Council cracks down on outdoor signage
Tue 27 May 2008
Belinda Gear, Journalism
Eumundi shop keepers are confused about shop signage as the Sunshine Coast Regional Council has cracked down on a range of outdoor banners and signs.
Eumundi shop keepers said council representatives recently threatened to fine shops for having A-frame signs, flags and banners outside shop premises.
Mango Art operator Ushi Schwarz had banners hanging on the outside wall of her shop, positioned at least 1.8cm from the ground, and said the banners did not obstruct or interfere with pedestrians in any way.
Ms Schwarz said council authorities told her to remove the banners or keep them within the shop premises as they impeded on council air space.
“The people who ran the shop before me had signs in exactly the same place in a different colour and no one ever came around saying anything then,” Ms Schwarz said.
“How are we going to do business? Council should be aware if they give space in a township for retail then they need to give space for signs.”
Other Eumundi store owners were also told to remove signs.
The owner of The Christmas Shop, across the road from Mango Art, received a warning they would be fined $150 if they did not remove the blow up Santa doll tied outside the shop premises.
A spokeswoman for Tina Cooper Gallery, another Eumundi business, said a council representative moved her A-frame sign inside the gallery and told her if it was out again the gallery would receive a $150 fine.
She said she contacted council to clarify her options and was told A-frames and banners impeded foot traffic but she could put up flags.
Sunshine Coast Council community relations regional manager Debbie Woodhouse said council visited the area after receiving a complaint from an injured customer in relation to A-frame signs in the Eumundi Market area.
“Council is obliged to investigate customer complaints particularly where there is an issue of public safety,” Ms Woodhouse said.
Council’s Footpath Dining and Trading Policy 2006 says, “No A-Frame (A Boards) or freestanding menu boards are permitted in the trading area or in access ways, pedestrian areas or kerbside areas.”
Ms Schwarz said she understood the issue with A-Frame signs and was waiting for council to review its decision regarding her banners.
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