The creation of Yackandandah sculptor Benjamin Gilbert is part of Wodonga Council’s move to have art feature at the city's gateways and follows the Porta spheres being installed near the Union Bridge in 2007.

Erected on the roundabout at Melbourne Road and Moorefield Park Drive on Monday, the council's manager of culture and tourism Simone Hogg said the dragonflies were symbolic. 

“The work is an artistic representation of the movement and flight of two dragonflies alighting on a reed, which evokes notions of hope and aspiration for the city,” Ms Hogg said. 

“We wanted residents and visitors who enter Wodonga from the freeway to be welcomed by some beautiful artwork; art that would leave a significant impression on them.”

But Wodonga Ratepayers Association president Ian Deegan was not impressed.

“I would bet my bottom dollar that half the people that drive past it don't see it,” Mr Deegan said.

“There's more important things to spend money on like services to the community like the dog pound.”

Reaction from those at businesses looking over the roundabout was mixed.

“It's strange, very strange,” Murray Valley Motel administration manager Stephanie Williams said.

“Guests have said it looks like another light pole.

“They could have done something more inviting, say something for the new Junction Place, an image of that.

“Dragonflies – I don't even see many around here, they could have put a kangaroo, we see a few of them, or a rabbit or a fox.”

Bike Edge Wodonga spare parts interpreter Chloe Graeber said: “It's kind of pretty, I think it definitely makes the area look a lot nicer.”

Southern Vale Homes receptionist Marie Wood called it nice but was curious about whether it would light up.

Gilbert said he had considered internal lighting but there was a concern it would pose a reflective hazard.

The 8m-high sculpture, which met VicRoads safety standards, was to Gilbert a “sensible, peaceful, acceptable piece”.

“It's not an overly gregarious civic sculpture,” he said.

“Civic sculpture can be awkward, some pieces are evidently brave, I don't think this is outrageously brave.”