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​Local government ordinary elections are coming up on Saturday, 16 October.

You may have seen our recent article in Spring's Risk Matters magazine that council candidates placing election signage on either Council-owned or -controlled land are required to apply for a permit.

Main Roads has recently released guidelines regarding the installation of advertising material. Key conditions include:

  • The candidate must hold public liability insurance, for a minimum value of $5 million, with a reputable insurance company (please note - the local government's liability Protection will not cover candidates (including currently elected members).
  • Advertising materials must not be installed more than 14 days prior to the date of the election, and must be removed no later than 10 days after the date of the election.
  • Material must only be installed within the relevant local government boundary.
  • All advertising material within the road reserve must have an area less than 4.5 square metres and must be freestanding (i.e. not attached to road structures such as traffic sign supports, bridges, bus shelters, lighting/power poles, or trees), and securely installed, but not with star pickets.
  • Advertising material must not be placed where it will obstruct driver's vision or pose a risk to road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Advertising material must not be placed:
    • within any road reserve where the speed limit of the road is greater than 80 km/h.
    • on bridge structures.
    • within 50 metres of a traffic sign, intersection, or roundabout.
    • within roundabouts, traffic islands, or medians.
    • within 100 metres of a roadwork site.
    • with the leading edge of the advertising material closer than 3.5 metres to the trafficable path of vehicles.
  • Advertising material must not be illuminated or incorporate reflective or fluorescent materials.
  • Trailer mounted Variable Message Signs (VMS) must not be used.
  • Advertising material and supports must be constructed so that they are frangible and will not cause injury or major damage if struck by a vehicle.
  • Vegetation shall not be trimmed or removed to install advertising material or improve visibility to any advertising material.
  • Advertising material attached to property lines/boundaries must comply with the above.

Where the local government controls the road – it is advisable to follow the Main Roads guidelines to ensure a reasonable response to the potential risk.

If you have any questions about the above, please contact your LGIS member services account manager.

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