Australians do not want a billboard on the Sydney Opera House

Sydney - The plan to use the famous Sydney Opera House for advertising has sparked significant criticism in the country. After tumultuous battles, a promotional ad for horse racing will finally be projected onto the iconic building, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2007, on Tuesday. This decision was definitively made by the Premier of New South Wales, Gladys Berejiklian.

The Opera management rejected the proposal to use the iconic building to promote the Everest Cup as "an inappropriate" commercial exploitation last week. Since Friday, around 150,000 people have signed a petition calling for the protection of the Opera House.

Politicians, including Prime Minister Scott Morrison, are defending the plan as an opportunity for the economy and a boost for tourism.

The Sydney Opera House was opened in 1973, designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon, and is considered a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture.

"We adhere to the rules that protect our World Heritage status," said Louise Herron, the chairwoman of the Opera's board, on the radio.

However, Berejiklian had a different opinion and decided that the advertisement, in a somewhat altered form, would be projected onto the building on Tuesday for ten minutes. Even after adaptation, the name of the race - Everest - will remain visible on the logo.

UNESCO announced through its spokesperson that it is addressing the matter. Several thousand social media users have stated that they plan to participate in Tuesday's protest aimed at disrupting the projection. Sydney Mayor Clover Margaret Moore labeled the advertisement as "outrageous exploitation for commercial purposes by an industry known for supporting gambling and cruelty to animals.

Both Berejiklian and Morrison pointed out the economic benefits of horse racing. "It is one of the most significant events of the year, and why not highlight it on the largest billboard in Sydney?" Morrison stated. The race will take place on October 13.

The Opera's sails are often used as a projection surface during cultural events. Three years ago, the logo of the national rugby team appeared on them.