THE fate of about 34 fibreglass cows may be decided at tonight’s ordinary Augusta-Margaret River Council meeting in Cowaramup.
The cows, a project of the Cowaramup Lions Club, are planned to be placed around six private lots in Cowaramup, sitting, standing and grazing, to attract visitors.
Shire staff have recommended the cows be approved, subject to conditions.
There were 130 submissions on the proposed street art to council, of which 110 were in support, 17 objected and three were indifferent.
Those objecting raised such concerns as the risk of vandalism and maintenance costs, road safety, and potential negative impact on the area.
Some said too many cows would be a distraction, that they looked "tacky", and that "tourists want an authentic country experience and the shire should not allow the Lions Club to deface the town with imitations".
"Cowaramup needs to be upgraded, but it should be stylish," was one comment.
Those supporting the proposal said it would be good for tourism, put Cowaramup on the map, attract more visitors to stop and spend money in the town, create a town identity and remind people of the area’s dairy origins.
In the report to council, shire staff noted that the Lions Club is taking responsibility for the installation and maintenance of the cows, which will be fixed to the ground through a 100mm thick concrete slab.
Advertising on the cows will be "discreet", in the form of eartags, on hooves or necklaces.
The report stated that the cows must comply with council’s advertising policy, pedestrian and vehicle safety, limit the total number of cows and fulfil satisfactory installation and maintenance agreements with council.
Main Roads WA and the Water Corporation were also consulted and indicated in-principle support.
"The fibreglass cows on private land will be placed clear of the footpath so as not to obstruct pedestrian traffic," the report to council stated.
"It is not considered that the fibreglass cows will dominate the streetscape or exclude other forms of public art.
"The fibreglass cows will complement the Cowaramup Village character.
"It is apparent that the application has the support of the Cowaramup community."
The fibreglass cows were painted by volunteers and are being stored in a warehouse by the Cowaramup Lions Club.
