Topographical artwork puts Canungra on the map

A steel sculpture depicting the local landscape now stands as a gateway to the Scenic Rim, putting Canungra on the map.

Sited near the School of Arts Hall and constructed of layers of machine-cut steel, Strata Canungra, a 2.9-metre high topographical representation of the surrounding area, is the latest landmark gateway to what will eventually become the Scenic Rim Tourist Trail.

Mayor Greg Christensen said the installation, part of Council's Vibrant Towns and Villages initiative, was an impressive addition to the Canungra streetscape and the east-west corridor through the region.

Scenic Rim Regional Council received $100,000 from the Queensland Tourism Infrastructure Fund, an initiative under the Australian Government's Tourism Demand Driver Infrastructure (TDDI) program, administered by the Queensland Government through the Department of Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games for the Story Markers Project to revitalise the communities of Canungra and Tamborine Mountain.

"Like The Bower by Richard Howie and Nicole Jeske which forms the centrepiece of the new Gallery Walk Community Park on Tamborine Mountain, Strata Canungra by Russell Anderson and Rebecca Ward, creates a sense of arrival in the Canungra community," Cr Christensen said.

"These regional gateway markers are part of the journey in creating a route which engages travellers with all our towns and villages in a thought-provoking way as they explore the beautiful Scenic Rim."

Corporate and Community Services Chair and Division 3 Councillor Virginia West said the artwork reflected the Canungra community's strong connection to art, culture and creativity.

"Strata Canungra is as topical as it is topographical and was selected by Council on the recommendation of the Scenic Rim Arts Reference Group and community feedback on a short list of designs," she said.

"It is a landmark artwork that will not only add to Canungra's postcard appeal for visitors but also provide a focal point for the Canungra community."

IMAGE: Mayor Greg Christensen and Cr Virginia West at Strata Canungra