A poignant symbol of everlasting devotion or a tacky nuisance for bureaucrats the world over?
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Whatever your thoughts on the global craze for "love locks", the engraved padlocks could soon be immortalised in Wollongong as the council looks to install new sculptures along the city's coastline.
The romantic but pesky practice of lovers fastening a lock bearing their names at scenic points such as Mount Keira and Sea Cliff Bridge has plagued Wollongong City Council officials, who worry the metal will corrode the fences and railings.
Earlier this year, the council sought to address this issue at Sublime Point - where a handrail had failed, overcome by too much love - by festooning a new "love lock chain" along the railing.
According to a report to next week's council meeting, more of these chains could soon pop up at various other romantic outlooks around the city, while a shiny new "love lock artwork" could be installed at the most scenic of scenic points.
Taking the form of two giant house keys linked together, the love lock art work would measure about four metres wide by 1.5 metres high.
The design was chosen by a panel of councillors and was originally planned for the Mount Keira Summit Park, where love locks have been a problem.
However, according to council staff, investigations revealed Mount Keira was unsuitable, so the panel asked that another location be found along the Blue Mile.
Flagstaff Hill was assessed as the best location, thanks to its "photographic backdrop and amenity".
The Wollongong Heritage Advisory Committee then raised concerns that the installation of the giant keys would affect the heritage character of the site, but the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage ruled the structure would be "of a minor nature of little adverse heritage impact".
In their report, council staff have proposed a community engagement process to gauge residents' opinions before going ahead with the installation. The art work would cost about $130,000, they said.
Staff have recommended that love lock chains - which cost about $2000 a pop - be installed throughout the city, and suggested councillors petition NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay to fund the love lock art work at Sea Cliff Bridge.
Councillors will vote whether to accept this recommendation at Monday night's meeting.
kmcilwain@fairfaxmedia.com.au
