But this year there’s a very different beat. It could be the last Sculpture by the Sea at Bondi, with event organisers revealing the chance of it returning next year is “less than 20 per cent”.

Indeed, organisers have already refused an offer to sign up with Waverley Council for the next 10 years, while councils across Sydney and, the Wentworth Courier can reveal, one from interstate, are wooing David Handley, founder of the exhibition, urging him to relocate.

With negotiations ongoing in Waverley, there is still no certainty about the future.

“I’m deadly serious,” says Handley, as he stands atop the sandstone circle on the edge of Marks Park overlooking the ocean. It’s the prize spot at the centre of the controversy and where, arguably, the most memorable artworks stand in their glory each year.

“It would take a dramatic shift of behaviour and an understanding of, and respect for, the extraordinary lengths artists go to, for us to change our mind. The (council) either doesn’t give two hoots about the artists or they don’t understand the length the artists go to, to put on a free event to the public.”

“I’ve always viewed each Sculpture by the Sea as it comes and goes like a season,” he said contemplatively of the free exhibition which comes in spring, this year between October 24 and November 10, heralding the arrival of summer.

“If this is the last show here, it feels like ‘that’s life’,” he said, the metaphorical shrug hanging in the air.

“Life has its seasons that come and go. We’ll be deciding after this year’s show and as we progress with studies with other councils, Waverley is doing nothing to show they want us here.”

At the heart of the issue is the new 279m-long concrete path and a set of amphitheatre-style stairs which dominate the backdrop.

It’s the prime real estate, the dress circle. The largest and most impressive work, with the deepest structural requirements, has traditionally been displayed on the headland with the uninterrupted backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

This year it will house three small sculptures. Two artists’ works were axed after the path was built.

“We won’t do the scale of show we’ve done before. This is the most popular place in the world for an exhibition, artists globally seek these spots, and it’s been trashed.

“Now it’s done,” he said shaking his head. “You will never have a Sculpture by the Sea as good as has been done before. If there’s nowhere we feel we can go, then maybe that’s it. I have a 17-month-old child. Why would I flog myself to find in May next year something else has been dumped on us?” he said, referring to the decision to install the path.

Handley said there have been more than a dozen submissions from councils within NSW alone keen to get their hands on the event which generates many millions for the local and state economy. One he’s excited about has already commissioned a feasibility study after the Bondi show and there is the spectre of a new interest — from interstate.

“This is not a hollow threat. We’ve taken on extra work since July to try to have another show up next year.

“I would love to be welcomed by another council … we are going through the process now. It’s significantly advanced and two of our largest sponsors have said they would follow. One council has already gone through the scoping studies. We’ve handed that report into them.”

The Northern Beaches Council has been open about its bid to poach the event. Mayor Michael Regan said: “We’d love the opportunity to welcome Sculpture by the Sea to Manly. Hosting (it) would not only add to our rich artistic program but also bring great benefits to our local economy.”

He’s not wrong. More than 450,000 interstate and overseas tourists come annually. Nearly $39 million was injected into the state economy last year while local businesses took an estimated extra $11 million.

Susan Wynne, mayor of neighbouring council Woollahra confirmed meetings in August, and said the “door is always open”. Sutherland Shire Council Mayor Carmelo Pesce met with organisers in September and is awaiting a response. Randwick Council, too, is “open to working with Sculpture by the Sea” and this week Handley confirmed interstate interest.

It would take a major move on behalf of Waverley Council for Handley to change his mind. “For us it’s about working relationships.”

The debate over the controversial foot path exploded in June. Handley said they didn’t find out about it until the contract had been signed in May. Council said Sculpture by the Sea was given two alignment options but did not provide feedback in time.

“They didn’t even show us the plans ... either they’re lying or we’re lying,” said Handley.

“We tried to work it out with council. We thought common sense would prevail. It was dropped like a stone in 2015, because it was such a bad idea. And then again in 2017. We didn’t take them seriously. No one has heard anything for two years and then suddenly it’s happening?

“You’ve spent nearly $1 million to ruin Sculpture by the Sea? Let’s hope a lot of people use that path.”

But this isn’t just a tantrum over one footpath. It’s the final straw in an “unworkable” relationship that has been deteriorating for years. “You can’t keep fighting. It’s like a bad marriage,” he said.

The Marks Park toilet block which left organisers scrambling to build a temporary road the week of installation; the colour of a new workout area; the time shrubs were planted weeks before display; traffic complaints; freak rains creating $50,000 worth of damage when newly dumped soil turned to mud.

“Worse than that in December last year we signed off with council on the site. By April the artists have all been selected.” Around 500 artists apply every year. A curatorial panel go through all the submissions, engineering certifications and hazards, selecting about 100 site-specific sculptures.

Chair Alice Spigelman wrote to former Mayor John Wakefield asking if the council wanted the event. She said she has received no reply. In response to the allegations, Waverley Council general manager Ross McLeod said the council has always been supportive.

“We would like Sculpture by the Sea to remain in Marks Park and along the Coastal Walk, as it has been for the past 23 years. However, it is ultimately the decision of Sculpture by the Sea as to where they hold their event in the future,” he said.

“The path in Marks Park has now been completed and provides universal continuous step-free access to the beautiful views of our coastline. Since its completion, Council has been receiving positive feedback about the path from the community.”

New Waverley mayor Paula Masselos, who has been in post for almost four weeks, said she has a “strong commitment” to the event.

“Under my mayoralty, the Council has worked collaboratively and well with Sculpture to ensure that the event stays in Bondi. However, as a council, we have a responsibility to our different stakeholders and an obligation to our residents and groups within the community, so it is a balancing act.”

The breakdown may not all lie at the feet of the council. Sources have told the Wentworth Courier that Handley is hard to satisfy.

Insiders said the council is proud of the event, but staff were challenged in finding time to keep up with the communications involved with Sculpture by the Sea organisers. “We’re all for art, but we couldn’t keep up, and focus on our other jobs,” one staffer said.

Handley, however, said: “When artists are spending roughly $18,000 to be in this show, their site may be suddenly gone and they lose everything. Everyone thinks I’m whingeing but I’m speaking on behalf of artists around the world.”

Paddington artist David Nobay, whose work is titled Dunny, is shocked: “I’m as utterly bewildered as most Sydney-siders are that Sculpture by the Sea’s 23-year home along the Bondi-Bronte walk is even in question. You’d think our local council would be doing everything in their power to protect such a powerful and valued asset; not undermine it with bureaucracy.”

Wahroonga artist Lucy Barker, who is showing a work made from tangled electrical cables, said the exhibition has been crucial for her. “Showing in Sculpture by the Sea is very significant for me as an artist, because it is so well known and has so many internationally recognised sculptors take part in it.

“In previous years I have sold works to international collectors, something which would never have happened without it. Without Sculpture I doubt I would have been able to continue working because the financial opportunities it has created for me would simply not have been there.”

Bondi sculptor Giuliana De Felice, who will exhibit her work Rock Paper Scissors said: “To be showcased against the dramatic backdrop that is in itself an iconic destination, elevates and reinterprets each sculpture.”

Juan Pablo Pinto from Cave Urban, pictured, added: “Your artwork gets a lot of exposure to a wide range of visitors. Even though there are art galleries in the eastern suburbs, only a small cross section of the community is aware of them. Sculpture by the Sea opens a window that brings art and culture close to everyone passing by.”

It’s clear an emotional Handley is still deeply enamoured with the landscape.

“It was a labour of love and still is. I wanted to live a life that meant something. The dream was big,” he said fighting back tears.

“I love the idea the poorest single dad or mum only pay public transport to get here. And that they are just as entitled as someone walking around with a lot of money buying sculptures.”