Kirra’s iconic “Rusty Chook” is just weeks away from returning to its home on Kirra Hill.
It’s been five years since the original decaying eagle was removed from the hill over safety concerns.
Council had hoped to restore the sculpture, but no viable option was received.
But council opted to explore further options, and in June 2023, awarded a contract to construct a replica eagle.
That replica has now been completed and has been delivered to council where it’s being kept in a secure location.
It’s expected to be installed on the hill in mid-May, weather permitting.
The Kirra Eagle was reproduced by artist Tobias Bennett, with ARTPark managing the reproduction process.
“We know that residents will be extremely excited to see the return of this much-loved sculpture that has become a symbol of the Kirra community over decades,” Division 14 Councillor Gail O’Neill said.
“While we acknowledge the time this process has taken, it’s important to point out that it was a complex job for the artist.”
The project has cost ratepayers $575,000, however, that includes the cost of revitalising the hill.
