Hooked by fish

– Tania Martin
CARDINIA Shire will make a decision on welcoming a life-size golden arowana fish as a new resident this week, despite claims by a local MP that the fish would be calling Emerald Lake Park home.
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato last week welcomed news that the shire was to adopt one of the fish used in the open ceremony of the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Ms Lobato said Cardinia was one of 33 municipalities that have secured one of the 72 fish to feature in the opening ceremony.
But Ranges Ward councillor Graeme Legge said the council hadn’t made a decision about the fish yet.
Cr Legge said a shire crew will inspect the fish today (Tuesday) and report back to council about its condition and also on what type of maintenance it would need if the council was to adopt it.
He said following the report, the council will decide whether to proceed with claiming the fish.
Ms Lobato said she was thrilled that Cardinia had secured part of Melbourne and Victoria’s history, and that residents and visitors to the area would be able to enjoy the fish sculpture in its new setting.
Ms Lobato said the golden arowana fish represented the shire’s official adopted team of Malaysia during the Commonwealth Games.
She said many organisations tendered for the fish and that along with council’s tender, the Melbourne Museum and the Couta Boat Club had also secured a fish sculpture each.
“The fish captured the imagination of the public and added to the spectacle and enjoyment of the Commonwealth Games.
“They are a fantastic keepsake for residents in Cardinia, who were so supportive of the Commonwealth Games.
“They will now have these long-lasting reminders of this special time in our history and become permanent features in the local community,” she said.
Meanwhile, the neighbouring Shire of Yarra Ranges said it was not interested in acquiring one of the life-size fish as they would cost too much to maintain.