Coogee beach LGBTIQ rainbow: Randwick Council makes mural permanent

There’s anger over a council’s decision not to consult the public with regards making an LGBTIQ rainbow mural permanent, with some calling it a “political statement”.

A giant rainbow walkway installed at Coogee Beach to celebrate Mardi Gras is set to become a permanent fixture under a council plan to boost tourism and recognise diversity.

But the move will not open to public feedback amid concerns debate over whether it should stay or go could become divisive.

Randwick councillors have unanimously voted to retain the 47m rainbow at the steps of Coogee’s lower promenade following its installation ahead of Mardi Gras season in February this year.

The rainbow was installed in February.

The arched rainbow was created with specialist flooring paint designed to withstand the sun, sand, salt of its environment and originally intended to remain for several months before consideration for removal.

Mayor Danny Said said making it permanent would celebrate the council’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

“It was only built to be temporary but it’s actually built to last and I think it would be a waste of time and money to remove it,” he said.

“It’s put council in a great position of diversity and inclusion and provided a bit of joy during this time of pandemic.”

The rainbow will become a permanent fixture.

Council plans show the removal would have likely involved a combination of grinding, soda or blasting along with sandbagging and additional staff deployed to assist in minimising paint run-off to the beach.

Councillor Anthony Andrews said public feedback should be held before the council commits to making it permanent.

“It’s a dangerous precedent we’re setting to say let’s go paint something blue or yellow and not consult with our community,” he said.

Councillor Christine Hamilton also called for consultation, saying the council should “hear all voices before we make it permanent”.

A photo from the launch event in February.

“I am in favour but I do also recognise there are people in the community who would like to have a say in such a public space,” she said.

“This is not just a pearl shell opening with a turtle sitting on top of it on a concrete pathway, this is political statement.”

Councillor Philipa Veitch said consultation could create discord in the community and there were times when councillors had to step up.

“It would become a divisive issue if this would be taken to consultation because it wouldn’t be a consultation about a painted footpath or step, it would de facto become a consultation for support for the LGBTIQ community. It may turn that way,” she said.

Randwick Mayor Danny Said.

A photo of painters creating the display earlier this year.

“I agree that on most occasions we do need to go out and consult with the community on infrastructure and projects … but there’s also a place for council and councillors to step up and say we support diverse members of our community.”

Monday night’s council meeting heard that since its installation, the rainbow has become a photo magnet for beachgoers and instagrammers as well as a destination point on Google Maps.

Cr Said said the permanent fixture could provide businesses opportunities to capitalise on the initiative such as running Mardi Gras related campaigns or encouraging people to stay at Coogee hotels.

Coogee Chamber of Commerce vice president Jo O’Brien said the installation could bring more visitors to the suburb.

“Little things like this being put into our community will make our younger people, teens and adults all feel included and being a visual rather than a conservation and announcement is important,” she said.

“It’s a great thing for businesses to hop on board with – it’s not insulting or pushing an agenda, it’s a great addition to our suburb.”

The council’s general manager told the meeting a handful of complaints had been received relating to the installation, but the majority of feedback had been positive.

The rainbow cost an estimated $19,000 to install and joined other Sydney rainbows including installations at Prince Alfred Park in Surry Hills and Taylor Square in Darlinghurst.