Signs of a change

By Melissa Grant
UGLY advertising in Pakenham has prompted the Cardinia Shire Council to get serious about stamping out illegal signage.
Councillor Brett Owen says the municipality has a problem with unsightly promotional material and wants the council to introduce more restrictions on advertising as soon as possible.
“Right across the shire we have problems with signage,” he said.
“We’re seeing issues with shipping containers placed on the verge of the Pakenham Bypass with signage and I think that’s inappropriate.”
The council drafted a signage policy in late 2007 but it is yet to be formally adopted.
The Pakenham Business Group (PBG) has backed Cr Owen’s call to get the council moving on the policy.
PBG vice president Michael Porter said businesses in Cardinia had too much free reign when it came to promoting their products.
“They certainly have to have some kind of policy – you can’t go willy-nilly and make signs as big as you want,” he said.
Mr Porter said the council also seemed to be stricter on signage in Pakenham’s Main Street than at factories in the area.
PBG president Sue Day said it was important that the council was consistent in its approach towards advertising.
“We would like to see a cohesive approach to signage,” she said.
“It’s an important part of any business but we’d like to see a uniform approach.”
The policy aims to control the amount of signage being displayed in the shire and to ensure signage is compatible with existing buildings and the natural landscape.
The previous council called for the policy to be adopted more than a year ago amid concerns about illegal signage in the shire, particularly large signs on trailers parked on the side of the road without the council’s permission.
The advertising sign policy has not progressed due to aState Government review of advertising sign provis-ions that would impact on the policy.
Cr Owen was happy the council’s policy would be updated and urged those affected to comment on it.
“I’m really pleased that this is once again going out for public consultation,” he said.
“It’s a consistent policy that is clear on what you can do in relation to signage in Cardinia.”