Thylacine sculpture relocation up for discussion

Published on 17 March 2023

The City of Launceston will consider relocating bronze thylacine sculptures from the Brisbane St Mall to a new home in Civic Square at its meeting next week.

The relocated thylacines would be replaced with additional greenery in the Brisbane St Mall, comprising two new urban canopies, alongside one already in place in the mall.

The City of Launceston commissioned ten thylacine sculptures for placement in the Brisbane St Mall during the redevelopment of the space in 2018.

However, since their installation, the sculptures have resulted in several pedestrian falls, have limited the options for installation of additional greenery, and have reduced the space's functionality for public events — such as the annual lighting of the Christmas tree.

Council officers have recommended the sculptures be relocated to Civic Square, with a safety assessment to be completed prior to installation. The sculptures would be placed within existing raised garden beds in Civic Square, and still be accessible to children and families.

The new canopies to be installed in the Brisbane St Mall would be grown at the Council's nursery, and are expected to take approximately six months to grow to a stage where they can be installed in the mall.

Launceston Mayor Danny Gibson said he was pleased the Council would be considering a positive outcome for both Civic Square and the Brisbane St Mall.

“While it has taken time to find a potential outcome that responds to community feedback about the sculptures and which allows children and families to continue accessing them, I'm pleased to see these recommendations on the agenda,“ Mayor Gibson said.

“I look forward to discussing this matter with Councillors around the table next week.”

The Council will consider the recommendation at its meeting next Thursday, March 23.