Richardson questions fish cost scale

By Jim Mynard
FOUR Oaks Ward councillor Paul Richardson has questioned the cost to ratepayers of maintaining three fish sculptures.
Each fish, from the Melbourne Commonwealth Games, represented one of the 71 Commonwealth countries participating in the Games.
The council obtained the roach, dolphin and leather back turtle at no cost as part of its public art policy, which allows one per cent of the cost of a facility to be spent on art.
Cr Richardson said during debate at the Tuesday, 3 October council meeting that it was good to get the sculptures, but he was concerned about the ensuing cost of maintenance.
“This will be ongoing year after year,” he said. “Some councillors don’t care about the cost and we should let the media know about that.
“These sculptures will deteriorate and they will be a target for vandals. I find it difficult to accept the fish and the turtle, and I wonder how often they will need to be treated.”
Casey manager of arts and leisure Robyn Bowen said the sculptures would be inspected on an annual basis.
Mayfield Ward councillor Steve Beardon said the report on the art pieces had no costing and the council was locked in with no cost estimate.
Four Oaks Ward councillor Rob Wilson said the art project compared to building a children’s playground with equipment.
“We have to pay maintenance on those facilities,” he said. “The fish came at no cost.
“One facility is for children to play on and the other will be for adults to view and enjoy.
“We accepted three fish that were part of a magnificent sporting event.”
Edrington Ward councillor Brian Hetherton said most of the pieces left over from the Sydney Olympic Games were disposed of and people later regretted that they were not preserved.
“These fish should be preserved because they played a significant part in the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
Edrington Ward councillor Mick Morland said the pieces were part of Melbourne’s history.