SHE’S finally had her day with the State Administrative Tribunal, and now Laurance Cellar’s "Free as a Bird" sculpture in Wilyabrup has the retrospective planning approval she was denied by Busselton shire council. Visible from Caves Road, the gold statuette perched atop a tall electric blue pole has divided public opinion since its installation in a dam last year, sparking debate over its contribution to the area’s rural landscape. While Laurance Cellars founder, Dianne Laurance, was thrilled with the tribunal’s decision, The Note understands the local council is going back to the drawing board to toughen up its planning scheme. Proving any publicity is good publicity, The Note hears the sculpture was attracting more "happy snapper" attention than usual over the weekend.
