Swirling Around is a collection of hundreds of coloured, composite resin fish tangled in a giant net by Bulli-born artist B.Jane Cowie. It's also available for sale with a price tag of $280,000

"The main concept that continues to resonate with me about this artwork is that we do all share one ocean," Ms Cowie said. "It is important we take care of our ocean together."

Around 60 installations by dozens of artists will be sprawled around Killalea State Park in Shell Cove, for the Sculptures at Killalea festival. Not all of them have a six-figure purchase price, the cheapest available is a piece by Luke Turnbull for $200.

The works will be on display from September 13 to 22 with various events woven in - like twilight markets, a family day, interactive workshops for adults and children, a makers and creator market, plus artists talks and demonstrations.

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Ms Cowrie - who is now based in Singapore - said it was important to be able to exhibit her work in the Illawarra as a "symbolic of a peak of her ongoing development".

"It is important, when following your passion to have the support of family and teachers so kids have the opportunity to really pursue their dreams/goals," she said.

"Installing the artwork in [the region] allows me the opportunity to acknowledge and thank family, friends and the school where I was educated."

Key organiser of the festival Courtney Beaton said traditionally they've received a lot of artworks with an environmental focus, though this year there was quite an eclectic mix.

"I think the caliber of works is higher than seen before," Mrs Beaton said.

"We are very new [compared] to other sculpture festivals around the world. We would love to get this event to a point where it is funded so we can create and offer scholarships, and bring in some of the big international acts."

Currently the free event has to rely on community support and corporate donations to keep going.

Meantime, Wollongong's bid to take over the Bondi Sculptures By The Sea has stalled.

After a dispute between the organisers and Waverly Council, Destination Wollongong board member Tania Brown signaled interest to have the event relocated to the Blue Mile.

Ms Brown said she has spoken with organisers however no formal call has been made for expression of interests.

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