Melbourne Mayor's AI-Generated Park Images Go Viral for All the Wrong Reasons

Melbourne’s mayor has promised to create a number of parks if re-elected next month; however, the AI-generated mock-up images he posted have raised a few eyebrows.

Lord mayor of Melbourne Nick Reece posted a number of images on Sunday (22 September) of what his proposed “Garden City” would look like after he opens 28 new parks in Melbourne.

However, as it often does when it generates images, the AI seems to have hallucinated and created a few anomalies, such as people with extra limbs, a man who seems to be walking a giant shoe, and what appear to be corpses.

This is what they want to see on our streets https://t.co/fg8OmRK4EC pic.twitter.com/JRSZ97ZT1K

Responding to the photos on X, a number of Aussies commented on the images.

“Sick AI bro. Love the dead body. Quite the taste,” said one.

Another said: “Sir why is there a dead body in your pictures.”

One person pointed out that the use of AI in this instance could be evidence of cutting corners and saving money.

“Come on mate, government department can hire concept artists surely. You’ve got extra limbs, a dead body lying in the middle of the kids playground… embarrassing,” the person said.

Reece responded to the controversial post, saying: “No humans were harmed in the making of these renders.”

I see there’s a bit of commentary about the renders for the 28 new parks I’ll get built if I’m re-elected Mayor.You guys should’ve seen the originals! pic.twitter.com/GcpihfFiYW

It is unclear which AI bot was used for the generation of the images, but the images have been credited to Hassell Architects.

Cyber Daily has reached out to Hassell Architects for comment on the incident.

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An Australian mayor faced tough online criticism after he shared bizarre AI-generated images of the parks he plans to build.

I've just announced I'll build 28 new parks in Melbourne if I'm re-elected as Mayor. It'll deliver new green space in nearly every neighbourhood in Melbourne, and make us the Garden City. Here's a taste: pic.twitter.com/bnS6SmfPhd

On Sunday, Melbourne's lord mayor Nicholas Reece, who is running for re-election in the upcoming Victorian council elections in October, shared four images on Twitter alongside a pledge to build 28 new parks in the city if he wins.

Social media users were quick to point out and mock the odd characteristics of the images that are frequently associated with AI, including extra limbs and lifeless bodies.

Bro, you need to get these people to a hospital pic.twitter.com/ieVu1XkDEa

@Nicholas_Reece what is your policy on dealing with these mutant beings infilitrating Melbourne in your photographs? pic.twitter.com/FPnZvRLj2N

Reese was quick to respond to the mockery in a new post on X, acknowledging the “commentary” about the posted renderings.

I see there's a bit of commentary about the renders for the 28 new parks I'll get built if I'm re-elected Mayor.You guys should've seen the originals! pic.twitter.com/GcpihfFiYW

There are no rules in Australia against using AI generated images in election campaigns, according to The Guardian, however other lawmakers have called for a ban on AI deepfakes, or videos made pretending to be someone, to be banned before the next election.

Published: 07:16 EDT, 23 September 2024 | Updated: 07:26 EDT, 23 September 2024

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The mayor of Australia's second biggest city's desperate attempt to get residents excited about dozens of potential new parks has been completely derailed by the use of creepy AI-generated concept images.

Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece took to social media on Sunday to share a series of AI-generated images of some of the parks he's promised to create if re-elected next month.

Cr Reece has vowed to transform the CBD into the 'Garden City' by opening 28 new parks if he returns to the top job.

But the plan backfired after the AI images left residents more concerned than excited for the new greenery.

The images showed a number of confusing errors, including two people laying on the ground metres away from young children playing, a man with two legs melded into one, and several extra arms, sparking a range of reactions from baffled Aussies.

'What is your policy on dealing with these mutant beings infiltrating Melbourne in your photographs?' one commented.

'Bro, you need to get these people to a hospital,' another said.

A third quipped: 'Is this after the nukes hit Melbourne, nature takes it back, and only the mutants survive?'

Nick Reece, the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, on Sunday shared a series of AI-generated images of a few of the parks he's promised to create if re-elected

The images showed a number of confusing errors, including two people laying on the ground, a man with two legs melded into one, and several extra arms

Melbourne City Council will hold its election in October with Mr Reece vowing to turn the Victorian capital into the 'Garden City' by opening 28 new parks

A fourth wrote: 'My favourite is this guy who appears to be taking his pet shoe for a walk.'

'Why is there a dead person in your park?' another said.

Others questioned why Cr Reece chose to use AI-generated images rather than hiring a professional to illustrate his grand vision.

'Please hire an actual digital illustrator,' one suggested.

Another asked: 'Do you not have enough money to pay concept artists?'

Cr Reece defended his use of AI by jokingly replying: 'No humans were harmed in the making of these renders.'

He claimed the new park initiative will see new green spaces in almost all Melbourne neighbourhoods.

'Victoria was once known as the Garden State, I want Melbourne to be the Garden City. This is the biggest addition to our city's parks and gardens since Charles La Trobe mapped out Melbourne's parks in the 1840s,' Cr Reece said.

'Every great city is defined by its parks and gardens, and with this plan, we are taking Melbourne's green spaces to the next level.

'Nearly every area of Melbourne will receive at least one new park or green space under this initiative – making our city an even better and greener place to live.'

Commenters questioned why Mr Reece chose to use AI-generated images rather than hiring someone to properly illustrate his parks

One of the images appeared to show a man 'walking his pet shoe' while others had extra arms and legs

The Melbourne Lord Mayor defended his use of AI by jokingly replying: 'No humans were harmed in the making of these renders'

Some of the spaces set to be transformed include the Banana Alley Vaults, under the West Gate Freeway in Southbank, Moonee Ponds Creek, and the boundary of North Melbourne and West Melbourne.

On top of the areas above, five new or upgraded parks will be created across the central city and Docklands with the first conversion hitting Brown Alley square.

The initiative will also open grants to the owners of existing buildings to make publicly accessible rooftop gardens or green walls, reform permitting to allow more homeowners and businesses to plant gardens on footpaths and laneways and support building owners and businesses in purchasing more plants.

Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd

Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group