• Berwick Gazette
• Pakenham Gazette

24th June 2009 02:00:40 AM

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CIVIC leaders have moved to ban advertising on shipping containers in Cardinia, amid concerns the Pakenham Bypass was fast-becoming a free-for-all for advertisers.

They recently adopted advertising-sign guidelines in a bid to stamp out inappropriate signage across the municipality.

Cr Collin Ross said advertising on the bypass, particularly on shipping containers, had spiralled out of control.

“People would drive on our bypass and think it’s some kind of advertising land,” he said.

Cr Brett Owen said promotions on the large containers were unacceptable.

“It’s unattractive and not what a shipping container should be used for,” he said.

Advertising on trailers and other mobile signage has also come under fire, as well as A-frame signs in industrial areas.

Cr Ross said there seemed to be a competition between some traders as to who could get the best sign out.

“We want people to do it professionally,” he said.

Pakenham Business Group president Michael Porter welcomed the advertising sign guidelines, saying some traders had too much freedom when it came to promoting their business.

“My opinion is you can have too much signage,” he said.

Cr Owen said the guidelines recognised the need for signage at recreation reserves across the shire.

“We’re not trying to inhibit recreation reserves from accessing that type of income,” he said.

“I hope recreation reserve committees and community groups are happy with the policy.”

However, Cr Owen said the new restrictions were not retrospective.

“I don’t believe council can get them (traders) to remove the (existing) signage,” he said.

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