WIMMERA Mallee Tourism believes more silo art is needed in the region to further boost tourism and the economy.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced $500,000 for the group while at Sheep Hills on Wednesday.
He said the money would help the tourism group create a plan for the future and possibly add another 12 silos to the existing art trail.
Wimmera Mallee Tourism representatives Jeff Woodward, from Hindmarsh Shire, and James Goldsmith, from Buloke Shire, welcomed the announcement.
Mr Goldsmith said the silos had already made a huge difference to Buloke.
“People are going to Brim and they are coming through our towns and stopping,” he said.
“If we had more silos that are close together in the region, it would be fantastic.”
Mr Woodward said while Yarriambiack Shire initiated the Silo Art Trail, the entire region was capitalising on it.
Yarriambiack mayor Graeme Massey said the money allowed the Wimmera Mallee Tourism group to take ownership of the project.
“We knew the Silo Art Trail was never going to stay within Yarriambiack Shire, but this gives us a better opportunity to keep it within our region,” he said.
“It will give us a chance to develop and express ideas further about how we can bring more people to western Victoria.”
Cr Massey said he never expected the trail to take off like it had.
“Brim was meant to be a one-off, but we saw how it drew attention to a small town and that was terrific.”
Juddy Roller creative director Shaun Jossack said he couldn’t be happier with the announcement.
The group has been involved in co-ordinating artists for the trail.
“We’ve had some discussions about the potential of the trail and other parts of Australia have been adding their own silos,” he said.
“We saw how good Brim was and knew this was going to be a big thing.”
Rosebery silo will be painted this month as part of the existing trail. Resident Maxine Mitchell said she was excited for the boost it would give to the area.
