Kirrawee mural brings extremely positive response - but not everyone is happy

Sutherland Shire Council commissioned street artists Scott Nagy and Krimsone to undertake the project, which cost about $20,000, including traffic control.

Reaction on social media was extremely positive, with adjectives such as "amazing", "fantastic", "spectacular", "cool" and "awesome".

However, Cathy Pool, who has operated Kirrawee Flower Decorations for 30 years, said she and some other shopkeepers believed the mural would mainly benefit one business.

Ms Pool said, when she complained to the council, she was told the design was chosen to fit in with the restaurant because it had lost its advertising sign on the wall.

A council spokesman said a program of civic works to enhance community facilities in the Oak Road shopping precinct was being developed as part of the Kirrawee Centre Revitalisation project.

"This artwork is designed to attract interest to the vibrant retail precinct and has drawn an overwhelmingly positive response from local residents since it was completed earlier this month," he said.

"This work was completed at a cost of approximately $20,000, with around half these funds committed to traffic control measure while the work was painted.

"Council financed the artwork through developer contributions as part of a voluntary planning agreement and crime prevention unit funding as a measure to combat persistent vandalism on the site."

The spokesman said council staff liaised with the building owner and tenant in determining the design for the site.

"As this artwork is painted on a private premises, the retail tenant now takes on responsibility for the maintenance of the completed artwork," he said.

"This is one of a number of works to be undertaken as part of the Kirrawee Centre Revitalisation project, including improvements to parking, signage, landscaping and pedestrian safety as well as refreshing the much loved fairy lighting onsite."