Bitter row over path may see Sculptures by the Sea leave Bondi

A bitter dispute has left organisers of the popular Sculptures by the Sea event threatening to move it away from Bondi. 

The outdoor art show, is held along the Bondi to Tamarama ocean path in Sydney, every October.

But Waverley Council to creating a new path on one section, allowing better access for wheelchair users and strollers.

The path will follow the edge of Marks Park on the ridge overlooking the ocean.

But organisers and artists, who say the spot is the prime location to display work, say it just won’t work.

“If they build this path as it’s currently planned, we don’t see how Sculpture by the Sea can happen next year,” said organiser David Handley.

“It will rip the guts out of this show if the path goes ahead.”

Artist Juan Pablo Pinto from Cave Urban, said: “It’s the intersection between the blue sky, the sea, and the green blanket of the grass.”

Waverley Council said it spends $145,000 a year on the event.

It says organisers are exaggerating the impact the new path will have.

Waverley Council Major John Wakefield said: “You could suggest  for example, a simple relocation of some of the sculptures. Two metres to the left or two meters to the right will solve the problem.

Northern Beaches Council bosses have offered to hold it there instead  - but state premier Gladys Berejiklian has urged the parties to come to an agreement.