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'The Pilot' grounded at city depot

Public artwork 'The Pilot', which cost the Bunbury City Council $100,000, sits in a council depot on Nuytsia Avenue.

One of the artists who created the $100,000 entry statement to the city says he is surprised and disappointed it has not been relocated since it was moved to a council depot nearly 18 months ago.

The Pilot, created by WA artists Louise Morrison and Matt Dickmann, was unveiled in 2008 after the Bunbury City Council asked for artists to create a public artwork for Bunbury.

However, it was moved from the centre median strip on Australind Bypass in 2012 during the upgrades of the Vittoria Road intersection.

The artwork was moved by Main Roads because there was not enough space on the road.

At the time, the council said it was hoped it would be relocated.

Mr Dickmann told the Bunbury Herald he was sad his artwork was sitting in a council depot.

Mayor Gary Brennan said the council had been working with Main Roads and the council to fund the relocation of the artwork to a prominent location.

“It has been proposed to be relocated to the roundabout of Bussell Highway and Robertson Drive. This was decided between the city, Main Roads and the artist, ” he said.

The artwork was designed to represent Bunbury’s identity as the city of three waters.

The shape and design of The Pilot also represented the importance of boats, tinnies and commercial fishing vessels as an important part of the city’s history and lifestyle.

The Pilot is built from aluminium, glass and stainless steel which were chosen for their low maintenance.

At the time of its construction, former Mayor David Smith praised former councillor Warren Lambert for his work on the project.

Mr Lambert said it “seemed to be a waste” to have the artwork in a council depot.