The Bogan Shire Council, in western New South Wales, wants to exploit its link to the often-derogatory label by building a "big bogan" statue.

Mayor Ray Donald said the 3.5-metre statue would depict a "bloke" wearing shorts and a singlet with a fishing rod and a tuckerbox, which people could sit on and take photographs.

"We intend to put it by the Bogan River at this stage, we haven't got a definite site selected," Cr Donald said.

"Bogan has a bit of a negative connotation at times, but we want to get the positive side of it and get any benefit we can out of it for local tourism."

The statute would cost $8,000, but Cr Donald said work would not begin until the community gave it the green light.

"We need to consult the community and see how they feel about it."

Local residents have expressed mixed feelings.

One said it was a great idea - but it could be improved

"One thing that's missing is the stubby," he said.

Another resident was less enthusiastic.

"I do not identify as a bogan - if you look up bogan, it's very negative," she said.

Cr Donald said, if the public approved, the statue could be built by the end of the year.

The rural shire has a population of about 3,000 which is based around the town of Nyngan.