Drop-in Session for Rainbow Silo Tourism Development

Published on 13 November 2023

Hindmarsh Shire Council will host a Drop-in Session at the Rainbow Library and Customer Service Centre on Friday 17 November 2023 to update interested community members on what is happening with the Tourism Development of the Llew Schilling Silo.

The Drop-in Session will run from 1pm through until 6pm, with community members invited to visit the Rainbow Library and Customer Service Centre during this time to learn more about the project to date, as well as to ask any questions that they may have about the proposed development of the Silo.

Followers of the Silo project will be aware that the original design was advertised for tender in mid-2023. Unfortunately, the tender attracted limited interest and submissions were costed significantly higher than the available budget (which was fully funded by the Victorian Government’s Tourism Infrastructure Program – Flagship Projects).

Consultation with industry stakeholders identified the complexity of construction within the existing 100yo Silo as an issue which limited interest and contributed significantly to the cost of the project. (This is further impacted by unprecedented demand in the construction industry which means Contractors are already busy with works closer to home).

Moving to an external structure adjoining the Silo will allow for a ‘greenfield construction’ project which drastically reduces the complexity of the build. It is hoped this will result in more interest in the project from Contractors and allow for construction to be completed within the available budget. This will become clearer when the tender closes in mid-December.

The development, funded by the Victorian Government’s Tourism Infrastructure Program - Flagship Projects, seeks to repurpose a 100-year-old Grain Silo for Art Activation. It is hoped that the Silo will attract tourists from across the country who are visiting the region to take in the ever-popular Silo Art Trail.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor Cr Brett Ireland explained, ‘this is a great opportunity for the community to drop by for a few minutes to look at the updated design for the Silo development. Council officers will be onsite to answer any questions you may have, so we welcome anyone who would like to come along and learn more about this project.’

For more information, please contact Simon Landrigan, Project Coordinator on 03 5391 4444 or email slandrigan@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Monica Revell
Acting Chief Executive Officer