Mayor’s shock move on Yatala lights as councillors meet to decide their fate

Mayor Tom Tate has revealed his position on the city’s controversial northern entry statement – and it’s going to surprise some people.

MAYOR Tom Tate at tomorrow’s full council meeting will ask councillors to retain the controversial northern gateway sign rather than waste ratepayer money on removing it.

Councillor Tate, who returned to work today, revealed he was opposed to a move to dismantle the $2.1 million sign.

“I look forward to discussion at full council. As Mayor, I will ensure it is in open so the public can hear my views about the proper expenditure of ratepayers’ funds,” he said.

“Long term, I am proposing a change to our Public Arts Policy and the membership of any selection panel. I believe those changes will ensure we never end up with this situation again.

“Any draft changes to the policy will need to come back through full council but for now, I am committed to ensuring no more ratepayers’ funds are wasted on the M1 entry statement lights.’’

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has returned to work. Picture: Jerad Williams.

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After a backlash from furious ratepayers, councillors at a committee meeting last week recommended the M1 sign at Yatala be dumped at a council depot and the poles and lights be used in city parks.

The 97 poles and hundreds of bulbs from the $2.1 million eyesore could then be split up and used to light up city parks, but only if the New York artists who created the sign did not want them back.

The cost of removing the signs was $255,000 but it could cost up to a $1 million to relocate the entire structure.

The lights by the M1. Picture: Mike Batterham

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On several community social media sites, many residents since maintained it would be better to leave the lights rather than spend more money.

Councillor Cameron Caldwell at committee had successfully argued for the infrastructure to be considered for lighting in parks and public areas.

The planning committee chairman was backed by transport committee chair Pauline Young, Cr Gates and Cr Paul Taylor. Councillors Crichlow, Gary Baildon and Peter Young voted against, raising concerns about costs.