Docklands iconic 25-metre-tall eagle ‘Bunjil’ will move from its current location on Wurundjeri Way. Photo: Cynthia Singh
Planning Minister Matthew Guy last week announced plans to move the 25-metre tall eagle sculpture overlooking Docklands’ Wurundjeri Way.
“The last uncontracted lands on docklands will be redeveloped over the road, which means Bunjil will have to find a new nest,” he told 3AW on Friday.
Mr Guy said the 20 tonne sculpture which is owned by Places Victoria, will stay in Docklands.
Bunjil is symbolic to the Wurundjeri people as the spiritual creator of the land.
But Melbourne’s Wurundjeri Council was unaware of Bunjil’s proposed move until contacted by media.
CEO of the Wurundjeri Council Stephen Fiyalko says the council was “furious” to learn of the momentous move.
“The council is disgusted that no one has consulted with the Wurundjeri council about the future of the ‘Bunjil’ sculpture,” Mr Fiyalko said.
“The sculpture is about the Wurundjeri people, who are a part of the sculpture.”
Bunjil’s move also came as a surprise to sculptor Bruce Armstrong.
”They didn’t tell me,” he said. ”It has all come as a shock.”
“I think there perhaps should be a wider net cast of opinions about what might be the most appropriate place for it,” he told The Age.
City Journal contacted the Wurundjeri Council on Tuesday that they still had not been contacted by the parties involved.
The sculpture has stayed in its current location since it was built in 2002.
Bunjil’s move is one of the many developments happening in Docklands. Click here to view gallery.
