Oops … ice cream sculpture unveiled in Christies Beach under upgrade

A controversial public artwork has been unveiled in Adelaide’s south, leaving ratepayers divided. So – what do you think?

A controversial $41,080 public artwork has been unveiled in Adelaide’s south, leaving ratepayers divided on social media over the “waste of money”.

The artwork, named ‘Oops’, was created by Will Cheesman and Laura Wills, and was installed on Beach Rd in Christies Beach on Wednesday.

An Onkaparinga council spokesperson said the cone would aim to “strengthen the coastal identity” of the area.

“People commonly associate ice creams with warm summer coastal days,” they said. “The upturned ice cream is a quirky representation of a typical beach-time experience – a family buys a round of ice creams, only for at least one of them to be dropped on the ground.

“The artwork is intended to be a focal point in the street, an attraction as people walk along Beach Road and experience the eclectic mix of local businesses and activities. It wasn’t designed to specifically support any one business, but instead be a representation of a common beach experience.

“The artwork and wider streetscape improvements encourage visitors and locals to stop, dine and linger in the street, fostering economic stimulus and benefiting local businesses.”

The council project was funded by a $100,000 grant received from the state government after community engagement revealed streetscape improvements along Beach Rd were a “priority”.

The new ice cream artwork called ‘Oops’ was unveiled on Beach Rd at Christies Beach. Picture: Facebook

Chris Picton MP and Councillor Gretel Wilkes with the new ice cream artwork ‘Oops’ on Beach Rd at Christies Beach. Picture: Facebook

However, it’s since received enormous backlash on social media, with many Onkaparinga ratepayers voicing their concerns.

“Who wants this or felt it was needed?” Donna Garside wrote.

“All levels of government should be focused on the needs of the people. This is just wasted funds that could have been spent on housing issues, medical needs and cost of living issues.”

Pauline Robey defended the art, saying it would have a positive social and economic impact on the Christies Beach community.

“I know ‘Oops’ would have cost a bit, but many other places have big things and this will bring a smile to people’s faces and possibly attract more tourists to Beach Rd,” she said.

Chris Picton MP said the sculpture, along with other art such as murals, and improvements to seating and footpaths, would make Beach Road “a more welcoming and interesting place and attract tourists, business and local jobs to the South”.

A council spokesperson confirmed the development was part of a wider Beach Rd Streetscape Improvements project – funded through a $600,000 state government grant and a $160,000 council contribution.