In a dramatic turn of events, a plan to remove Geelong's beloved and colourful waterfront bollards has been stopped in its tracks. The controversial move, initiated by Mayor Trent Sullivan, was halted by Deputy Mayor Stretch Kontelj using his special mayoral powers.
Mayoral Intervention Saves City Icons
Deputy Mayor Stretch Kontelj confirmed he has formally suspended the proposed removal of the bollards, a signature feature of the Geelong foreshore for decades. The decision to pause the project was made using powers available to the deputy mayor when the mayor is absent.
This intervention came after Mayor Trent Sullivan had directed City Hall officers to begin the process of removing the bollards. The plan was to start with the well-known Baywalk Bollards located near the Carousel at Eastern Beach. Mayor Sullivan argued the bollards had "run their race" and were looking tired, proposing they be replaced with new public art or landscaping.
However, the deputy mayor's move ensures the bollards will remain in place, at least for the immediate future. Kontelj stated his action allows for proper and transparent community consultation before any final decision is made.
A Community Divided Over Heritage and Progress
The bollards, painted by artist Jan Mitchell beginning in the mid-1990s, depict whimsical and historical figures from the Geelong region. They have become a major tourist attraction and a backdrop for countless family photos.
Supporters of their removal, including Mayor Sullivan, believe the waterfront needs refreshing. They point to maintenance costs and a desire for a more modern aesthetic. Critics of the removal plan, however, see the bollards as an integral part of Geelong's identity and heritage.
The issue has sparked significant public debate, revealing a deep community split between preserving a cherished landmark and pursuing urban renewal. Many residents and visitors have expressed strong emotional attachments to the colourful characters lining the bay.
What Happens Next for the Bollards?
With the removal process now officially on hold, the future of the bollards rests on the outcome of broader community engagement. Deputy Mayor Kontelj's suspension is not a permanent solution but a mechanism to enable a more thorough public discussion.
The Geelong City Council will need to revisit the issue, likely involving public forums, surveys, and consultations with heritage and arts groups. Key questions to be addressed include:
- The long-term preservation and maintenance costs of the existing bollards.
- Potential for restoring or repainting the current figures.
- Exploring options for integrating new art without removing the old.
- Assessing the true economic and cultural value of the bollards to Geelong's tourism.
For now, the iconic sentinels of the Geelong waterfront remain in place. Their fate, once seemingly sealed, is now uncertain and subject to the will of the community they have charmed for nearly thirty years. This political stoush highlights the challenges local governments face in balancing progress with preserving unique local character.
