Northern beaches sculpture debate: Councillor push to reallocate arts funding rejected
Northern Beaches councillors’ behaviour was deplored during a debate to determine whether the funding of two sculptures on the planned Manly to Palm Beach coastal walk should be reallocated for other infrastructure such as roads and footpaths.
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Councillors were called out for their “appalling” behaviour on “both sides” during a heated debate over the planned northern beaches coastal walk arts trail.
On Tuesday night councillors met (online) where they debated a motion to rescind funding allocated for two sculptures as part of the Manly to Palm Beach art walk.
In the May meeting Cr Stuart Sprott launched a rescission motion to cancel $600-700,000 for two sculptures, citing a “mismanagement” of funds.
He said half the $2m budget had already been allocated to just four artworks, with 16 more to fund.
Cr Kylie Ferguson said in the lead up to the meeting, councillors had been clashing heads because of COVID-19.
“The notice of motion has changed three time since its inception, first the community was funding it [the proposed art tribute dedicated to COVID-19], then council was spending $100,000, then it was a minimum of $100,000,” Cr Ferguson said during the meeting.
“We need to be listened to and validated. It’s very disconcerting to see these things happening.
“The community is losing faith and trust in us to make the best decisions for them.”
Cr Ferguson said the last couple of weeks had shown cracks in local governance and “loopholes”.
“The art tribute sculpture to COVID-19 didn’t go to the public art working group for vote.”
Speaking to the Manly Daily, she said it was “embarrassing” the council were not getting on. “I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place all the time.”
During the meeting it was confirmed $2m had been allocated for the artworks out of the council’s merger savings fund with $1.7m still available.
Through the mayor, a staff member said an additional $200,000 had been found for the sculptures and explained the $2m was never anticipated to pay for the 21 works.
The recision motion was defeated, but Cr Sprott said he was still satisfied with the outcome.
“I think we had a good outcome because it brought attention for the need for further funding sources to make this project sustainable,” Cr Sprott said.
He clarified his intention was to never reallocate funding elsewhere.
“I support the Manly to Palm Beach art walk. This rescission motion was about ensuring the sustainability of funding to secure the future of the project”.
The topic will continue to be debated at the next council meeting through a mayoral minute.