The members of the group are the latest residents to weigh in on the hat-shaped pergola, estimated to cost $30,000, as the would-be tourist attraction continues to polarise public opinion.

FORG president Ros Kemp said the group welcomed council’s decision to spend more on public art with the “more suitable” life-sized bronze sculpture of the poet sitting on a bench - expected to cost $90,000.

But the group does not support the big hat and questions the significance to Paterson, when “tens of thousands” of Australian men past and present have also chosen to wear hats.

“It’s an outdated, gimmicky structure that really doesn’t constitute public art,” she said.

“[The sculpture] is more aesthetically pleasing and it has more relevance.

“They should spend more money on public art that has true worth.”

With a Big Pineapple, Big Merino, Big Banana and Big Dunny already populating Australia’s tourist destinations, the group argues the big angle has been done to death  and Paterson and Orange deserve better.

The group have suggested an annual or biennial Banjo Paterson art prize or artist  scholarship, alongside the existing writing awards, would be a better investment of ratepayers’ money rather than the pergola and would put the national spotlight on Orange as the poet’s birthplace for the right reasons.

Ms Kemp encouraged all residents to voice their opinion on council’s website, either for or against the pergola.

“Everyone in Orange should be concerned about where they spend money on public art in Orange,” she said.

Public comments on the pergola proposal close on Tuesday, December 3.

clare.colley@fairfaxmedia.com.au

SCRATCHING OUR HEADS OVER BANJO HAT