Altona's giant Van Gogh painting needs repairs

Altona's giant Van Gogh painting, Sunflowers, is in need of another touch-up. 

The 7x10 metre art piece was last touched up in 2017 when it was fully lowered off its 23 metre-high easel in order to repair hail damage and apply a restoration coating to further reduce any future wear-and-tear. 

Mayor Harv Schroeder says now, there are some areas where the paint is lifting.

"We and the artist, Cameron Cross, had been hopeful that a small-scale restoration project could be undertaken this year but, after closer examination, the wear-and-tear damage was more extensive. So, we've gone back to the drawing board to plan a larger restoration or a repair of this work."

Schroeder explained, the Town will work with Cross to determine the cost of the repair work.

"That's something that will come up at planning, and we'll see where things go from there. That would fall under next year's budget if that's what Council chooses to do."