A BOLD plan to draw travellers into Stanthorpe from the New England Hwy is gaining traction in the local art community.

After seeing the famous Animals on Wheels run in central New South Wales, Stanthorpe handyman Jim Wilkinson believes the idea could work here on the Granite Belt.

For 90km between the townships of Molong and Dubbo, humorous animal art made from scrap metals along the highway keeps travellers entertained on the long drive.

Jim believed the art had a positive effect on tourism in the region and if done here would encourage tourists to turn off at the Stanthorpe bypass to check out the town.

"You've got to create a reason for travellers to stop and make them stay," he said.

"This is a low-cost way of value-adding to the tourism industry in the region.

"It should tell a story about our region.

"The art could be focused on our agricultural sector, the Apple and Grape Harvest Festival or our wine."

Mr Wilkinson thought the run of art could start at the fruit run near Dalveen and continue down the highway to Wallangarra.

"It took just three years to get it up and running near Dubbo," he said.

"There were 100 already built in 2009 and now hundreds scatter the highway."

Jim has called on the capable hands of the Stanthorpe and District Men's Shed to get the ball rolling, using scrap metal to create the art.

"The Men's Shed could do a hell of a lot for this project," he said.

"It's easy. It's just rubbish and scrap metal turned into something worthwhile."

Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery manager Nicola Holly said she would throw the gallery's full support behind the project.

"It would be fantastic if everyone in the art community could get behind it," she said.

"You would need to belooking away from regular artists ... you'd need people who have metalwork skills."

Miss Holly said local businesses could get behind the project by sponsoring a piece of art that points travellers towards both the town and their business.

"Dubbo has turned the project into a competition where the winning entry is recognised," she said.

"If anyone wanted help getting the project started, come on down and we will try and help."

To get involved phone Jim Wilkinson on 4681 0184 or visit Nicola Holly at the Stanthorpe Regional Art Gallery.