Viterra has gifted its Waikerie silos, which have been transformed with unique artwork, to the District Council of Loxton Waikerie to enable further development of the site as a local precinct for the community.
The gifting of the site was confirmed following a Council meeting this week, with the art project on the non-operational silos the first project in a series of activities planned to transform the town.
District Council of Loxton Waikerie CEO David Beaton says it is a valuable partnership between Viterra and Council.
“It is very positive to see Viterra, Council and the community working together to achieve results for the area,” says David.
“The silo art is a popular attraction and will continue to be enjoyed well in to the future.”
Local community member Liz Frankel is intimately involved in the Waikerie silo art project, which was funded by the State Government, in partnership with Nature Foundation South Australia and says having the site gifted to the council provides the opportunity to develop it into a local precinct for the community to enjoy.
“We plan to beautify the area by adding walking tracks, viewing areas, a park-like setting and onsite parking,” Liz says.
“It means we have another public space for locals to enjoy, as well as for anyone stopping to admire the artwork. We are very excited to add to the recent silo art project which has already had a positive impact in our town.”
Viterra Communications Manager Jane McBride says the business is actively involved and supportive of local communities.
“The Waikerie silos is the fifth silo art project for Viterra and we are pleased to have supported the community who have worked in conjunction with Nature Foundation South Australia on the Waikerie silos project which was completed last month,” says Jane.
In a first for Viterra silo art, two artists each painted one block of silos at the Waikerie site. The artists also painted both sides of the silos for the artwork to be enjoyed from two distinct vantage points.
Artists, Jimmy DVate and Garry Duncan depicted their interpretation of the theme, Healthy River Healthy Community. The silos are now adorned with local wildlife and river landscape.