THE future of Capalaba’s long-debated “baby faces” mural has been thrown into further uncertainty, with copyright questions now emerging as a key factor delaying a decision on the wall’s fate.
Local Redland Bayside News understands uncertainty over who owns the copyright to the original images used in the mural is holding up any decision on its future, as authorities work through the legal complexities tied to the decades-old artwork.
The mural, created around 2000 from photographs of local children submitted by families, has long divided opinion.
For some, it is a nostalgic symbol of community pride.
For others, it has become an ageing and controversial landmark along one of the Redlands’ busiest corridors.
Division 9 councillor Jason Colley said the issue had been raised with him early in his term and had since progressed at a State level.
“Several residents asked me about having these murals removed shortly after I was elected, so I took it to the State MP at the time, but he was unable to do anything about it,” Cr Colley said.
“Since raising the issue with Russell Field MP, this request has been progressed with the assistance of the Department of Transport and Main Roads.”
As previously reported by Local Redland Bayside News, TMR had indicated the wall would undergo repairs, including replacing damaged panels, with plans to repaint the surface in a single colour once works were complete.
At the time, there was no commitment to preserve or restore the mural, and any future artwork was expected to depend on external funding or additional investment.
That position prompted concern the iconic – if polarising – installation would disappear entirely.
The emergence of copyright complications adds another layer to a complex decision, with multiple potential outcomes still on the table including restoration, replacement artwork, or a plain repaint.
The wall sits on State-controlled land, limiting the ability of Redland City Council to intervene directly, despite ongoing community interest in the site’s future.
In an updated statement, a Transport and Main Roads spokesperson would only say the department was still assessing the condition of the Moreton Bay Rd noise barrier – the site of the “Faces of Redlands” mural.
“The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is continuing to investigate maintenance requirements on the sound barrier where the ‘Faces of Redlands’ mural is located,” they said.
As part of its maintenance activities, TMR is assessing the condition and performance of the wall to determine appropriate next steps.
TMR says it will balance its safety and operational responsibilities with the community interest in the site.
With the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games on the horizon and renewed focus on the region’s identity, the mural’s fate is again emerging as a broader question about how the Redlands presents itself.
