The 'Warmies' or the 'Hotties' are the nickname for the channel of water that runs from the Newport Power Station to the Yarra River and Port Phillip Bay, and is one of Melbourne's best fishing spots.
The power station pumps Yarra water to cool its turbines, then pours the water, now heated, back into the river. The water jumps from about 9 to 22 degrees, attracting fish that enjoy the warm water habitat.
When the power station is running the banks are packed with fisher-muggles.
The Sculpture
"The warm water from the power station flowing into the cold sea water created a 'Whirlpool', a cauldron of natural and super natural life forms. Within the form of the sculpture there are many references to the past and present environment of The Warmies.
The skeletal nature of design is symbolic and reminiscent of organic structures such as feathers and wings and past vegetation such as mangroves. The arch and the linear aspect of the design relate to the lines of the horizon and the distant architectural structures and the urban landscape.
The intention is to create a dialogue between the architectural, urban structures and the surrounding organic landscapes. By using curvilinear forms, I wanted to create something that would make an impact within the vastness of the landscape of The Warmies, whilst at the same time being the least invasive.
The visual weight of the piece will constantly change according to the angle of vision and the reflection of light." Anuradha Patel, artist.