Residents bemoan no-go zone for gnomes
Council took the little guys away but angry locals want them back
POINT Lonsdale residents are petitioning the Borough of Queenscliffe to replace the garden gnomes it removed from a roundabout on Thursday.
A number of community members, who originally placed the gnomes on the roundabout in the town’s main street, yesterday came forward saying they were furious at the council’s decision to take them away.
Jessica Garby — who is spearheading the petition — said her son loved pointing out the little figures when she drove past.
“Having the gnomes there wasn’t much but it made people smile and everyone in the street seemed really upset to see them go,” she said.
“They weren’t harming anyone and I think it was a bit unfair that the council took them away.”
The petition, which has been gaining traction in the Point Lonsdale community, is pleading with the council to return the gnomes “to their home”.
“We understand this petition does not cure cancer or solve world peace, but these gnomes have brought a sense of fun to the small town, local community,” the petition reads.
Queenscliff resident, Frank O’Sullivan, placed a gnome on the roundabout and said he was forced to email the Borough of Queenscliffe and present his licence in order to retrieve it from the council offices.
He claims he was warned not to place another gnome on the roundabout.
“I was disgusted and I was really upset,” he said.
“I took my gnome from my garden myself and they reacted as if I had stolen it. They treated me like dirt.”
In a show of defiance, a handmade sign reading “bring back the gnomes” was erected at the Point Lonsdale roundabout yesterday.
An additional gnome was also placed at the site, but that, too, was also later removed.
Point Lonsdale wine bar Noble Rot took advantage of the media attention the gnome saga created in the town to promote its gin and tonics on Facebook.
The Geelong Advertiser contacted the Queenscliff council for comment but did not receive a response by deadline.
Mayor Tony Francis was contacted, but declined to comment.