A controversial $2 million dollar piece of public art installed on the M1, intended to welcome drivers to the Gold Coast, is likely to be torn down.
The location and ongoing costs of the Yatala light installation have been heavily criticised – and have even become a problem for police.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Controversial Yatala light installation on the Gold Coast to be torn down.
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Gold Coast City Council thought it was their lightbulb moment – an art installation welcoming all to the Gold Coast.
But the installation received far from glowing reviews.
“It’s a complete waste of money and those yellow Yatala lights were always just an insane decision on anyone’s part,” said one local.
The installation is made up of 97 yellow and grey light poles along the M1 at Yatala.
When lit up they’re intended to spell out ‘Gold Coast’ – but only when you’re standing a distance away, in pitch black conditions, by the busy M1.
Suffice to say, all drivers ever saw was a stack of steel and a flash of bright lights.
“They even talked about moving it, which was going to be an abominable cost,” said another local.
Something the installation has attracted is hoons – with reports of up to 300 reckless drivers in front of the lights in recent weeks.
Queensland Police revealed on Monday that they switched the light installation off on the weekend to stop the dangerous stunts.
On Tuesday, Gold Coast City Council recommended the installation be torn down.
“Think if we need any more signal that it’s time for Yatala lights to be turned off for good and removed from the site, this is the signal,” Councillor Mark Hammel said.
The installation cost the city $2.1 million and will cost even more to remove.
“It is $2 million wasted in my opinion,” Hammel said. “As a divisional councillor for that area, I have no interest in any new public art installations to signify the entrance to the city.
“Let’s just leave it at that.”
In one local’s words, “it’s just an incredible bureaucratic load of rubbish”.
– With Josh Ribarich
13-year-old allegedly involved in serious vandalism attack.
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