THE State Government has written to the Devonport City Council, happy to consider alternatives to the controversial Spirit of The Sea receiving $180,000 in tourism funding.

But new options would need to be presented with Devonport City Council and community support.

Arts Minister Michelle O'Byrne's letter to Mayor Lynn Laycock has put the ball back in the council's court over the controversial $275,000 project - and the council promptly hit it back.

"It's really a State Government issue if there is going to be any reversal," Ald Laycock said.

"The council supported Spirit of The Sea in principle and the Lions Club applied for the funding. The bottom line is this is the government's doing."

Heated debate was sparked after public submissions were not taken for the project.

Last week while the Mayor said it wasn't a council project, the government said it had approved funding with council's backing.

The Arts Minister penned the letter (acting on behalf of Tourism Minister Paula Wriedt) to confirm funds had been awarded for an "icon marker at the entrance to the Mersey River" because it was the state's main passenger seaport.

The letter noted the community debate questioning the choice of the five-metre naked bronze by Devonport artist Aden McLeod.

Ms O'Byrne's letter said the government had an "open mind regarding the exact nature of the marker and is happy to consider alternatives that have council and community support".

Outspoken critic of the Spirit of The Sea, Devonport artist and TAFE teacher Vivienne Breheney said the Minister's letter to the council offered a good chance to reassess things

"It's a chance to put this significant public artwork opportunity out to other artists," Ms Breheney said.