A DECISION has been made to build The Big Bogan at a parking area near the Nyngan CBD.
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The original proposal was to place the iconic statue at the Peter Sinclair Bridge to tie in with the theme of the Bogan River, and for it to be in a prominent location on the highway so passing travellers could see it.
But feedback from locals to Bogan Shire Council suggested it should be erected within the town CBD to encourage passing travellers to stop in Pangee Street to visit existing businesses and places of interest.
At its latest monthly meeting, Bogan Shire Council made the decision to put the Big Bogan at the Teamsters Rest Parking Area.
A report to council suggested the site had several advantages, including that it was close to the CBD, there was parking for cars in the street and room for caravans and RVs off-street, it was next to the Cobb & Co Coach, refreshments and food were available, it was visible from the street and close to public toilets.
It was noted that the area was an existing overnight camping area for RVs and a sewer dump point for RVs.
In making its decision, council decided against placing the Big Bogan at other proposed locations including the Nyngan Museum car park and Davidson Park next to the Centenary Mural.
"We realise that not everybody favours having the Big Bogan located in Nyngan, however we don't believe the town and its people will suffer any demise in reputation."
- Bogan Shire mayor Ray Donald.
Original plans to build a 3.6m statue had also since been changed to provide a 6m statue.
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.
Bogan Shire Council general manager Derek Francis said with plans for a bigger statue came an increased cost estimate for the project, which had initially been about $8000 but would now be closer to $14,000.
He said council workers would probably build the statue but the steel cutting would probably need to be done elsewhere.
Bogan Shire mayor Ray Donald thanked everyone who had made submissions about the project, which he said had been taken into account before making the decision.
"We realise that not everybody favours having the Big Bogan located in Nyngan, however we don't believe the town and its people will suffer any demise in reputation by having the structure erected," he said.
"We certainly feel there will be considerable tourism and small business patronage benefit for the town, coupled with a historic Aboriginal connection to promote the project."
