Place for giant fish

By Alison Noonan
Casey Council has put in a bid to net one of 60 water sculptures on offer from the State Government to eligible Victorian councils.
The 72 fish, which represented the competing nations, formed the centrepiece of Commonwealth Games celebrations on the Yarra River.
The sculptures are approximately six to eight metres long and three metres high with a maximum depth of 0.8m.
Mayor Kevin Bradford said council was hoping to hook the freshwater roach, the species of fish that represented Casey’s adopted team, England.
“Securing the giant fish is a great opportunity to be involved in the historic occasion of the Commonwealth Games and to add another unique and beautiful piece of public art in Casey for the community to enjoy,” he said.
Cr Bradford said the fish were not suited to long-term outdoor display and would need to be mounted on a wall.
He said council was considering a number of possible locations to install the fish, including the new Cranbourne Aquatic and Leisure Centre or Casey ARC.
“Should Casey be successful in its bid, we will carefully consider how we will preserve the fish for generations to come,” he said.
Premier Steve Bracks said the State Government was in discussions as to where to locate the 12 remaining fish.