Artist sought for aquatic mural at Fernvale's Twin Bridges
Published on 14 January 2026
Somerset Regional Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for public artwork utilising a water tank at Twin Bridges Reserve in Fernvale as part of the Somerset Fish Habitat Revitalisation Project.
SOMERSET Regional Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from Somerset and South East Queensland artists to deliver a public artwork for the Somerset Fish Habitat Revitalisation Project.
The project is an initiative of Resilient Rivers South East Queensland (RRSEQ).
Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt said the commissioned artwork would rejuvenate and upcycle a redundant concrete water tank at Twin Bridges Reserve in Fernvale to celebrate the region’s aquatic habitat and species.
“The water tank mural would bring attention to the issue of aquatic threatened species conservation, with a particular focus on the Mary River Cod which has been introduced to the Brisbane River as a necessary apex species after the Brisbane River Cod became extinct,” Cr Wendt said.
“Without its apex predator, the imbalance seen in the Brisbane River’s ecosystem has allowed the spread of introduced pest fish species.
“The Mary River Cod’s fate and subsequent recovery efforts form a core component of RRSEQ here in Somerset.
“Other species such as the Australian lungfish, platypus and other indigenous species will equally benefit from the RRSEQ through snags, hollows and in-stream structures which support breeding and habitat requirements.
“The Somerset Fish Habitat Revitalisation Project aims to enhance community awareness of fish habitat values, identify threats to fish passage throughout the catchment, and facilitate strategic restocking of key species.”
Somerset Arts, Culture and Heritage Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Sally Jess, said the proposed mural would reflect the project’s intents, conveying the message visually to the Somerset community.
“We want artists to interpret the project in a way that is inclusive, bold and community focused,” Cr Jess said.
“Artist EOIs should consider themes around aquatic threatened species conservation, environmental restoration and care, intergenerational responsibility, and consideration of First Nations values.”
The Somerset Fish Habitat Revitalisation Project is funded as part of the South East Queensland (SEQ) City Deal.
Resilient Rivers SEQ is one of 29 commitments being delivered under the SEQ City Deal, a partnership between the Australian Government, Queensland Government and Council of Mayors (SEQ).
The SEQ City Deal aims to improve the accessibility, prosperity and liveability of the region, which is home to more than four million residents.
The SEQ City Deal will invest $40 million into Resilient Rivers SEQ with $10 million each from the Australian Government, Queensland Government, Council of Mayors (SEQ) and Seqwater.
Expression of Interest details can be found on Council’s website: somerset.qld.gov.au/EOI
To submit an EOI, provide an artist CV, examples of previous works, ideas and concepts, and an indicative budget.
EOIs must be submitted to mail@somerset.qld.gov.au before 12pm, Friday 6 February 2026.
For more information contact Somerset Regional Council’s Natural Resource Management Coordinator on 5424 4000 or mail@somerset.qld.gov.au