An idea hatched to establish a giant canola-themed tourist attraction in Temora by a local man, Les Jasper, is gaining momentum. Mr Jasper put forward the idea on social media as he believes the town could strengthen its appeal as a destination for travellers visiting Australia’s famous “Big Things”. He has suggested the construction of a Big Canola structure at least eight metres tall, aligning Temora alongside towns that have successfully installed large-scale attractions to attract more visitors. With a background in advertising and social photography in Queensland, Mr Jasper said his work there had often involved attending community functions and developing ideas to help engage locals. He believes a Big Canola would complement existing tourism strategies and reinforce the town’s strong agricultural identity. “I suggested the ‘Big Canola’ as a go-to destination for those who seek out this type of activity, including the Silo Art Trails,” Mr Jasper said. “I think Temora could be a go-to place as part of the ‘Big Things’ tourist attractions. “It also gives a town a positioning statement of the importance of farming and cropping in this region. “I’d like to see Temora Shire claim the title of Canola Capital. “In keeping with this theme, I thought placement of the structure could be at the information centre (Bundawarrah) front lawn, where it could be illuminated or at the entrance to Lake Centenary.” Many Temora residents agreed the installation of a “Big Thing” would be beneficial, saying the proposal was “awesome” and a “great idea”. Rob Russell thought Mr Jasper’s suggestion was a “cracking idea” and urged the Temora Shire Mayor Rick Firman to “get on this”. Councillor Firman said the council was always open to considering ideas from locals, but noted that any proposal would need to be formally submitted for the council to make a decision. He also said many councils throughout regional Australia were facing significant financial pressures and any proposal would need to be assessed in that context, but he did not rule out the project. “Council is always happy to consider ideas,” Cr Firman said. “However, we encourage Mr Jasper to write to the council, with his idea, approximate costings, funding source suggestions, location suggestions etc. “As we know, Temora Shire Council is experiencing very difficult financial challenges currently, as are most other rural councils, so we must be mindful of that. “However, the council is always open to consider ideas from our citizens, however no promises can obviously be made, other than the council will consider it. “We look forward to receiving Mr Jasper’s proposal. “It’s great we have people always looking at ways to further enhance our cherished Temora Shire.” To help progress the idea and ease the financial burden on the council, Mr Jasper pointed to a funding opportunity through Creative Australia’s Arts Projects for Individuals and Groups program, which offers grants of between $10,000 and $50,000. The second funding round closes in September. If implemented, the Big Canola would join the growing list of oversized attractions, such as the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, which have become popular stopovers for tourists travelling across regional Australia, while highlighting the importance of agriculture in the Temora Shire.
