Skipton’s new artwork celebrates the areas wildlife and will help locals observe the rising waters of Mt Emu Creek.
North Ward Councillor Nick Cole said the mural featured native Australian animals that are synonymous with Skipton and Mt Emu Creek.
“There’s a brolga, platypus and a flock of galahs with a background of gum trees and river reeds that capture the character of the local area,” he said.
“Mt Emu Creek often floods under the bridge, so this mural is designed to be a quick visual depth gauge for locals when the river is running high. It’s a great job by a respected artist and an extra attraction for the town.”
Artist Jimmi Buscombe has painted a mural artwork on the south-eastern pylon of the Mt Emu Creek Bridge on Montgomery Street.
Conceived by community members during flood planning in 2018, it can be viewed from the area beside the Mechanics Institute Hall.
“I was approached by Corangamite Shire Council about this project just before the COVID-19 pandemic landed and postponed everything,” Mr Buscombe said.
“It’s been such a great feeling having the opportunity to get out and finish some of these projects after two years of waiting.
Mr Buscombe thanked the residents of Skipton who spent an evening with him in June 2021, sharing their ideas and helping plan the project.
Council Manager Environment and Emergency Lyall Bond said the idea was another community safety measure on top of major drainage works after the town was inundated in 2010 and 2011.
“At that time members of the community pointed out there were no depth markings on the bridge to indicate if the flood waters had risen.
“People had been pushing sticks into the bank to check the water level which was not safe given the slippery bank and fast flowing waters.
“This mural gives residents an informal gauge which will help them determine if flood waters are still rising as they enact their emergency plans, and to quickly communicate water depth to other people.”
This project been funded through the Victorian Government’s Community Activation and Social Isolation (CASI) initiative.
