Organisers chase extra funds for world’s largest tractor in Carnamah as costs rise, Shire considering donating

The effort to have the world’s largest tractor in the Mid West town of Carnamah has hit a speed bump, with organisers chasing extra funds as costs rise. To help get the project over the line, the local Shire is considering a contribution of up to $30,000 in its upcoming budget. The Big Tractor campaign began in 2021 with the goal of building a replica Chamberlain tractor, five times larger than the original. Organisers have raised $500,000, but according to chair Brendon Haeusler increased costs meant they now needed to raise another $100,000. “We’ve had a few setbacks, this is just another little one,” he said. Carnamah Shire president Merle Isbister said council would consider providing funds for the project “As part of its consideration, council did resolve that it will consider as part of 2023-24 budget deliberation the request for a donation of up to $30,000 towards the Big Tractor Project with the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (Phase 4) being a potential source of revenue,” she said. Council considered a motion to immediately provide $30,000 at its meeting last month, but ruled there were no funds available in the 2022-23 budget which could be allocated. “There was really not much chance it was coming from the current budget seeing as it’s all budgeted,” Mr Haeusler said. The organisers are also applying for a grant with CBH, have a CBH growers number where people can donate grain, running a raffle March 4 and are accepting donations through the Carnamah Historical Society. “We really hope by the middle of the year we’ll at least be able to get in all the numbers for the build so we can lock in pricing,” Mr Haeusler said.