By AIDAN KNIGHT
MORWELL River Ward Councillor, Tracie Lund moved a motion proposing a new Signage Strategy be implemented in Latrobe City at the September council meeting.
This strategy has been drafted, and sets out to provide clear outlines for local businesses to abide in terms of signage requirements, which comes due to ongoing challenges in the processing of signage permits. Tyers Ward Cr Darren Howe seconded.
Affecting businesses, developers and landowners alike, Cr Lund said the rules in place were “unclear, especially when a sign triggers a permit”.
Cr Lund also believed that a clear signing strategy would improve the quality of consistency across Latrobe City through an easier permit application process, and “clear practical guidance”.
Cr Lund asked that the proposal be put out on exhibition, giving the community an opportunity to provide feedback.
“This is about providing clarity, cutting red tape, and improving outcomes for both businesses and the community,” she said.
Newborough Ward Cr Sharon Gibson agreed with Cr Lund’s overall approach, but felt that specifics of the plan went too far, citing the “painting or fixed signage on windows” section of the strategy was far too restricting on local businesses.
“If I had a business,” Cr Gibson argued to her colleagues, “and I wished to display what I’m actually selling in the shop, well I would want to be able to put on my window what I want.”
Cr Gibson saw fit that provided the signage and/or displays avoided anything of an offensive nature, Latrobe City had no right to dictate whether or not it is acceptable on a place of business.
“I get the intent, but I feel that we are going too far, when we’re telling businesses that they cannot do certain things on their own premises, we are going too far,” she said.
“I understand there are certain quality standards we should accept, but it’s how far we are going that I disagree with.”
Cr Gibson said once it’s put out to the community and if businesses agree with it, “that’s fine”, but felt she was speaking for the crowd when she said it is an unnecessary depth to which council are imposing restrictions on local business, who are already doing it tough.
Moe Ward Councillor Adele Pugsley spoke up to voice her support of the “basic idea” of the proposal, and that she believed council officers developed it in hopes to simply make it easier and simpler for businesses to know when a permit is triggered.
“When you’re trying to set up a business, lets face it, not all of us are great at paperwork, so if you have a guide to tell you the scenarios to ‘go for’ you won’t trigger a permit scenario,” she said.
“I imagine when you set up a business it’s very daunting, and there is so much paperwork. I want for red tape to be cut back, I want for it to be easy, and good to do business in Latrobe City, or should I say, the best it can be. The best we can make it. I’m a fan of it”.
Cr Pugsley also claimed to hear Cr Gibson’s perspective on the matter, and emphasised her encouragement for experienced businesses to give feedback on the strategy, and give honest opinions if they think the restrictions are too much for council to adopt. “We will take it on board, and that is the best way. It’s collaborative. Anything to make it easier to run a business and thrive in Latrobe City.”
The floor then moved to Yallourn Ward Councillor Steph Morgan, also in favour, saying this strategy has been caused by existing issues, and should be heeded as such.
“Through this, we are trying to implement a city-wide signage strategy that makers sense for everyone across the board,” she said.
Cr Morgan said she supported calls for greater guidance to businesses, and improved efficiency in applications, but also pointed out how it could create a more accessible Latrobe City for shoppers.
“You will be able to look into shops and get a better understanding of what is inside, and feel safer through the increased passive surveillance looking in and out of shops under these guidelines,” she said.
“To make a better, more amenable CBD across all of Latrobe City, there are a lot of benefits to come out of this, and cutting the red tape is just one of them.”
Cr Howe addressed Cr Gibson’s concerns, saying that putting it out to businesses and shoppers helps drive strong engagement.
“I know I will be visiting all the businesses I know, and I want to encourage them to put in their submission, because once we adopt whatever our final (draft) looks like, it’s too late for them to change it,” he said.
When put to a vote, the motion passed with all but Crs Gibson and Joanne Campbell (Jeeralang Ward) in favour.
The strategy will now be put to ministerial approval to go to the community, which takes a period of six to eight weeks, meaning Latrobe City residents will have the opportunity to have their say in mid November.
