THE successful strategy of using mobile billboards by Albury mayor Kevin Mack in prominent locations to promote his ticket at last year’s local government elections could soon be banned.
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The council has recommended banning advertising on parked trailers on roadways as part of a series of amendments proposed by the NSW Government.
Cr Mack and two other ticket members, John Stuchbery and Murray King, were elected to council with a promotional blitz using mobile billboards credited as being a major factor in their success.
Copycats at future elections can still use billboards, but under tighter conditions if adopted by council.
Development consent will be required to display advertising on the back of a trailer on private land.
Proposed fines for breaches are $1500 for an individual and $3000 for corporations.
A report prepared for the planning and development committee by senior staff member David Christy and adopted by council states: “The intent of the amendments is to regulate the use of trailers that are advertising structures such as signs located within parked trailers and or the use of variable message sign (VMS) trailers for advertising purposes.
“The use of trailers, mobile sign displays and VMS facilities has been a source of complaints to council over recent years.
“The proposed amendments will reduce confusion and uncertainty regarding circumstances and situations where approval is required or prohibited for such activities.
“On this basis the proposed amendments are supported.”
The signs promoting support for local business, Lake Hume house boats and Murray River recreational vehicle and caravan parks were deployed in various locations including Wodonga Place and Thurgoona Drive during the election campaign.
The changes don't affect the placement of advertising on trailers which are used as part of running a business such as landscape gardeners, mobile dog washes, transport businesses and horse floats.
"The intent of the amendments is to regulate the use of trailers that are advertising structures," Mr Christy's report said.
Cr Mack easily topped the poll at last year’s election to guarantee Cr Stuchbery and Cr King were also elected.
The trio of councillors backed the changes.
