Tasmania’s much loved Big Spud, also known as Kenny the Kennebec, may be relocated from its usual spot near a petrol station in Sassafras when it gets re-erected.
A proposal from family member Ruth Rockliff suggests moving the Big Spud to a new location on the other side of the highway to be called the ‘Rick Rockliff Reserve’.
“In this location it would stand in all its glory with a backdrop of the lovely Mount Roland and farm land instead of being overshadowed by the United Petrol Service Station structures,” Rockliff said.
“It would give space for the erection of Betty the Bismark and any other members of the potato family if they materialised.”
In her letter to the Latrobe Council, Rockliff also suggested installing a plaque to honour her late father and Big Spud creator Rick Rockliff, as well as the potato industry.
“To complete the scene maybe a picnic table and seat could be added to the area and the land be known as the ‘Rick Rockliff Reserve’,” she added.
The Big Spud, which has been a prominent attraction for around 40 years, attended Rick Rockliff’s funeral in December after it was blown over during high winds late last year.
Latrobe Mayor Peter Freshney plans to propose the council’s commitment to working with Rick Rockliff’s family to determine the location and suitability of a memorial at the council’s January 15 meeting.
Rick Rockliff, the father of Premier Jeremy Rockliff, was a long-serving councillor and significant figure in agriculture.
Council staff described Rick Rockliff as a dedicated pillar of the community who served with diligence and compassion.
