Coral Bay artist takes water story into her own hands

Artist Sadie James with her artwork which now adorns public facilities on the Coral Bay foreshore.

A marine wonderland has washed ashore in Coral Bay with local artist Sadie James and Water Corporation partnering to makeover public facilities on the foreshore.

The building, an ideal canvas due to regular foot traffic, now features a mural with splashes of turquoise, protected marine wildlife, and a backdrop of water, funnelling into hands, depicting the connection between land, water conservation and the Ningaloo Reef.

Ms James said the mural sought to raise awareness of local water sources and remind visitors to the tourist hotspot to minimise waste.

“Most tourists who visit the area enjoy access to the reef through the bay and use local resources without thinking too much about where their water comes from and what happens to the waste they leave behind,” Ms James said.

“Placing human hands, which are also shape a whale tail, at the centre of this work signifies the role we all play in this unique and very fragile ecosystem, where the outback and the reef meet. It speaks to our shared responsibility to look after water within and beyond our shores.” 

Water Corporation Mid West Regional Manager Steve Greeve said staff identified the opportunity to engage visitors in the water story while completing a recent upgrade of local wastewater infrastructure.

“Our team spent many months in town completing the upgrade works at the wastewater treatment plant. We recognised the opportunity to draw the connection between this work and our environmental focus,” Mr Greeve said.

“Thousands of visitors will pass by this artwork every year, and it’s the perfect platform to create positive conversations around water, wastewater and climate change.

“Thanks to Sadie’s creativity and tireless efforts, the facilities on the Coral Bay foreshore are a visual reminder that we must take responsibility for water and our natural environment with us wherever we travel.”

Media contact:
Veronique Thomas
Mid West Regional Engagement and Communications Officer 
P: (08) 9923 4911