REVITALISING tourism in Yerong Creek is gaining traction after its water tower's mural project was accepted to compete for state government funding.
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The project is one of 25 in the Wagga electorate opened to public votes for 'My Community Project' funding.
Yerong Creek Progress Association president John Holstein said it came about after Lockhart's water tower success, which has had an increase of about 37 per cent in visitors.
"So we thought this is an opportunity to revitalise Yerong Creek a little bit and have something here that would actually stop some of the 3000 cars that go through on the highway each day," Mr Holstein said.
"We've applied for $57,400, which is the cost of the project based on how much it is for Lockhart as it is the same size water tower."
Mr Holstein said that the aim is to also increase tourism across the Lockhart Shire.
"There's this tower, Lockhart and Milbrulong," he said.
"The only other assets we have in this village is the bowling club and camping ground.
"If we get the tower off the ground, it'd encourage people to stop and start using those facilities as well."
Across regional NSW, silo art has grown in popularity.
In the 12 months to June this year, at least eight murals were completed across country towns, with half of those on water towers, including Narrandera.
Mr Holstein said if they obtain the funding, they will then progress to developing the artwork, which needs to be water based.
"We've had some off-the-wall suggestions," he said.
"One is that we should turn it into a schooner glass."
Long term, other projects may develop from the mural project.
The association's secretary and treasurer Di Holding said the area of land surrounding the tower may house sculptures, gardens and other static displays.
"That's a very nice area and it'd suit our dream of a coffee shop," Ms Holding said.
Voting results will be released in September. Should the association be selected, they will have 12 months to complete the project.
- To vote online and for more: My Community Project.