November 17, 2017
Could Kingaroy’s iconic peanut silos become an artistic masterpiece if the ALP retains power at the State Election?
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk did not specifically mention Kingaroy – or peanuts – when she unveiled her plan on Friday to “Brush up on silo art”.
In fact, she only concentrated on grain silos … but the funding potential seems similar.
She said a re-elected Palaszczuk Government would promote “stunning silo art projects on former grain-handling silos” with the potential for a new tourism venture across southern and central Queensland.
A program to generate tourism opportunities via a silo art trail would be possible, with councils able to tap into funding under the Queensland Arts Showcase Program.
“In Victoria and NSW, a number of silos – transformed by the work of very talented artists – have formed part of a tourism art trail, attracting thousands of tourists and providing an economic boost for small towns,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Many of these towns have worked in partnership with their local council to develop viewing platforms, car parking and café stops to attract travelling visitors, both during the painting of murals and after completion.”
The Premier said GrainCorp owns silos that could be used as canvases at more than 70 Queensland grain sites from Mount McLaren near Clermont in central Queensland to Thallon near the border with NSW.
“The Queensland town of Thallon is already home to a remarkable piece of public silo art which could be the precursor for an art trail that would draw tourists into some of Queensland’s great rural communities,” she said.
“My office has been in contact with GrainCorp who are open to more silo art projects in Queensland and are excited to work with the local communities.”
- External link: The Victorian Silo Art Trail
Footnote: Graincorp’s former silos at Byee were sold in June this year
