It’s fern steam ahead for art

THE controversial “silver ferns” artwork for Surfers Paradise will go ahead despite a budget blowout of about $100,000.

The extra cost was incurred when Gold Coast City Council found the original site on Surfers Paradise Blvd and Elkhorn Ave for the $330,000 ‘Urban Oasis’ was unsuitable.

Anchors to bolt down the four 11m ferns were unable to be placed at the original site due to underground communications cables and water pipes.

The art will now be installed on Elkhorn Ave and The Esplanade.

The blowout left many councillors unimpressed, especially because the move means the silver ferns no longer fit the brief of providing vegetation or artwork along the light rail route.

If the councillors voted against the artwork it was essentially a decision to stop the project in its tracks.

The councillors however chose to go ahead with the installation. Many councillors indicated they only voted in favour because of the money already spent.

The ferns are expected to be put in place by the end of the year.