Over the years there has been a lot of comment regarding the incredible maritime woodwork collection entitled ‘Denizens Of The Deep’ created by local artist Arthur ‘Nobby’ Clark. The collection was purchased by the former Bundaberg City City and is currently on display in the foyer of the Bargara Service Centre on Hughes Road.
There has been ongoing criticism which centres on the fact that the Service Centre is an ‘out of the way’ location and only open to the public five days a week during Council business hours. Unfortunately, this is the only location that Council can offer which provides sufficient room, security and more importantly, suitable climate control to protect the works.
Having said that, the recent announcement to develop a new master-planned tourism and turtle interpretive centre at the Mon Repos Rookery may now provide a win-win solution for all concerned.
Last week I contacted Steve Bennett, Member for Burnett and suggested that the new Centre may well be able to accommodate the display and that the proposal could be included in detailed building designs. This would represent a win-win situation for all stakeholders:
- Peace of mind for the artist
- An added attraction for the Centre
- A better year-round opportunity for locals and visitors to appreciate this masterpiece
- A suitable solution for Council
Steve advised that he will be happy to further the proposal from a State Government perspective and today I also raised it with a number of Councillors who agreed that it may be a viable solution to a long-time problem. Further details would need to be ironed out before the proposal could be adopted.
It’s likely to be some time before the proposed Centre comes to fruition however it would be comforting to know that this fantastic collection has a more suitable home in the waiting.