When is OPTO returning?

OPTO, the giant spinning rings artwork overlooking the Redcliffe foreshore is likely to be offsite for at least another six months.

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

A council spokeswoman says the sculpture, which is now in secure storage, has been exposed to all kinds of weather conditions, including major storms and torrential rain in recent years.

“Council has received the condition assessment for OPTO. Overall, OPTO is in reasonable condition,” she says.

“However, OPTO is a complex artwork with internal engineering to enable its moving parts and specialist maintenance works and refurbishments are required to ensure this large-scale kinetic sculpture is fully functional and in its best condition.

“Council is currently preparing the tender for this specialist maintenance and refurbishment to be undertaken.

“The timelines for the tender process and the refurbishment mean that OPTO will likely be offsite for at least another six months.”

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.

Since then, residents and visitors have nicknamed OPTO the Cheezels, donuts, bubble blower, onion rings and more.

It was designed by Phil Price and made of steel and carbon fibre. The rings are rotated by the wind and as they pass over each other, they appear to open and close.