lewis, a strong supporter of the project, believes the new entrance sign could enhance the town’s reputation and the lizard sculpture could prove to become an inviting tourist attraction.
“I like this idea and would like to include a water paddle wheel behind the sign,” Cr Lewis said.
“Things like that would be really nice and I like the idea of a lizard too.
“Let’s get back to the cheesy, meandering Narrandera, excellent stuff, where you could sit and climb on the lizard and get a photo with it.”
Mayor Neville Kschenka noted the addition of extras, such as a water feature near the new sign, would initiate further costs, however Cr Lewis suggested “we could add to it over the years”.
Not all councillors were convinced that spending money on a new entrance sign was in council’s best interests.
Councillor Cameron Lander voiced concerns over the council’s spending priorities.
“I don’t think there should be anything on this block, I’m at the other spectrum of this – I don’t think we should do it,” Cr Lander said.
“I think the first step in any of this process should be whether or not we can realise it and sell it and save the $300,000 from work there and transfer the money into something that’s a priority for the town, which has been said at least five times today, which is water treatment.
“I also have concerns around the selling of this concept to the public – the level of debate that’s going to go on about the style, the theme, the inclusions.
“We’ve already heard about four or five different things here already and I’m sure if we’re going to talk to the public, we’re going to hear about another five to 10 different styles and themes.
“Basically, we’re going to spend a lot of money on something that isn’t of the greatest benefit to the community, nor is it a priority, based on the discussions we’ve had so far about what the priorities are for the town.”
Cr Jenny Clarke had another idea for additions to the entrance sign.
“I’d like to see something dedicated to Samuel McCaughey, the father of irrigation – a water wheel with water spouting out of it,” Cr Clarke said.
Cr Lewis stuck to her guns and believes a new flashy colourful sign would be a boon to the town.
“I think of what it’s going to do for Narrandera, because when I first visit a town, I look at the signs and I do think some of them are really amazing,” she said.
“Some of them make me want to be at that town and get out and have a look at it, or look around further because the sign actually tells you what’s in that town.
‘Bigger fish to fry than new signs’ says new councillor
“In terms of tourism and making the whole place look better and more comforting and inviting, I think something needs to be put there.”
Cr Lewis was in favour of asking the community for feedback.
“Even if they tell us 20,000 different things … but everybody might be of the same opinion,” Cr Lewis said.
Cr Bob Manning said investment in marketing the town was “very important”.
“That block has been for sale for many years – it’s in the wrong place, but to do something there is the right thing to do,” he said.
“We need something that hits them in the eye before they turn left to Leeton.” Deputy Mayor Sue Ruffles agreed with Cr Lander’s viewpoint.
“When I’ve spoken to people, they’ve said ‘what a bloody waste of money, what’s it going to do’, but I’ve spoken to others and they’ve said it is a great idea,” Cr Ruffles said.
“Even around this table, you’re already hearing and sensing that it does need a voice from the community.
“I agree with Cr Lander – I wouldn’t touch the place at this point in time; we’ve got bigger fish to fry.
“Let’s ask the public, put it out to them and bring back a report and then we can make a decision.”
One thing Cr Ruffles was sure about was the appearance of the proposed “lizard” sculpture.
“It’s got to look like an Eastern Bearded Dragon,” she said.
Cr Cameron Rouse had Barellan’s interests in mind while weighing in on the debate.
“How many entrance signs do we need so people realise where they are?” he said.
“This is a little bit biased, but we’ve got four (signs) into Barellan and the posts are rotting apart while we’re here talking about a $300,000 lizard!”
Mayor Kschenka noted Cr Rouse’s objection and assured him he was “pretty sure the Barellan signs are being looked at”.
Councillors voted to agree with Cr Lewis’ amendment which became the motion, which included:
- Lay on table with a further report returned to council post community feedback
- Place on exhibition for public consultation on usage options for this land Larmer and Cadell Street (corner) – (signage, resale, structures)
- Place on exhibition for public consultation for the placement of a lizard sculpture at the DDH.
Council will review the community feedback before making a final decision.
This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 20 February 2025.
