There are different rules that regulate the display of election or political signs on private property or Council land.

We remind all Council Election candidates to comply with the East Gippsland Planning Scheme and General Local Law requirements regarding electoral signage and electioneering in public places.

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‍Private property

The following requirements apply to private land and are regulated under the East Gippsland Shire Planning Scheme. Any political or election signage that does not adhere to the specific requirements below may result in fines and enforcement action under the Planning and Environment Act 1987. You will need to apply for a planning permit for signage that does not meet these requirements. Approval will be subject to the provisions of the East Gippsland Shire Planning Scheme.

Type of sign

All election or political signs including placards, fence signs, front garden signs, window signs, stationary vehicle, or trailer signs.

‍Specific requirements:

• Sign area not exceeding 5 square metres.
• Only one sign may be displayed on the land.
• Must not be an animated or internally illuminated sign.
• Must not be displayed longer than 14 days after the event is held or 3 months, whichever is sooner.
• A sign publicising a local political event may include information about a candidate for an election.

Any electoral material posted on private property without the authority of the owner may be referred to police for investigation.

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Council land

The following requirements apply to all Council owned or controlled land, including parks, reserves, roads, parking bays, footpaths, and nature strips. Any political or election signage installed or erected on Council owned or controlled land will be removed and impounded, and fines may be imposed under the General Local Law and relevant legislation.

Type of sign

Mobile billboards including signs on vehicles or trailers.

• Prohibited.
  

All other election or political advertising signs.

• Prohibited.

Bill posters including car windscreen posters and loose flyers.

• Prohibited. Considered littering and dealt with under the Environment Protection Act 2017.

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Electioneering

When candidates or their supporters are electioneering in public places, they must be aware of the following: 

• A candidate / supporter may handout electoral material in a public place, that is, streets and parks within the control of Council, but not within Council buildings or premises.
• Electoral material must follow the requirements of relevant electoral legislation.
• Council will not require a fee or a permit if a candidate / supporter is standing at a small table with a sign handing out electoral material.
• Persons distributing electoral material must be aware of public safety and community amenity and must leave a minimum 1.2-metre-wide pedestrian access on the footpath.
• Any tables and signs placed in front of Council, commercial or residential properties must be located with the agreement of the adjoining owner / occupier.
• No electoral material is to be posted on Council property including buildings, noticeboards, land, fences, street lighting posts, etc. Any such postings will be removed and impounded, and fines may be imposed under the General Local Law and relevant legislation.

 For more information, please contact us.