What does a rat, a cockroach, and a fly all have in common? Well, they're all commonly found in and around rubbish dumps - But Dublin's super size versions form part of an imaginative collection of scrap metal sculptures built not for arts sake, but to protest a controversial state government decision. Despite protests, the dump became a reality but twelve years down the track these quirky landmarks are still attracting plenty of attention.Back in the 1990's the area was earmarked to have a large waste dump built. Locals were concerned about the negative impact that the landfill and dumping would cause to the fragile environment. The Gulf St Vincent is the 4th most important shore-bird site in Australia and, in South Australia, is second to the Coorong for it's environmental importance.

The statues, made from farming scrap metal, were built as a very public protest to the South Australian government's plans. First built was the Tin Man, then the Environmental Observer and then came the Cockroach. Over time, a whole series of interesting and quirky sculptures appeared, including a rat, a toilet and a spaceship. The rat and cockroach represent the politicians of the time, the toilet as to the future cleanliness of the coastal waters and past Premier John Olsen was represented as Ned Kelly.It's now 15 years later and the sculptures still stand. Without the care and attention of the local landowners, they should have rusted and faded away years ago. These days they are a real talking point, interesting local attraction and a brilliant visual reminder about standing up and having a voice about the environment and conservation.

Cosi from South Aussie with Cosi has already saved the iconic ''Cockroach'' from the scrap yard by restoring and then spending 10 weeks on show in Rundle Mall it has returned home and can be seen from Port Wakefield Road. To see the video of history being made as they unloaded the Cockroach home.