11 July 2020

Googong unveils new sculpture to welcome visitors and celebrate its ecology

| Michael Weaver
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The new sculpture

The new sculpture marking the entry to Googong. Photos: Supplied.

Googong is more welcoming than ever after the unveiling of a seven-metre wide sculpture at the township’s entrance that celebrates the local ecology and geology.

Googong project director Malcolm Leslie said the sculpture celebrates the natural environment and signifies an important step in the development of the area, and also marks what will become Googong’s retail, wellbeing and community hub.

“The sculpture marks the main entrance to Googong and has been designed to acknowledge the foundations of the natural environment and embrace the essence of the Monaro unique to the area.

“We are excited to see this sculpture come to life and hope it will become an iconic and visual landmark for both Googonians and visitors alike,” Mr Leslie said.

Wide image of sculpture at the entrance to Googong

The sculpture gives a nod to the township’s ecology.

Rusted steel blades mirror the shape of surface rock strikes prevalent in the Googong landscape and provide a backdrop for handcrafted precast lettering.

Large arches dominate the structure and acknowledge the presence of the Molonglo Ranges, while also revealing the microscopic patterns on the wings of the threatened Golden Sun Moth.

Due to open in 2024, Googong Central Town Centre will be similar in size to the Manuka shopping precinct and include two major retail supermarkets, as well as cafes, bars, restaurants, small businesses and specialty retail shops, generating hundreds of local jobs for the region.

There are also further plans to open a public library, fire station, community centre, aged-care facility and a public school in Googong Central catering for students from kindergarten to year 12.

Mr Leslie said that since sales commenced in 2012, Googong has been one of the fastest-selling developments in the country. Over the next 15 years, the township will deliver 6500 new homes and a major commercial centre to service the eventual population of 18,000.

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Capital Retro2:15 pm 13 Jul 20

Something for the next generation to tear down when our current one becomes another “cancelled culture”.

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