IT really doesn't sound like a divisive issue but it seems the small community of Molong have mixed opinions when it comes to whether its silos should be painted or not.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Central Western Daily conducted a survey and found that 92 per cent of readers supported plans for Molong's silos to be painted up to become a tourist attraction.
Spearheaded by Grow Molong's group president Les Dean the plan is for them to become an attractive addition to the historic town.
Of course like many good marketing ideas the concept is not new.
Similar murals painted in Portland and Grenfell have proved to be real drawcards.
In fact there are estimates that silo art has increased tourism in some regions by between 300 and 400 percent.
Similar murals painted in Portland and Grenfell have proved to be real drawcards.
While the Molong plans have not yet been presented to Cabonne Shire Council it may be a hard sell with some worried it may impact the town's historic appeal.
Cabonne mayor Kevin Beatty said while council would consider the idea its first job will be to assess the level of community support for the project.
That's where things will get tricky for Cr Beatty.
POLL: Have your say ...
Molong Advancement Group secretary Marj Bollinger thinks there's better ways to draw people to the region and is worried about the associated costs.
While the cost would undoubtedly be off set to some degree with government grants, there's no doubt council would be asked to contribute as well.
Cr Beatty said most government grants require a contribution from the council, often on a dollar-for-dollar basis, and said council simply did not have any funds.
Of course if council don't have funds to kick-start the project there's a concern that any costs associated with the project's upkeep or promotion may be hard to find as well.
It seems the project is a long way off with Cr Beatty yet to consult with GrainCorp, who owns the silos, and with Roads and Maritime Services about road access and the need for a viewing area for the silos.
There are many people who will find the changing or adaptation of the historic silos inappropriate or crass and then others who think a good spruce up would be welcome.
No matter what you think, it's important small communities look at ways to attract tourists and the dollars they can contribute to the economy.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS AND VIEWS?
- Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...