The iconic North American highway, immortalised by song and TV alike, has inspired a community group called ‘Old Hume Highway 31’.

The non-profit organisation led by convenor Frank Burke, aspires to make the historical highway a tourist attraction like its Chicago-to-Santa Monica equivalent.

With so many towns having been bypassed through deviations to the Hume Highway, the objective of the group is to reignite the trade in these forgotten communities.

“The Old Hume Highway is probably the most important historically and culturally significant road in Australia. Yet in too many areas it is being lost, many towns and villages are struggling and all could and should be doing better,” Mr Burke said.

Mr Burke has garnered support from a number of key players including Yass Valley mayor Rowena Abbey, who has welcomed the idea of the organisation being based at Cooma Cottage.

“Cooma Cottage in Yass, now owned by the National Trust, was the home of Hamilton Hume for 35 years who together with his wife Elizabeth are both buried in Yass. It seemed most appropriate to accept the offer of the National Trust to locate the offices of 'Old Hume Highway 31' in Cooma Cottage,” she said.

Manager of Cooma Cottage, Rick Williams, is excited by the prospect.

“Not only will it be great for those towns that have suffered from a loss of trade but there are a number of other benefits, for example the RTA [now called Roads and Maritime Services] is behind this because it will address fatigue related accidents with plenty more wayside stops,” he explained to the Tribune.

“At this stage it is just a proposal; we need federal, state and local government funding and support from companies to get this up and running we need things like newsletters, signage and advertising to attract local and international tourists,” he continued.

Mr Burke is hosting a meeting at 10am on Wednesday July 16 at the Yass Memorial Hall to discuss the direction of the committee and Cr Abbey encourages everyone to join her at the gathering.

“The concept was warmly accepted by all of us and I encourage you to attend the foundation meeting of 'Old Hume Highway 31' to hear at first hand the concept and the benefits that will accrue to the communities along the Old Hume Highway.”

Mr Williams said the discussion will centre on what agreements have been made and by whom and what the plan is moving forward.

For more information contact Frank Burke on 0418 272 491.