AN amnesty of 12 months on road-facing signage at sports clubs has been granted, but some councillors fear it may become a free for all.
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After reviewing a decades-old law on signage at sports grounds, councilllors agreed to allow outward facing sponsorship advertising, but no political signs. The reprieve will stay in place while the law is reviewed.
It comes after the Redlands Netball Association had to remove road-facing signage from its venue at Pinklands Sporting Complex, Thornlands, threatening $30,000 in sponsorship money last month.
Redland City Council cited a local law, which is more than 20 years old, saying signs must face inwards and special approval is needed if they can be seen from public places.
Compliance is generally complaint driven.
Redland Netball Association secretary Jason Schmalkuche addressed council at its meeting this morning saying the disagreement stemmed from a lack of communication.
"We strive to be financially stable and signage is a way not to rely on council for funds," he said.
He said the club was working closely with council on a plan for signage.
Cr Julie Talty said she was concerned that work done to remove illegal signs might have been in vain as people might erect signage again.
She called for a limit to the amount of signs, and size and placement regulations.
"It's not a free for all. It's a difficult topic. Where does it stop and will it be fair," she said.
The amnesty comes with rules, including no illuminated signs, excessive visual pollution, or signs that affect public safety.
No signs are allowed to be placed on a road, place or premises beyond the boundary fence of the sporting facility.
Cr Rowanne McKenzie said she was concerned the amnesty might trigger businesses, not just sports clubs to add to their signage.
Cr Lance Hewlett said since he had been in council there had been no complaints against sports club's sponsored signs, except for politically-motivated accusations.
Mayor Karen Williams said in a mayoral minute tabled at today's meeting that council had never sought to restrict the ability of sporting organisations to seek and obtain sponsorship from third parties.
"The current situation is an unintended consequence of this local law, which council seeks to rectify to remove any potential adverse impact on the clubs," she said.
She said the proposed review was to ensure that appropriate opportunities be considered to allow sporting organisations to have additional revenue opportunities.
