Sydney Opera House: Controversy over projected ad grows

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A controversy is growing in Australia over one of its most recognisable landmarks. An ad for the country's richest horse race will be projected on the Sydney Opera House - despite the objections from many, including its management. Greg Navarro has more from Sydney.

GREG NAVARRO SYDNEY "The unique structure behind me isn't just one that is synonymous with Australia for a lot of people around the world, the Sydney Opera House is also on a World Heritage list, along with the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall.

The controversy here at the moment - is over what a growing number of people fear the Opera House is about to become - a giant billboard.

Racing NSW plans to project an ad for the Everest Horse Race - to be held in Sydney this weekend - on the sails of the Opera House at night.

That has angered a lot of people - in fact the Racing NSW CEO has reportedly said he and his staff have received death threats.

A petition with more than 270,000 signatures was delivered to the NSW parliament, and even the head of the Opera House objected to the move - she was eventually overruled by the state premier.

The Prime Minister has thrown his support behind the move saying quote, 'It's not like they're painting it on there. I mean it's some lights flashing up there for a brief moment of time. And that goes all around the world.'

Opponents are reportedly planning a night time protest with flashlights to attempt to disrupt the image, and anti-gambling advocates are strongly against the idea - stressing that almost 17 billion dollars was lost here last year on legalised gambling.

We should note that the Opera House sails have been used to promote events in the past including the Rugby Union World Cup, but never for commercial gain. Greg Navarro CGTN, Sydney."