Quirindi Silo Art project committee raring to go with engineers report done

The report has determined that the silos are safe to have work done, and now, it's all systems go.

Committee chair Ian Carter was very grateful for the support received to have the report done, with funds received from a Liverpool Plains Shire Council grant, Whitehaven Coal, the Quirindi Business Chamber, and some generous locals.

He is the mastermind behind the plan to have the Station Street silos painted. He started a petition to have the work done months ago, and it's now reached more than 4700 signatures.

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The project hasn't been funded yet, but Mr Carter said talks were ongoing between the committee and GrainCorp to allow painting to occur.

"We have continued to have very encouraging and supportive discussions with GrainCorp, concerning the use of the silos for the art work and GrainCorp [is] doing all they can to ensure that the project is a success and brings major financial, tourism, and business opportunities to the town," he said.

Next up, the committee will be looking to apply for grants to have the work done.

"At our last committee meeting, the Quirindi Silo Art project draft business plan was tabled and by early April this will be finalised, which means we will then be in a position to commence applying for grants", Mr Carter told the Leader.

"We have been extremely heartened by the enormous amount of support that we are receiving and to see Quirindi included in the Australian Silo Art Trail Map, as a proposed sight, was a fantastic encouragement."

The group has been in contact with Griffith University's Dr Amelia Green, too, who is providing advice as part of her research "into the impact that silo art is having on rural communities".

"In the near future, we and the community are hopeful that Quirindi will not only be the gateway to the North West, but through the silo art be known as Quirindi silo art, gateway to the North West and Australia's ultimate road trip," Mr Carter said.

There are many ideas for what the art would incorporate, including sunflowers, Indigenous aspects, and the Kokoda Trail to link in with the Kokoda Track walkway project.

Other ideas for the silo art project include lighting for night-time viewing and a viewing platform from the top of the silo using an already-existing internal lift.

Those wanting to support the project can sign the online petition via http://chng.it/RmHKtwqSYC

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