The owner of a beloved tourist attraction and gravity-defying art installation west of Bundaberg has been warned it may soon be taken down due to neighbour complaints.
Residents have started a petition to preserve Jim Sauer’s Row Of Machinery in South Kolan, and in a surprise twist, the local mayor says he has also signed the petition.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Petition to save tourist attraction at South Kolan.
Stream local 7NEWS free on 7plus
Sauer, 84, says the art projects have been a source of happiness for locals and tourists.
“If I can give someone just five minutes of pleasure just to forget the world’s troubles, then it’s made my day,” Sauer told 7NEWS.
The local art display, which features machinery such as trucks and even planes perched atop wooden poles, has become a popular tourist attraction in the Bundaberg area.
It is even featured as a tourist attraction on Queensland.com, a point locals have raised in a petition on change.org which has garnered almost 10,000 signatures, including Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey.
“Unfortunately due to complaints from neighbours, Jim has been told by council to take his machinery down and is sadly selling them,” petition creator Whitney Woodfield said.
“Please help save his Row of Machinery and have this overturned, so this incredible local attraction can stay.”
Dempsey announced on Sunday that he had spoken to Sauer and advised the artwork would be allowed to stay up until December.
“It was great to catch up with Jim and Dell for a cuppa today and get a successful, positive outcome for them and our community,” Dempsey posted on social media.
“I signed the petition to keep Jim’s machine art in place, and I obtained an extension for compliance issues to be resolved. The artwork is here to stay!”
However, the extension for compliance still means Sauer’s art must meet state regulations and standards.
“I was told I’d have to bring them down to the regulation height, or they’d be taken down,” Sauer said.
One local commented on the petition that Sauer’s art had been displayed in the area for over 25 years, “I have seen no issue with him having these displays up on his property,” they said.
“Leave Jim to have what he wants to display for people to enjoy this harmless form of art.”
Bundaberg council has been contacted for comment.
– With Jamie Tenikoff