Two Albury councillors criticise each other as questions raised about legality of election message board

A roadside message board promoting poll contender Ross Hamilton has been displayed in Mate and David streets the past two days.

Cr van de Ven has gone to the council and NSW Electoral Commission with his concerns about the sign, which he believes does not comply with campaign rules.

He has tied Cr King and mayor Kevin Mack to the board, noting they used the same device in the 2016 poll.

"It's obvious who is behind it, it is those two, Murray King and Kevin, because they're the only ones who used those message boards at the last election and they flouted the law then and they are flouting it now," he said.

"That goes to show the measure of the men."

Cr van de Ven also criticised Cr Mack for not exiting the council chamber on Monday night during a vote on a townhouse proposal on land neighbouring Mr Hamilton's property.

Cr Mack, who is supporting Cr Hamilton's campaign, had declared a conflict, but stayed in the chamber and voted on the issue.

Cr Mack did not respond to The Border Mail on Thursday, while Cr King hit back at Cr van de Ven.

"Henk's strategy is to criticise and complain in every election," Cr King said.

IN OTHER NEWS:

"Instead he should be bringing up new ideas, but he isn't because his arsenal is empty, that's the measure of that man.

"He should be focussed on doing some positive marketing, which is nigh on impossible for him, instead of insulting retiring councillors."

Mr Hamilton said he had legal advice stating the sign was compliant.

"I'm confident it doesn't breach any rules," he said.

The board has been supplied by Cr King, but Mr Hamilton said he was paying for it and there had not been "any favours done".

Albury Council chief executive Frank Zaknich flagged rules for such advertising.

"Electoral materials, including variable message signs, can be displayed on public roadsides provided the signs are on a vehicle, contain the name and address of the person whose instructions are carried on the sign, do not affect road or pedestrian safety, and the sign is no larger than 0.8 square metres," he said.

The electoral commission stated election puffery is not banned from roadside signs.

Councillor Darren Cameron believes Mr Hamilton is not complying with the size rule, given the dimensions of the board.

Cr King argues the 0.8 only applies to the lettering used in the messaging.

Councillor David Thurley raised concerns on the sign with Mr Zaknich and city infrastructure chief Brad Ferris.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: