Despite a council policy prohibiting the placement of election materials on places such as trees or in view of drivers, some still feature prominently in the region.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The policy currently on public display would effectively bring an end to the practice of election candidates displaying 'Vote 1' posters or similar material in view of drivers along the region's roads.
The document states the rules regarding the use of election posters:
Within the Mid-Western local government area posters are not permitted to be posted up within a road reserve or any public space including; being fixed to trees, fixed to power or telegraph poles, fixed road signage or attached to approved advertising signage erected within road reserves.
An amendment to the policy was made regarding trailers. State Environmental Planning Policy number 64 makes it unlawful to advertise on trailers parked on (or visible from) roads or road related areas.
The report also states: Council will notify election candidates in writing of this local policy.
Breaches of this policy will in the first instance be rectified by council staff removing the offending electoral material and notifying the candidate when issuing a warning. Further breaches may result in notices of an offence and penalty infringement notices being issued.
Making news online:
Despite this, council has yet to remove several posters featuring Nationals Candidate, Andrew Gee that are prominently displayed coming into Mudgee from multiple directions.
A spokesperson from Andrew Gee's office responded when asked for comment.
"The posters were put up by some over enthusiastic, young campaign helpers who were not aware of the Council regulations," they said.
"Our Campaign Director is liaising with Mid-Western Regional Council on the issue and we will remove them as soon as practicable, which will be before the election."
Council is yet to comment.
