A Queensland community already reeling from heartbreak has been dealt another blow, with the council handing down its final decision to paint over a mural for a teenager killed in a traffic crash.
The artwork at Camilleri Street Skate Park was commissioned after the death of Blacks Beach teenager Will Baker, whose motorcycle collided with a courtesy bus, in May this year.
The community raised funds to install a mural intended to beautify one of the places he enjoyed most.
But the commissioned artist for the artwork, Anita Laura, began painting the mural before official council approval.
The Mackay Regional Council has now voted against giving it retrospective approval and will paint over it.
Global petition
More than 1,000 people from around the world have signed a petition to keep the mural.
At a meeting of the Mackay Regional Council today, community members begged the council to reconsider its decision.
Mental health advocate Sonya Oliver-Scoble told the council she was concerned painting over the mural would further upset the region's youth.
"I was concerned because of the number of youth that have made contact with me needing connection over this issue that's really affecting them," Ms Oliver-Scoble said.
"They feel that they need to have some sort of control over something ... they came together and connected over."
Councillor Martin Bella originally advocated not to grant retrospective approval for the artwork on July 13, on the basis it did not follow policy and could upset those close to the teen.
Deputy mayor Karen May then made a notified motion so the community could be appropriately consulted.
Today, Mr Bella spoke against Ms May's motion, and councillors voted to enforce the mural's destruction.
Bessi Hayes, the creator of the petition to save the mural, said the decision was even more of a blow given community members did not have a vote.
"[The youth] can't turn up at polls and they can't register who they want to represent them. This council is supposed to do that [and] they have not," Ms Hayes said.
'Emotional cost'
Community member Tonia Binsier spoke at the council meeting, leaving close to tears after she heard the decision.
She said the community's wishes had been completely disregarded.
"Not one counsellor made a change and voted the other way [to keep the mural] and I really have to question their reasons for doing that," Ms Binsier said.
Ms May expressed her frustration at the decision of her fellow councillors and felt they had not listened to her or their constituents.
"It was about the public art, it was about the connection of young people to our community in a space that's theirs, and the outcome is appalling."
Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm said the decision showed a "blatant disregard for the Northern Beaches community [and] youth across our region".
Mr Bella declined to speak to the ABC.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson said the removal of the artwork would begin within the next week.
He advised anyone who wished to make a new application for a mural to go through the correct process.
