Victoria’s breeding capital Nagambie has started preparing for the arrival of one of Australia’s sporting legends.

A larger-than-life, bronze statue of world champion mare Black Caviar is to be installed in the town centre of Nagambie and is expected to bring thousands of visitors to the area.

Premier of Victoria Denis Napthine and Member for Benalla Bill Sykes announced a $50,000 grant from the Victorian Coalition Government’s “Putting Locals First” program that will assist the Shire of Strathbogie in landscaping the statue site.

“The legend of Black Caviar is known throughout the racing world, with an unprecedented 25 consecutive wins, and Nagambie’s Gilgai Farm and Swettenham Stud is where the legend was born and raised,” Napthine said.

“This amazing Black Caviar statue will not just be a tribute to racing when installed later this year, but also a major tourist attraction.

“This great champion attracted hundreds of thousands to the track and we now believe she will attract many thousands to the beautiful town of Nagambie, her birthplace and the centre of Victoria’s breeding industry.”

Sykes said visitors will be able to stop in the newly-designed High Street in Nagambie’s town centre and see this larger-than-life bronze statue.  “At the same time they can take in the natural beauty of Lake Nagambie, the waters of which lap at the shoreline just metres away.

“And of course a visit to the Nagambie region would not be complete without visiting local, award-winning wineries and restaurants.”

Mayor of the Shire of Strathbogie Deb Swan said the Council was set to provide a further $30,000 towards the project.

“Following the Goulburn Valley Highway bypass, it is a priority for Strathbogie Shire Council to develop Nagambie into a destination of choice, to entice travellers to the town from the Highway,” she said.

“With a major tourist attraction like the Black Caviar statue, along with the already beautiful Lake Nagambie and surrounds, it is likely more people will make the choice to visit Nagambie with the flow on benefit of patronage of local businesses, wineries and facilities during their visit.”

Napthine said the thoroughbred breeding industry is worth hundreds of millions of dollars of economic benefits annually to Victoria and generates hundreds of jobs, largely in regional Victoria.

“Nagambie is of course the capital of the state’s breeding industry with some of Australia’s very best racehorses bred here through studs such as Darley, Eliza Park and Swettenham among many others.”

Napthine said while the joint funding from the government and council would allow for significant site and landscaping works to be undertaken, the cost of the statue was generously funded by members of the industry lead by Black Caviar’s breeder Rick Jamieson.

The Statue is expected to be complete later this year.