Iconic eagle landmark crafted by Coolangatta sculptor Craig Medson set to be removed over safety concerns
An iconic southern Gold Coast landmark – locally known as the ‘rusty chook’ – could soon be knocked off its perch atop Kirra Hill, where it has stood guard for decades.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AN iconic Gold Coast landmark could be about to disappear from the skyline.
A striking steel sculpture of an eagle, that has stood sentinel over the sand from atop Kirra Hill for decades, is in danger of having its wings clipped.
The Gold Coast City Council is reportedly looking at taking down the 2.4 tonne rust red eagle, known affectionately to locals as the ‘rusty chook’, because of safety concerns.
The council commissioned the art work, crafted by renowned Coolangatta sculptor Craig Medson, in the early 1980s but was forced to erect fencing around it 18 months ago as the structure deteriorated.
The sculpture became the unofficial mascot of the Kirra Surfriders Club, famed for producing triple world champion Mick Fanning.
A memorial honouring Fanning’s brother Sean and friend Joel Green, who were killed in a 1998 car crash at Coolangatta, was erected in the shadow of the eagle.
Medson took his own life in 2015 after a long battle with depression.
According to surfing magazine Tracks, the council has contacted Medson’s mother about possibly removing the sculpture and replacing it.
“It is thought, with respect to Medson, a replica won’t be made, but it is hoped that another piece could be commissioned by a local sculptor that would honour the original artist and his work,” the magazine said.
“It won’t be the Rusty Chook but hopefully it will, over time, come to generate the same level of respect, awe, and sense of home that Medson’s creation has done over the last 25 years.”
The council has been contacted for comment.
Originally published as Iconic eagle landmark crafted by Coolangatta sculptor Craig Medson set to be removed over safety concerns
‘Do you think Queenslanders are idiots?’ Karl slams Premier’s free lunches
Premier Steven Miles has faced off with an angry Karl Stefanovic over his $1.4bn “mandate” to provide free lunches for all primary school children, despite Labor previously shooting the idea down.
Cause of fire revealed, as Supercars driver loses ‘everything’
Supercars driver Declan Fraser has lost all his possessions, including prized trophies, after his Gold Coast house was gutted by fire while he was in Bathurst. Now, the cause of the fire has been determined.