Iconic crustacean: State Government pitches in to save Larry the Lobster

LARRY the Lobster looks like being spared from the hot pot of destruction with the State Government kicking along a campaign to restore the iconic oversized crustacean.

"The Big Lobster" tourist attraction landmark at Kingston in South-East, SA, 15 Apr 1995. giant crayfish /SA/Kingston

• Larry the big Kingston lobster may be torn down
• Greg Barila: Why we can’t afford to lose Larry

LARRY the Lobster looks like being spared from the hot pot of destruction with the State Government kicking along a campaign to restore the iconic oversized crustacean.

Premer Jay Weatherill will today announce a $10,000 boost towards the $30,000 needed to restore the big lobster at Kingston South East ahead of tomorrow’s Community Cabinet in the region.

A social media campaign and GoFundMe drive has so far raised $6500 for the restoration project.

In September, it was revealed Larry faced an uncertain future after falling into disrepair. The “dangerous and dilapidated” structure, faces demolition unless his owners can raise tens of thousands of dollars for urgent works.

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Opened in 1979, the 17-metre high red coloured spiny crustacean has a partially detached leg that swings in the wind. Because Larry is positioned on private property, funding is not available to maintain the community icon which attracts visitors from all over the world.

Mr Weatherill said tourism will be a key part of the South East’s future and Larry the Lobster was one of its attractions.

“This is just a small contribution but hopefully it can go towards saving Larry from the lobster pot,’’ he said. “In all seriousness, we think tourism will be a key part of the South East’s future and this is a unique reason to stop at Kingston.

“We’ll be making a series of announcements to help stimulate job growth in the region. We understand the challenges being faced by the South East but there are also some tremendous opportunities.”