Free for all signage in rural areas left unchecked

7 April 2020

The proliferation of rogue signage in all shapes and sizes is springing up like mushrooms in the Peninsula’s rural areas, and where specific Green Wedge Zoning planning permits apply. 

What is concerning the local community is the lack of scrutiny on the part of the shire’s compliance department.

Different controls for different signs in rural, residential, commercial and industrial areas are set out in the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Signage Policy page. Most signs require some type of permission before being displayed. 

State Planning rules stipulate signs and associated structures must be regulated.

 “To provide for signs that are compatible with the amenity and visual appearance of an area” and “to ensure signs do not cause excessive visual clutter or visual disorder”. 

Large billboards attached to permanent timber structures on roadside reserves are increasing at an alarming rate. 

Illuminated signs and a proliferation of permanent sandwich boards on rural roads in Green Wedge is another example of the increase in commercial signage.

 Above: Greg Hunt spending time nailed to a tree

Art galleries, restaurants, farm gate businesses, wine sales, tractor repairs, blackberry sprayers, are all taking advantage of what seems to be ‘anything goes’; on trees, traffic islands, road intersections and street corners.

While businesses should be able to display roadside signage, it is important that rules and regulations are followed and adhered to. 

For example, MPS Signage Policy says movable advertising signs can only be displayed during the times at which the property is trading to the public. While many sandwich boards are taken in at the close of business, most are left out as a permanent fixture.

Current state planning rules and local laws offer advertising options that are varied and reasonable. 

The shire’s Signage Policy was implemented in 2001 with reviews to be conducted every 5 years. The last update was conducted in 2012.