Kalbar mural project taken off the drawing board

Community feedback has resulted in Scenic Rim Regional Council's decision not to proceed with a public artwork planned for Kalbar.

In February 2024, Council called for expressions of interest from the creative community for the design for a mural to adorn the Welge Street side of Kalbar's heritage-listed Wiss Bros Emporium which is privately owned.

The mural project aimed to celebrate Kalbar's rich sense of community and its place in the Fassifern Valley through an artwork that reflected the creative excellence of the Scenic Rim.

The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation had assessed the proposal and determined that the mural design put forward would have little to no impact on the cultural heritage significance of the building which dates back to 1909.

However, Scenic Rim Deputy Mayor Duncan McInnes said the mural proposal did not have widespread support within the local community and this has been acknowledged by Council in its decision not to proceed with the project.

"Council has listened and responded to the concerns that were raised and trusts that this decision will be welcomed by the Kalbar community," he said.

Scenic Rim's Community Arts and Culture Portfolio Councillor Kerri Cryer said Council valued the community's feedback.

"While there are a number of people who will be disappointed that the mural project will not proceed, Council has considered the views of the wider community who did not support a public artwork on this local landmark," she said.

“I am looking forward to working with the community on other public art projects in the future.”