Council accepted Mr Flugelman’s offer at Wednesday’s meeting, on the condition the Arts and Culture Board is able to raise a $15,000 shortfall in the cost of installing the work.

Mr Flugelman said the work is approximately three metres high.

“The stainless steel surface would form a mirror, reflecting the trees, sky, shops and people,” he said.

Council will consult the Bowral Chamber of Commerce before deciding where in the plaze the sculpture will be located.

The Chamber previously supported a proposal to erect a statue of Mary Poppins in the Plaza, as Bowral is the only former Australian home of author P.L. Travers’ not to honour her in this way.

Council has also approved an information bay in the plaza.

Chamber president Tony Springett expressed disappointment at not being consulted before the decision was made.

“The Council hasn’t been very transparent in talking to the Chamber,” he said.

“ We didn’t know anything about it until we got the business paper.”

Mr Springett said he was looking forward to meeting Mr Flugelman and council officer Jenny Kena next week to discuss the proposal.

Mr Flugelman offered the sculpture in July 2008 to replace the fountain that was removed from Corbett Plaza during renovation.

Arts and Culture Board chair Cr Juliet Arkwright, praised Mr Flugelman’s generosity.

“Mr Flugelman is doing this gratis. It is his concept and gift. He is also donating $50,000 towards its construction,” said Cr Arkwright.

An anonymous donor has contributed $5000 toward the cost of installing the sculpture but an estimated $15,000 in funding remains to be found.

Cr Arkwright committed the Arts and Culture Board to supporting a fundraising campaign for the remaining $15,000.

“I look forward to the community being involved in the fundraising effort,” she said.

During the debate on Wednesday, Cr Larry Whipper asked whether bright reflections from the sculpture would pose a threat to the drivers of passing vehicles.