A federal election is in the air – the signs are everywhere.
Knox City Council has received a number of complaints about the placement of election signs.
Council manages the placement of election signs on Council land through its Amenity Local Law. It does not manage signs on major roads, which is the responsibility of VicRoads. State planning provisions set the rules for signs on private property.
On Council land, permits are required for signs and the distribution of election material.
Election signs up to 900mm x 600mm can be displayed on pre-approved sites on Council land in accordance with permit conditions detailed in the Election Signage Rules available on Council’s website here. Council’s requirements state a candidate can have one sign per site.
Candidates can also apply for a permit to display signage at sites not covered by the above pre-approved locations.
VicRoads is responsible for approving and enforcing signs on major roads.
One political sign of up to five square metres in area can be displayed on a private property for up to three months.
On both public and private land, signs can remain no longer than 14 days after an election.
It is a permit holder’s responsibility to remove signs.
While some political parties have applied for permits to display election signage on Council land, others have erected signs without a permit resulting in Council issuing directions to remove signage. Some signs have been impounded and infringements may be issued.
