OPTO has gone - but not for long!

OPTO, the giant spinning rings artwork on Redcliffe foreshore, has been removed for ‘specialist maintenance’.

The entire structure, which has stood opposite Bee Gees Way for 12 years, has been taken down and the base concreted-in.

A spokesperson for Moreton Bay Regional Council said OPTO has faced “all kinds of weather conditions including the major storm and rain events in recent years”.

“The artwork has been de-installed and moved offsite in order to be inspected for specialist maintenance,” the spokesperson added.

“OPTO is a complex artwork with internal engineering to enable its moving parts.

“It is likely that the inspection for specialist maintenance will take a couple of months.

“The inspection will advise on refurbishment requirements to maintain OPTO in best condition.

“Once the inspection is undertaken and advice provided on refurbishment requirements, Moreton Bay Regional Council will advise when OPTO will return.”

The spokesperson the base, on Redcliffe Pde, had been concreted over to ensure no risk to public safety.

OPTO was reported to have cost $291,000 when it was erected in late 2011 as one of five public art figures in the Redcliffe Seaside Rejuvenation Project.

Then artwork was reported at the time to have received $700,000 funding - $255,000 from the State Government.

Over the years residents and visitors have nicknamed OPTO the Cheezels, donuts, bubble blower and onion rings … among others.

It was designed by Phil Price and made of steel and carbon fibre The concept revolves around looking and changing with the rings rotated by the breezes.

By passing over each other, the rings appear to open and close.