Water Corporation to add a ‘splash of colour’ across Perth

PUBLIC assets across Perth will start getting a makeover as part of Water Corporation’s ‘Splash of colour’ campaign.

The utility has changed its tone since 2015, when it dismissed a call by Two Rocks Yanchep Residents Association to have artworks painted on the water tanks in Yanchep.

At the time, the tanks were mocked as being “50 shades of grey” because they had patches of grey to cover graffiti vandalism and the residents group called for a public art project on the eyesores.

The utility said then that it did not allow the painting or alteration of assets that might also impose additional operational and maintenance costs.

However, spokeswoman Louise Fleming said the following year Water Corporation developed a customer strategy and received feedback from customers about ways to contribute to communities, including presentation of assets.

“As a result, we developed and trialled the Splash of Colour Program in the South-West,” she said.

“The trial was overwhelmingly successful, which resulted in our decision to broaden the program across the state.

“This is part of our aim to contribute towards the vibrancy and liveability of the communities where we provide services, by transforming everyday water and wastewater infrastructure into public art pieces.”

The Splash of Colour Community Art Program will see seven water and wastewater electrical cabinets, described by Water Minister Dave Kelly as “grey square boxes”, transformed into public art pieces.

“We’ve all seen these pump stations in our neighbourhoods which have a functional purpose, but aren’t exactly pleasing to the eye,” Water Minister Dave Kelly said.

“The Water Corporation have commissioned local artists to paint murals that reflect the importance of water and its connection to the community.”

Artists Peter Ryan, Jack Bromell, Mel McVee, Hayley Welsh, Samantha Prentice, Darren Hutchens and Mike Barker will transform cabinets in South Perth, Mt Pleasant, Forrestfield, Marmion, Watermans Bay, Trigg and Canning Vale over the next month.

Miss Fleming said not all assets were suitable for public artwork, so the utility would assess each proposal on a case-by-case basis.

“We are keen to hear from the community and stakeholders about assets they think may be suitable for public artwork,” she said.

“It is possible other assets, including tanks, may be considered to be part of the program.

“Ideas can be emailed to splashofcolour@watercorporation.com.au.”

She said Yanchep’s water tanks, located east of Marmion Avenue, would remain operational until at least 2030.

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