New Surfer Statue Planned For Colac Bay

The Colac Bay surfer statue may be replaced after being deemed beyond repair
A new statue could cost $140,000 with most of it coming from fundraising efforts
The community sees the surfer statue as an important part of the area's identity

A new surfer statue could be making its way to Colac Bay, with plans underway to replace the current weathered figure that has stood at the entrance of the township since 1999.

After years of damage from the elements and previous unsuccessful requests for funding, a recent report has confirmed the statue is now beyond repair. The potential replacement comes with a hefty price tag — $140,000 — but the local community is determined to make it happen.

The existing statue, once a proud landmark for the Southland community, has gradually fallen into disrepair. Although the Southland District Council provided maintenance funding in the early 2000s, it declined later requests in 2008 and 2019. More recently, it approved a $35,000 loan as part of its 2022/23 annual plan.

According to the latest council report, the community wants to hold onto the “iconic image of a surfer riding a wave”, which they consider a key part of their identity.

A “remarkable” $58,000 has already been raised by the Colac Bay Progress League. Their preferred plan, supported by council staff, involves a staged approach. The design and construction phase is expected to cost $100,000, with installation adding a further $40,000.

The Progress League would cover $98,000 of the total cost. The rest would come from the previously approved $31,000 loan and an $11,000 contribution from the Ōraka Aparima Community Board reserves.

Other options remain on the table. One is to proceed without using money from the community board reserves, which would require more fundraising. The other is to reject the increased budget entirely and scrap the project.

For now, the future of the Colac Bay surfer rests on decisions yet to be made — and the community’s continued efforts to keep their iconic statue riding high.