LOGAN City Council wants to transform the sound barriers along the M1 at Underwood into “massive murals” that tell the story of the city.
A local artist has backed the idea of an artistic landmark to represent Logan, and called for local creatives and residents to be involved in its creation.
“Having a landmark that represents the city, and makes people stop to think about the artwork and give them a different perspective of the city, is extremely important,” Jimboomba chalk artist Stacey Bennett said.
Last week, mayor Jon Raven announced council had secured funding to build a new landmark next to the M1 on Springwood Road, Springwood.
Cr Raven said he didn’t want the piece to end up like the Gold Coast’s notorious highway landmark, which he called an expensive “mess” of lights, and asked the community to pitch their thoughts.
Between native animals, Logan’s letters, flowers, and human statues, hundreds of people made suggestions.
Then, behind closed doors, local councillors discussed options for the landmark.
Cr Raven said they resolved to ask the Queensland government if council could use the sound barriers along the M1 at Underwood for “massive murals”.
“I think this would be a great way to support local artists and incorporate the ideas and feedback of the community,” he said.
“It’d also be an impressive entry statement for Logan and gives us a giant canvas to tell a story about our city.”
Ms Bennett said she hoped the project’s community consultation included a range of community members and local artists, from all backgrounds, to make a piece that resonated with the community.
“Providing and giving well-paid work to artists, and enabling them to boost their profiles as well, is also really important,” Ms Bennett said.
“I think it’s great that Logan’s getting something like this.”
Ms Bennet said the landmark’s visibility on the M1 was “going to be great”.
“But whether or not they’re going to be going past it too fast to take it in, I’m not sure.”
Ms Bennett specialises in street chalk, which mostly involves transforming footpaths into large-scale murals using chalk.
She said she would love to see a large-scale dynamic floor mural where perspective makes the artwork look three-dimensional when seen from specific angles.
“I would love to bring something like that to our city, where people are really keen to come and see this work pop out of the ground,” Ms Bennett said.
