Artist brings dinosaur to life in installation built from discarded metals
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Discarded metals foraged from a variety of sources such as old car parts, tools, machinery and even golf clubs have been used to create Council’s latest placemaking installation near the entrance to the Yeppoon Landfill.
Modelled on an approximate life-sized interpretation of a carnivorous Australian dinosaur known as the Austalovenator, meaning “southern hunter”, the new and fascinating sculpture by local builder and artist Steve Ross has already gained plenty of attention from visitors stopping by to get a closer look.
Steve said construction of the 600 kilogram dinosaur required just over a 100 hours to complete.
“I started getting into building smaller items like paper weights, hot rod cars, trophies, tractors, a kangaroo and deer as garden sculptures and even a life-size Terminator since last year, and the interest from people grew quickly,” Steve said.
“As a third-generation builder by trade I’ve always enjoyed building things and this sculpture is my biggest one yet. I’m really happy and honoured to have built something special and iconic for the community to enjoy, and I look forward to the possibility of doing more, with a focus on possible marine animals in the near future.
“My grandfather was also commissioned by Livingstone Shire Council to build the rotunda in Beaman Park, so it’s exciting to add to his legacy and build something of my own that’s out there for the public to enjoy.”
Deputy Mayor Nigel Hutton said the sculpture has been positioned near the entrance to the landfill to demonstrate the Council’s support for recycling with some of the components procured from the landfill.
“Crafting a dinosaur out of relics of the past is one creative way of demonstrating the positive impact of reusing discarded materials,” Cr Hutton said.
“This is another fantastic example of not only showcasing our region’s wide array of artistic talent but also enhancing the beauty and charm of our area.”
Libraries, Arts and Culture Councillor Pat Eastwood said there were more placemaking projects underway in the Shire, including the installation of artistic bike racks in Emu Park, repainting of the Yeppoon foreshore patterned boardwalk and an interpretative literary installation at the Yeppoon library.