Local business leaders have pitched for a giant pear to be built in Shepparton, on the floodplain of the Goulburn River in northern Victoria.
The fruit would measure three storeys in height, and inside would feature the history of fruit growing in the region, with 90% of Australia's pears still grown in the Goulburn Valley.
It would join the ranks of the big banana in Coffs Harbour and the Sunshine Coast's giant pineapple, which all draw in considerable tourism.
The project could cost as much $1.3 million, and the group is seeking government and stakeholder support, however a report commissioned by the group suggested that the giant pear could see an economic boost of more than $2 million each year for the local community through tourism.
According to Apple and Pear Australia Limited (APAL), the pear industry's value fell from $175 million in 2011 to just $67 million by 2020.
Today, growers are responding to falling returns and rising costs by uprooting 10% of the nation's pear trees.
Most of the pears in Australia are grown in the Goulburn Valley of Victoria. Some growers have removed half of their orchards to remain profitable.
