Residents may have noticed their streetscapes looking less cluttered as the Shire’s Community Laws team has been impounding any signs that don’t have a permit. Signs placed on naturestrips, roadsides and other public land require a permit from the Shire, which has identified locations in each town where signs can be erected once a permit is granted.
The Shire wrote to all real estate agents in January advising them to remove any signs that don’t have a permit. Rangers have now impounded more than 60 signs. Owners who want their signs back are required to pay an impoundment fee for each sign. The Shire’s Director Development, Paul Holton, said illegal signs can be distracting for drivers. “If there are too many signs in a driver’s line of sight it can divert their attention. Towns with ‘for sale’ signs everywhere don’t create the best impression for visitors and residents that East Gippsland is a desirable, vibrant place to live,” Mr Holton said. “Our main goal is always education, rather than enforcement. Rangers have spent a lot of time working with local estate agents to guide them on where they can place signs. “We have chosen not to issue infringement notices for first offences, however, any further breaches will result in fines,” Mr Holton said.
To apply to erect a sign on a roadside, complete the application form in the Community Laws section of the Shire's website, www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/forms.
