A huge, revitalised mural on Unitywater’s Peregian Beach water reservoir has been revealed after it was painted under scaffolding while the asset underwent essential structural maintenance works.
The $3.9 million upgrade of the reservoir, which has a capacity of five-million-litres, included a roof replacement and an amendment to the roof design to facilitate a pitched roof, as well as internal repair works.
Unitywater Chief Executive Officer, Anna Jackson, said the upgrade works would ensure safe, reliable water continued to flow to the 2,000 properties it supplies in Peregian Beach and Marcus Beach.
“After a decade in the elements, the original artwork was in need of a refresh and it made sense to do it at the same time as the operational works,” Ms Jackson said.
“The melaleuca tree forest concept, designed by Peregian-based artist Colin Passmore, was chosen through consultation with the local community back in 2015.
“Enhancing the visual appearance of our crucial water and wastewater assets is well-loved by the community and a great way to connect these functional assets with the local environment and cultural identity.”
Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie, who visited the site to see the refreshed artwork before scaffolding was removed, said the project was proof that functional infrastructure could be made beautiful.
“The Peregian Beach water reservoir doubles as Noosa’s largest piece of public art and has become an iconic landmark,” Mayor Wilkie said.
“With more people driving by every day from all parts of the shire and broader region, this impressionistic painting of a melaleuca forest and skyline has more admirers than ever.”
Application artist, Jordan Bruce, said the process of repainting this artwork while navigating the scaffolding that surrounded it presented a challenge, not having the ability to stand back and assess the accuracy.
“It’s really great to have been able to return and re-do this piece with an extra 10 years’ of experience up our sleeves,” he said.
“In a location like this, it’s like a public monument, so it’s a real honour and a responsibility to bring your best work and we love that.”
The reservoir upgrade works are part of Unitywater’s replacements and renewals program, where the utility is investing $400 million over the next five years to continue providing safe and reliable water and wastewater services across the region.
