The Somewhere Down the Lachlan Sculpture Trail has received a $5.7 million funding boost.
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Twenty commissioned artworks, a new cultural centre and three new bird hides at Gum Swamp are part of plans to make this an art tourism destination.
"Forbes is famous for its bushranger history and heritage buildings and soon it will be known for its impressive sculptures," The Hon Sam Farraway said in announcing the funding at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre on Friday.
Sculptures of up to 10m tall will be commissioned for the sculpture trail, stretching from Lake Forbes out along the Lachlan River.
Three new bird hides for Gum Swamp are planned, and a new cultural centre is also envisaged.
"This sculpture trail will be a unique, permanent installation unlike anything else in regional NSW," Mr Farraway said.
Forbes Shire Council Mayor Phyllis Miller welcomed the funding, the council will provide a further $784,000 to deliver the project.
"The bird hides will bring new life to the existing bird watching area at Gum Swamp wetland which is a haven for water birds and is recognised across Australia for the migratory species it attracts.
"I thank the NSW Government for this significant grant and would also like to acknowledge Lachlan Shire Council, Forbes Art Society and Evolution Mining who are all also providing financial support for this initiative."
Forbes Arts Society's Dr Keith Mullette likened the funding announcement to standing on the Olympic podium after many years of training and preparation.
"We have worked hard at this for such a long time and people really put in the long strokes," he said.
The hard work of many will see Rosie Johnson's Somewhere Down the Lachlan sculpture trail vision fulfilled.
Dr Mullette paid tribute to all those who have been part of it for giving an enormous tourism boost to the Lachlan valley.
They range from the farmers who built the original red amazing through the individuals, corporate sponsors and council.
Playing a significant role in it all is Grazing Down the Lachlan, which on Thursday night won gold at the NSW Tourism Awards.
"This project is primarily about using the arts and great food in a great setting to showcase the Lachlan Valley," Dr Mullette said.
"To turn Forbes from a place where you drive through or perhaps break for the night ... to a place where you spend time.
"To investigate the fantastic sculpture trail ... view the art in the gallery, go bird watching at Gum Swamp and down the sculpture trail.
"Let's hope that the work being done in the CBD will encourage people to linger for a while, walk around and shop," Dr Mullette said.
"Let's gear ourselves over the next few years to make the CBD a wonderful shopping experience, a great place to have a great coffee and linger and enjoy the sculptures around town (of which there will be many more) then visit the new gallery and enjoy some special food."
And it's not just about Forbes but the whole valley, about encouraging the thousands who come to Parkes for Elvis to also explore Forbes and from here head to Eugowra to appreciate the murals, as well as to the galleries and gardens in Canowindra and Cowra.