Landscapes uncluttered with advertisements used to be one of Canberra’s
defining attributes. In recent years ugly signs have proliferated, and are getting
bigger. With this proposal there would be even more of them.
One of the most striking impacts of crossing the border into Queanbeyan is the
sudden appearance of bigger signs. Proposals to allow billboards will bring
Queanbeyan visual pollution to Canberra.
Current regulations on sign size are not enforced. There are already billboards
outside the Deakin shops advertising pizzas, and outside the National Zoo to
name two. Fyshwick and Philip are becoming an unregulated free for all.
Poles that were placed on Kings and Commonwealth Avenues to enable flags to
be flown for visiting heads of state are now used as fluttering billboards to
advertise everything from dog shows to exhibitions at the national institutions.
Canberra airport has been a law unto itself, and is a foretaste of the size of the
massive billboards that could follow a relaxation of current (unreinforced)
regulations.
There are already too many road signs. Parking signs proliferate. Why not do
away with most urban parking signs and use procedures in the other local
government jurisdictions and in the ANU. Red paint on the gutter – no stopping; a
double yellow line – no parking; single yellow line – one or two hour parking; and a
dashed line longer parking.
Within 100 m of Hopetoun Circuit roundabout there are 20 signs, including a ‘billboard’
advertising Calthorpe’s House. Some seek to control speeds from 50 to 60
and a 40 km/h zone which is 75 m long. Drivers have enough distractions.
No more bigger signs.
George Wilson
President
Deakin Residents Association
www.deakinresidents.asn.au
Ph 62812160