The Upper Murray town, which swells with 20,000 visitors for its annual Man from Snowy River Bush Festival, would have a strong case for the attraction which will be launched at the annual Mountain Cattlemen’s Association get-together at Omeo this weekend.

The Coalition, if elected later this year, will make a $200,000 commitment towards planning for where the attraction would be located.

Member for Benambra Bill Tilley will attend the get-together once again and seek feedback from cattlemen as to the preferred location.

“The best location will be determined by the cattlemen themselves, but look at the success of the Man from Snowy River Bush Festival in Corryong where there is 20,000 visitors a year without trying,” he said.

“The sad fact is that without this Hall of Fame that knowledge, history and culture could be lost forever.

“It has the potential to be an additional tourist drawcard, educational and celebrate the pioneer families who made an enormous contribution not only to the high country, but our state.”

Other high country communities expected to register an interest in the Hall of Fame include Mansfield, Mount Beauty and Omeo.

MFSRBF festival co-ordinator Jenny Boardman said: “The festival will always support any project that promotes and sustains the heritage of our high country horsemen and women, and their contribution to our history.

“Keeping alive the skills, knowledge and lifestyle of our forefathers is the essence of what the festival celebrates every year in Corryong.”

Short-listed locations will receive financial assistance to compile a business case.