A university academic and tourism expert has weighed in on the Big Pear debate.

Swinburne University’s Ryan Jopp says the proposal for a three-storey giant pear in Shepparton could boost the region’s identity and tourism appeal.

“Given more than 95 per cent of Australia’s pears are grown here in the Goulburn Valley, this provides an opportunity to further build a sense of identity for the region as the food bowl of Victoria,” Dr Jopp said.

The Big Pear would join the ranks of other famous Australian landmarks like the Big Banana in NSW and the Big Pineapple in Queensland.

Dr Jopp said the Big Pear could benefit local businesses by increasing visitor numbers to Shepparton and surrounding areas.

“Although its unlikely many visitors will come to just see the Big Pear, it will add to the overall destination appeal and certainly has the potential to attract the attention of those passing through the town.”

Dr Jopp also highlighted the social media potential of such attractions.

“The novelty of ‘big things’ makes them highly shareable on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, enabling a form of free advertising for the region through the sharing of user-generated content such as photos and videos.”

The Big Pear project is being driven by a steering group led by former orchardist Rocky Varapodio, with the plan to build it at Emerald Bank on the southern entrance to Shepparton..

The group plans to seek private and public funding for the idea, which could incorporate an interpretive centre explaining the growth of the horticultural industry in the Goulburn Valley.

Consultants Urban Enterprise have drawn up a report on the project.

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