Artist Peter Kingston victim of ‘petty political nonsense’ as proposal to name harbourside boardwalk in his honour hits council roadblock

NORTH Sydney mayor Jilly Gibson claims ‘petty politics’ has got in the way of a plan to honour local artist Peter Kingston by naming a Luna Park boardwalk in his honour.

Artist Peter Kingston at Lavender Bay wharf. Picture: Phil Rogers

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A PROPOSAL to rename the boardwalk at Lavender Bay is in danger of being derailed.

Mayor Jilly Gibson claims petty politics has got in the way of honouring local artist Peter Kingston.

She wants the boardwalk renamed the Peter Kingston Boardwalk but three councillors are objecting.

“Peter Kingston has got caught up in a political bunfight,” Ms Gibson said.

“You’d think after the council has been hauled up before an official inquiry about this sort of petty political nonsense that councillors would learn but they haven’t.”

Ms Gibson wants to name the scenic boardwalk, that runs between Luna Park and Lavender Bay, after Kingston in recognition of his contribution to the area and as an Australian artist.

After a majority vote accepted the proposal at last week’s council meeting, three councillors later called for a rescission motion. The motion effectively forces the council to reconsider the matter next month.

The three councillors were Jeff Morris, MaryAnn Beregi and Melissa Clare.

The boardwalk at the heart of a naming dispute is situated between Luna Park and Lavender Bay.

Ms Gibson has accused the councillors of objecting simply “because it was my idea”.

“Their objections are disgraceful,’’ she said.

“Peter was delighted by the idea. He is a long-time resident, a well regarded artist and he’s done a lot of work along the boardwalk.

“If any one deserves recognition it’s Peter Kingston.”

Ms Clare told the Mosman Daily that Ms Gibson’s accusations were “imprudent, unfounded and wholly objectionable”.

“While it may make for a better story, there is simply no political bunfight, rather a desire to ensure that any recognition is bestowed properly,” she said.

Councillor Melissa Clare said accusations against her made by the North Sydney mayor were “imprudent, unfounded and wholly objectionable”.

Councillor MaryAnn Beregi said a proposal to rename a boardwalk after artist Peter Kingston had enormous merit but the mayor should have sought the support of council before approaching the artist.

Ms Beregi said the proposal to rename the boardwalk after Mr Kingston had enormous merit. But she explained it would have been preferable if Ms Gibson had sought the support of council before approaching the artist.

“What is being proposed by way of a rescission motion is that any renaming or recognition of people in our community follow a similar process to that for the nominating of people for citizen and community awards,” she said.

Kingston has voluntarily created bronze sculptures to line the boardwalk and also carried out extensive planting along the boardwalk.

He has described the renaming as “a lovely honour”, particularly because local residents had asked for it.