Council to test A-frame ban and other proposed signage changes

Council will soon seek feedback from residents and business owners on a new local law to manage advertising signage, to maintain the unique ‘look and feel’ and character of Noosa.

Council’s Environment and Sustainable Development Director Kim Rawlings said that signage can have a visual impact on Noosa if not well managed and the proposed local law is the best way to do this.

The draft local law captures signage rules from the current Noosa Plan and local laws, while proposing several changes to reduce visual clutter and maintain the high levels of amenity in Noosa Shire. Some changes include a ban on A-frame, ‘teardrop’ and real estate pointer signs which create clutter on public footpaths and safety challenges for pedestrians.

Ms Rawlings said managing the proliferation of these signs represented one of the biggest challenges for staff.

“Not only do they tend to clutter footpaths and impede their use, often the current limitations are ignored with multiple A-frame signs being placed in front of their premises, and generally on public land,” she said.

“There are also public liability issues associated with these devices.

“The proposed changes are not set in stone - we are seeking feedback from business and the community before anything is finalised, to gauge their views.

“Generally, the local law retains the status quo on the amount of signage allowed. This sets Noosa apart from other places, maintaining a total signage area of up to 10sqm per business in commercial and industrial areas, with a size limit of 4sqm per individual sign,” Ms Rawlings said.

While provisions in the planning scheme set the rules for signage currently, the drafting of Noosa’s new planning scheme will see Council instead regulate signage using a local law.

“A local law will make the signage rules more definitive and ensure Noosa’s look and feel is protected for the future,” Ms Rawlings said.

She said a recent signage audit showed that more than 80% of businesses had signage that complied with the rules, and that most non-compliance was around A-frames and teardrop signs.

Residents can review the draft local law and provide their comments online at Council's YourSay Noosa website when it is placed on public notification in June.

17 May 2019