A PROPOSAL to build The Big Bogan in Nyngan is exciting but it would not happen unless the community at large gave it the nod, according to Bogan Shire Mayor Ray Donald.
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A plan to immortalise the iconic Australian image of the "bogan" in a giant steel statue complete with thongs, singlet and Esky has been submitted to Bogan Shire Council.
"We'll make an assessment at next month's council meeting whether we have received enough comment on the proposal, and we may be in a position to make a decision but otherwise we'll put the idea out for more comment," Cr Donald said.
Drawings prepared by Council's manager of engineering services Graeme Bourke based on an idea by Reverend Graham McLeod of Nyngan's St Mark's Anglican Church received an enthusiastic reception when first brought to the attention of Council at its March monthly meeting.
Since then, news of the proposal had brought nationwide media attention to Nyngan, with some overseas media outlets even reporting the story.
"We've had a lot of media interest from far and wide - Perth, New Zealand and someone told me it had gone to America," Cr Donald said.
"That side of it has been very good. It is, however, still a draft but I think most people will see the potential benefit for tourism.
"Some residents are a bit worried about the derogatory side of the bogan idea, and fear that it will project an image that that's what Nyngan people are like. But it's not meant to imply Nyngan people are Bogans.
"There has been a mixed reaction but most appear to be seeing the positive aspects."
If The Big Bogan went ahead, Council would minimise costs by having Bogan Shire Council staff construct the monument, Cr Donald said.
Preliminary estimates suggested the 3.6m high steel figure with a fishing rod in his hand alongside a three-dimensional Esky for visitors to sit and have their photo taken with The Big Bogan would cost about $8000.
Despite media attention The Big Bogan proposal had attracted a grounded Cr Donald said it was just one of many exciting things that were happening in the Bogan Shire.
"We've got the largest solar farm in the southern hemisphere, a wonderful shearing shed and museum and a very big plan for Anzac Day," he said.
