The faded mural, which is the work of Dale Marsh and remains a popular feature as tourists and residents drive across the Bribie Island bridge, is to be restored. The project was first initiated via a small Facebook post back in 2017 and has since been the subject of extensive consultation throughout the local community.
The in-depth discussions between Council and community members revealed strong sentiment for the mural with 95% of people who responded supporting its renewal, according to Moreton Bay Councillor Brooke Savige.
Mayor Peter Flannery said that, like many other locals, he eagerly awaited the painting's restoration adding:
“It’s not a piece of nostalgia or sentimentality, I really see it as a piece of Bribie Island’s character and identity. So this is a very important renewal project."
Such iconic artworks often become local attractions and may be included in brochure printing campaigns to promote the area.
Dale Marsh first created a painting for the bridge in January 1989, just after the bridge's 25th anniversary three months earlier. The artist replaced it with another mural which featured three children at play on the beach in 1995.
Weather permitting, the current restoration work is expected to take eight weeks and is to be undertaken during the hours of 7am and 6pm. Some interruptions to traffic flow or access by residents may occur.