Forbes' giant goanna has already clocked up 16,000 visitors, so it's with delight the Forbes Arts Society reveals the newest addition to the sculpture trail.
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Tower stands 33km west of Forbes on the stock route at Wilbertroy Lane, the 10.5m tall structure made of silvertop stringybark and blue gum is a symbol of the old water towers.
Sculptor Stephen King, who was in Forbes for the sculpture's official opening on Friday, says the water tower has almost been made redundant now, but it's a part of our history.
"Advances in technology continue to change the way we store and use water," he said.
"The old water towers stand as sculptural relic and reminders of what we leave behind in our attempts to meet the challenges of life on earth."
The figure atop the tower is evocative of the workers who built the infrastructure we rely on. King envisages him waiting for the next piece to come up to him for placement.
"I was really thinking about how we built on the backs of our forebears," he said.
"But I have had a few other possibilities put to me ... hopefully everyone can take something away from it."
King encouraged people to walk around and through the sculpture, exploring the shadows and the spaces between.
"I like just wandering about and watching the patterns change," he said.
"Looking at sculpture I feel like we have got to work at it, it does need the three dimensions."
Dignitaries present at the sculpture opening included Forbes Mayor Phyllis Miller, MPs Sam Farraway and Philip Donato and Lachlan Shire Councillor Dennis Brady.
All spoke of the project's tourism value and congratulated all those involved in the multi-million dollar project which includes 20 sculptures from Forbes to Condobolin.
"Yes you've got the Newell Highway but this gives people a real reason to stop, especially while they're holidaying in their own backyard," Mr Farraway said.
"It's a big win-win: it's good respect and acknowledge the cultural heritage of the land, it's important for the region for tourism, and obviously an amazing piece of art."
Mr Farraway congratulated all involved.
"When this is finished I think you'll be hard pressed to find a trail, and artwork, and a tourism attraction like this."
Mr Donato was impressed by the visitation numbers to the goanna - Veranus - to date.
"That's an amazing amount of people," he said.
"It's something that's going to be a drawcard that people will want to visit.
"The amount of caravans that you see travelling through this region is truly significant, tapping into that market of tourism and the economic benefits that brings to the region ... is not to be underestimated. It's significant."
Mayor Miller expressed her excitement about the whole project, describing this addition as "amazing".
"I just want to say thank you (Stephen King) from the bottom of my heart, from our community, to you for delivering such a wonderful sculpture ... that I know will be a great benefit to both towns," Mayor Miller said.
The other recent addition to the sculpture trail is right in the centre of Forbes, in Albion Park.
Arhab Bik Bialhabi - I welcome you with love - is by Western Australian-Iraqi sculptor Ayad Alqaragholli.
The bronze couple, holding aloft a pomegranate, symbolises loyalty, love and a sense of belonging.
Currently based in Melbourne, Ayad was unable to personally install the sculpture due to COVID-19 border restrictions.
He hopes to travel to Forbes once the Albion Park redevelopment is complete.
Forbes Arts Society and the council have teamed up to give the park, in Lachlan Street, a makeover.
"Our team will be upgrading the landscaping within the park and installing an underground irrigation system to ensure the park looks amazing all year round," Mayor Phyllis Miller said.