Measuring 2.4 metres high by 4.8 metres wide and weighing five tonnes, it could be the first of its type in regional Australia, Adam Odeh told The Standard yesterday.

“It’s something seen only at large international events but we believe there is great potential to promote Warrnambool businesses, special events and tourism,” he said.

“When the Oddball movie is released next year there will be a wave of visitors keen to know about the region’s attractions.”

The sign is stored at a Warrnambool address awaiting a decision by the council’s planning department on an application to position it in the south-east corner of the Club Warrnambool car park for advertising by local businesses. He has offered to make it available for other locations.

The planning permit application is available for inspection at the council offices and submissions close on October 13.

Mr Odeh, who came to the south-west from Melbourne a decade ago as a young pharmacist and later established several businesses, said it was one of his many ideas to help Warrnambool achieve its growth potential.

“The council needs to be more practical and rational rather than bureaucratic, because that turns people off,” he said.