Vote for Big Melon, Big Peanut

One step closer to Next Big Thing

TOOWOOMBA has missed out on the chance for a “big thing” to be built in town, but two others in nearby regions have made it to the finals.

During a two-week nationwide search for the Next Big Thing, conducted by online travel company Wotif, thousands of Australians submitted their big thing ideas.

There are four finalists and two are from neighbouring regions, Chinchilla in the Western Downs and Kingaroy in the South Burnett.

Famous for its melon production and home of the popular Melon Fest, Chinchilla is hoping for a Big Melon.

Known as the Peanut Capital of Australia, Kingaroy’s unique soil makes it one of the world’s most ideal places to grow peanuts and houses Australia’s largest peanut processing plant, making the Big Peanut a natural fit for the area.

The other two finalists are the Big Kilt for Glen Innes Highlands and the Big Tulip for Mittagong.

The shortlisted towns hope that the new attraction will encourage visitors all year-round.

Western Downs Regional Council deputy mayor Andrew Smith said the Melon Fest was one of the country’s most distinctive festivals.

“The Big Melon will cement our status as Australia’s melon capital and give Aussies an excuse to see our beautiful landscape as part of their ultimate tourism bucket list,” he said.

Kingaroy Bowls Club Big Peanut Sub-Committee member Abigail Andersson said a big thing would be a wonderful way to put Kingaroy on the tourism map.

“Visitors and residents alike have been clamouring for a Big Peanut for years,” she said.

“If we finally get one, we’ll be able to establish Kingaroy as a must-see destination.”

Australians have the chance to vote on their preferred Next Big Thing finalist. Those who participate will go in the running to win $2000 towards their next Wotif holiday.

To vote visit www.wotif.com/nextbigthing.