Gympie council debates future of Zoinkilla mural in CBD

Gympie Regional Council was split on the push to preserve a colourful artwork in Mary Street this week, and a lengthy debate on the issue revealed another issue that needs tackling. Watch the video, vote in the poll:

Gympie Regional Council agreed on Wednesday to save a CBD street-art mural titled Zoinkilla, after lengthy debate.

A motion to save the artwork was raised by councillor Bruce Devereaux, who publicly expressed admiration for the artwork earlier this month and a desire to preserve it.

Eventually, his motion was split into two separate recommendations, the first being an examination of its public art policies.

On the issue of preserving the mural with a clear coat, councillors were far more divided though they did eventually agree to examine the best way to preserve the piece.

Councillor Bruce Devereaux stands in front of the Zoinkilla mural.

Councillors Dolly Jensen, Shane Waldock, Mr Devereaux and Dan Stewart voted in favour of this motion.

Opposing them were councillors Jess Milne and Hilary Smerdon and Mayor Glen Hartwig - Bob Fredman and Warren Polley were absent.

In his reasoning, Mr Hartwig cited his previous experience with paint products.

“In 10 years time when it fades, or five years time when people want to do something with it, if you have put an anti-graffiti coating on it … you then have to go to a tremendous amount of expense to remove all of that,” Mr Hartwig said.

“Just because you clear-coat it, it doesn’t stop it from being painted over.”

He said he was worried a clear coat could destroy the artwork.

Council officers raised major concerns over the legal implications of preserving the piece.

The art is derived from a pinball machine in Play Back Gympie which depicts copyrighted characters from the Godzilla franchise.

Because of these issues, Ms Milne moved that the matter be tabled.

“I’m really concerned,” she said.

“I require some further feedback to make an informed decision.”

In response, Mr Devereaux expressed frustrations with the inability of the council to make a decision.

“Most of our policies are outdated and need reviewing,” he said.

“I just don’t understand how we can be in a position where we have to lay everything on the table and not do anything, because we haven’t updated our policies.

“We were put here to make decisions and do what we think is right - what the public is asking for.”

In a statement after the council discussion, Mr Devereaux said he was happy the matter had been resolved.

“The mood in the room meant we’ve got to take another step, unfortunately,” he said.

“I’d say on the whole it’s been a success, but we’ll just have to wait and see how things go for Zoinkilla.”