Theft of iconic sign a ‘low-life act’

The search is on for a replacement for the iconic Anchovy Flats sign which used to sit in the salt flats along Dampier Highway.

Main Roads WA Dampier Highway Duplication project co-ordinator Kugan Kugananthan said after the project began in April 2011 the sign was stolen, amongst some other equipment and tools.

“I can’t now go back and ask the contractor to bring back the sign,” he said.

Mr Kugananthan said if someone was preparing a new sign, they would be happy to reimburse them to help bring back the landmark.

“If we can get hold of that person and they let me know then hopefully we can work something out,” he said.

The salt flats along Dampier Highway have become synonymous with quirky pieces of “public art” with a Titanic, shark fins and a Santa Claus statue amongst some of the items.

Shire of Roebourne president Fiona White-Hartig said she hoped the sign would be back in its proper place.

“It’s historical and it is a landmark of the town,” she said.

Cr White-Hartig joked it was the original public artwork in the Shire.

She said it was really a “low-life act to steal it”.