THE council has become the new owner of, arguably, the city's most iconic landmark.
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At its last meeting of the year, the council voted unanimously to accept the city's big golden guitar as a donation through the cultural gift program.
The New England Highway landmark now adds to the council's growing portfolio of country music assets.
It is understood the big guitar was donated to the council.
This sculpture is seen as an Australian icon and is one of the most visited and photographed sites in Australia.
- Tamworth gallery director Bridget Guthrie
However, the council paid an undisclosed amount for two "independent external valuations and the consultant's travel costs" in line with its cultural gift program policy.
In a report to the council tabled by gallery director Bridget Guthrie, the guitar was described as an icon.
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"This sculpture is seen as an Australian icon and is one of the most visited and photographed sites in Australia," Ms Guthrie's report said.
"Many tourists and country music fans who pass through Tamworth stop to have their photo taken in front of the Big Golden Guitar.
"Known throughout the world, it identifies Tamworth as the country music capital of Australia."
The monument was unveiled in 1988 by Slim Dusty.
The fibreglass structure stands 12 metres tall and weighs half a ton.