The battle to attract grey nomads to country towns is heating up as another innovative monument moves closer to fruition.
The concrete slab for Stanthorpe’s ‘Big Thermometer’ has been laid on the banks of Quart Pot Creek in the Queensland town … and neighbouring communities have been left wondering if they risk being left behind.
In nearby Warwick, the local paper – the Warwick Daily News – has started asking what ‘big thing’ it could lay claim to … with the ’Big Bucking Bronc’ or the ‘Big Rose’ being touted as possible contenders.
In recent years, with many rural communities struggling due to drought and a changing economy, the effort to lure grey nomads has kicked into top gear, and sparked inter-town rivalries.
The rise of silo art is a highly visible example of this trend.
Stanthorpe though has looked a little further back at the success of icons like Coffs Harbour’s Big Banana, Nambour’s Big Pineapple, Ballina’s Big Prawn, and Bowen’ Big Mango.
The Big Thermometer project has actually been in the pipeline since 2002 and, it was approved by Southern Downs Council last year. The Warwick Daily News says the cost of the project – including the earthworks, caravan parking bay and concrete footpath – was estimated at $31,418.
The monument should be completed in time for the 2018 Apple and Grape Festival, which kicks off at the end of February.
Love big things when travelling always find where big things are located
great lateral thinking by the smaller communities i for one will visit