Council fixes 'C' on $2.1 million Yatala light art piece

One of the Gold Coast’s most controversial artworks, which cost more than $2 million to install, will continue to shine bright. 

 

 

THE Gold Coast’s most talked about artwork has finally been fixed.

For nearly three weeks the letter C on the $2.1 million Yatala Gateway GOLD COAST sign has remained unlit for passing motorists – instead reading GOLD OAST.

Following an investigation by city council workers, the light was fixed this week.

There was concern that the State Government would have to be consulted in order to repair the artwork of M1, but it took only one form of government to change a light bulb.

A faulty part did, however, need to be replaced, a city spokesman said.

“Costs were negligible as the repair involved a component replacement in a switchboard,” he said.

The artwork copped criticism this week from Division 1 councillor Mark Hammel who argued it should be removed instead of council having to foot the bill for repairs.

YATALA LIGHTS A HOT TOPIC DURING THE ELECTION

The Gold Coast sign at Yatala is missing its 'C'.

EARLIER IN THE SAGA:

THE state government was called in to approve an investigation into one of the Gold Coast’s most controversial artworks - which blew a bulb in mid-July.

The need for repairs come as the letter 'C' in the $2.1 million art piece at the Yatala Gateway went out - leaving the artwork to now read 'GOLD OAST'. 

According to a Gold Coast City Council spokesman, at the time, a remote diagnostic test had not identified the cause of the issue, meaning state authorities were likely to get involved.

“Safety is our number one priority and due to the location of the artwork, access to the site needs to be approved by the Department of Traffic and Main Roads (DTMR),” they said.

“The City is liaising with relevant stakeholders to identify a suitable time and any requirements.”

Since its installation in 2018 for the Commonwealth Games, the art work has been criticised for its placement because it cannot be viewed by passing motorists on the M1.

It had previously been revealed the piece costs $30,000 to maintain annually.

WHY THE CONTROVERSIAL YATALA LIGHTS HAVE BEEN LEFT IN PLACE

The 'C' has been lost from the controversial $2 million Yatala artwork.

Originally published as Council fixes 'C' on $2.1 million Yatala light art piece