A vibrant new mural at Gordons Bay in Sydney’s east is capturing the attention of pedestrians and reminding people of the harmful effects of litter on the local marine environment.

The mural, which has been painted on a small pump station, is located on the popular Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walkway, at the north end of Gordons Bay near Clovelly car park. It features paintings of the famous local blue groper 'Bluey' on the front and a large blue octopus on the back, both swimming among litter.

“Gordons Bay is part of a precious aquatic reserve that stretches across 4,000 metres of coastline from Coogee to Bronte,” Randwick City Council Mayor Philipa Veitch said. “It is home to a rich biodiversity of marine vegetation and fish, including the much-loved blue groper, Bluey."

“Millions of people from all over the world visit this area every year, whether to walk the Coogee to Bondi coastal path, or swim or snorkel in Gordons Bay or neighbouring Clovelly. The beauty of this unique environment is dependent on everyone who passes through it.

“The mural was commissioned to remind people to do their part for the environment and take their rubbish with them or bin it. Council has installed waste and recycling bins at both ends of Gordons Bay to make this easier,” Mayor Veitch said.

Sydney mural artist Nico Nicoson, who completed the artwork this week after six days of work, said: “I wanted the mural to be a visual language and its message accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures.”

Nico said the mural had already sparked conversations with passers-by. “A lot of people including children came up and asked me about it while I was painting,” he said. “I love that children are engaging with it.

“It’s opening opportunities to talk about the impact that litter has on the ocean, fish and other wildlife – a conversation that many people may not otherwise have.”

Mayor Veitch said: “Nico has done an amazing job to turn what was a heavily graffitied pump station into a colourful and attractive piece of art that people of all ages can enjoy and learn from.

“The mural will be a memorable and long-lasting contribution to Council’s ongoing work to protect our beautiful coastline and ocean life.”

Funded by the NSW Environment Protection Authority, the mural is a part of a Randwick City Council project aimed at reducing litter at Gordons Bay and Yarra Bay.