Sudden removal of art installation stuns community members

A community is in shock after council’s sudden demolition of an “essential and vital site” frequented by locals and tourists from around the world.

Main Beach residents are devastated following Gold Coast City Council’s decision to remove a community-run art installation.

The Turning Point was erected during Covid by husband-and-wife team Greg and Mez Rentoul as a way for people to connect and battle mental health challenges.

After more than four years of withstanding storms, erosion, film sets and vandals, the community “safe place” has been demolished.

A picture of the Turning Point sans woodern bench. Picture: Facebook

Mr Rentoul said the small space on the foreshore, about 300m north of Tower 42 towards The Spit, was an “essential and vital site” frequented by locals and tourists from around the world.

He said people were encouraged to “place a shell, take a rock and leave your worries here”.

As the concept grew in popularity, Mr Rentoul built a wooden shelf for people to “place their worries behind” and installed different characters made of wood who watched over the sea.

“The whole community got involved. The surf life savers would put nippers caps on them, other artists got involved leaving painted rocks behind and more signs of encouragement would be put there,” Mrs Rentoul said.

The couple said council had been aware of the Turning Point for years, but received no prior warnings and no communication it would be demolished.

“To think everything is now in landfill is heartbreaking,” Mrs Rentoul said.

“We approached several council officers over the years and they said they know it’s not council approved, but acknowledge how much it means to the community and will not take it away from them.”

Greg Rentoul with some new rocks and heads for the “watchers of the sea”. Picutre Glenn Hampson

A Gold Coast City Council spokesperson said the city was actively working to reduce hazards in publicly owned natural areas, as well as managing their conservation and biodiversity values.

“As such, a nearby unauthorised bench construction that had deteriorated and fallen over was recently removed following complaints. Officers also removed clothing, koppers logs, star pickets and other material from this site while there,” the spokesperson said.

Originally published as Sudden removal of art installation stuns community members