Artist announced for new public art trail at Lake Apex

Lake Apex will soon add a permanent sculpture art trail to its list of draw cards, with the commissioned artist revealed.

Late last year, Council sought Expressions of Interest (EOI) from artists skilled in sculptural pieces, and recently awarded the project to experienced artist, Christopher Trotter.

Council’s Liveability Portfolio Councillor Julie Reck said the project was made possible after Council received allocated funding under the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal Public Art Initiatives.

“Excitingly, Council is now ready to begin the project,” she said.

“This brand-new, quirky art trail will reflect our region’s identity from an artist’s perspective and will help further activate the popular Lake Apex site.

“The works will embody the region’s deep relationship with water systems, agriculture, and Lake Apex’s birdlife.”

Titled Between Water and Wild, the project will feature six creations installed at strategic locations around the Lake Apex precinct, with works hoped to be completed by March next year.

Mr Trotter said the sculptures would re-imagine discarded materials that reflect the agricultural and industrial heritage of the region, giving them a new life in an unexpected yet engaging form.

"The Lockyer Valley's agricultural heritage and ecological richness will be translated into a collection of installations, with most pieces featuring realistic native birds perched upon creative forms constructed from repurposed materials, such as irrigation pipes, tractor seats and earthmoving plough tines, to name a few.

"Positioned as visual landmarks, these works serve as interpretive waypoints that activate the space and guide visitors through narratives of survival, adaptation, and harmony,” he said.

Cr Reck said the Lockyer Valley’s Public Art Trail was developed in response to the growing importance of cultural tourism in our region and to strengthen community connection.

“Christopher’s artworks will be a wonderful addition to the Lake Apex precinct and will no doubt bring pleasure to residents and visitors for many years to come,” Cr Reck said.

The Lake Apex Precinct was established on natural wetlands in 1975 and supports a wide variety of plant and animal life.

It is home to the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, Queensland Transport Museum, Lockyer Valley Visitor Information Centre, Art Gallery, Gatton Library, and features playgrounds, a skate park, basketball half-court, off-leash dog park and Lights on the Hill Memorial.

The project received $430,000 in Australian Government funding through the Public Art Initiatives, one of 29 commitments under the SEQ City Deal – a partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ) to deliver long-lasting benefits for the fast-growing SEQ region.