A project to turn Colbinabbin's silos into a massive artwork has taken a step forward, with the group leading the initiative signing a formal agreement with the state government.
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Mary Ann Morgan, chairwoman of the Silo Art project team, said the signing of the agreement meant the silo art had to come to fruition within the next 12 months.
Last year, the silo art project won a $112,500 grant through the state government's Pick My Project program.
The project will now receive preliminary funding for preparatory work and the appointment of an artist.
The project group has already consulted with the community on ideas for the mural, which revealed six areas of interest: agriculture and rural features; history; community; environment and locality; flora and fauna; and sports and social activities.
Ms Morgan said the group would develop a concept and, once appointed, brief the artist on what they thought would best represent the community.
It was anticipated actual painting work would not begin until spring, she said, when the weather was more favourable.
The group has also lodged a submission with VicTrack to lease land in front of the silo to serve as a viewing area.
Ms Morgan said the group was excited about this prospect, because it meant the possibility of installing gardens, walkways and other features to create a public space.
The project team has committed to working with businesses, schools, the CFA and the general community throughout the project.
The silo art project was about sustainability of the community, Ms Morgan said, and creating a point of difference.
She said they wanted to put rural Australia at the forefront of people's minds.
Silo art has proved a popular tourism drawcard in small rural towns across Victoria.
The Mallee Wimmera's Silo Art Trail includes six towns from Patchewollock, south of Mildura, to Rupanyup, east of Horsham.
It was created in 2016 after the success of the silo mural in Brim, where the portraits of four people stand 30 metres tall.
Other towns on the eastern side of Shepparton have followed suit, including Devenish - which boasts a mural paying tribute to servicewomen and another of a lighthorseman - Tungamah and Goorambat.
The artist behind Goorambat's silo, Dvate, is also responsible for the murals of a sugar glider and an azure kingfisher that now adorn silos at Rochester.
Members of the Rochester community told the Bendigo Advertiser last year that the silo art had brought a boost to the town.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
