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By CAITLIN CROWLEY
THE LOCKYER Valley could be home to Australia’s next stunning silo mural with plans to transform four GrainCorp silos at Forest Hill pushing ahead and open for community feedback.
If successful, the project would result in the closest silo art to Brisbane and South East Queensland as the Lockyer Valley Regional Council (LVRC) identifies “considerable tourism potential” including the opportunity for cafes and hotels, boutique shops, farm-gate stalls and tours.
LVRC confirmed discussions with GrainCorp and Queensland Rail had been positive with in-principle support obtained but formal approvals will be required before any painting can be done.
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LVRC has released the first glimpse of what a proposed viewing precinct could look like (main picture) with a dedicated viewing area, carpark, bus turnaround space and RV parking.
Mayor Tanya Milligan said the council received strong community support for the art project when community consultation was first completed in July 2021, along with identifying themes for the artwork itself.
“One of the requirements for applying murals to a GrainCorp silo is having a dedicated viewing area and parking,” Milligan said.
“Council is seeking to maximise the economic and tourism potential by designing a Viewing Precinct that will be attractive for day trippers, short-stay self-contained RV campers and tour buses.
“We’re inviting interested community members to share their thoughts at one of the upcoming consultation sessions so we can put the spotlight on this important aspect of what is sure to be an exciting project for the Lockyer Valley and our growing community.”
The next stage of the project will involve preparing a design brief and seeking expressions of interest from suitable artists to take on the mammoth job.
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The council’s project overview states the silo murals are a “long-term project intended to be undertaken in stages subject to obtaining funding” from government departments, corporate sponsorship and the community.
LVRC has identified a range of opportunities the attraction could create for the region, from a new space to host local festivals and markets to becoming a major tourism drawcard for the Valley.
The transformative effect of silo art projects is well documented across country Australia, with Thallon’s outdoor art one of Queensland’s biggest silo success stories.
The first of four consultation events in Forest Hill is this Saturday, April 22. For more information and to view the draft designs head to council’s engagement hub website.
Community consultation on the viewing precinct closes May 10.