Albury Council candidate Ross Hamilton facing potential fine for continued signage use

The signage controversy escalated late last week when council staff emailed all candidates in response to complaints from rival candidates about election billboards being placed on public land or exceeding 0.8 square metres in size.

But Mr Hamilton's signage was back on Thurgoona Drive on Monday and was inspected by council rangers late morning.

A council spokesperson confirmed Mr Hamilton had been instructed to remove the sign by 5pm on Monday.

The advice to candidates stated: "Our preference is to educate not enforce, however if repeated instances of non-compliance occur we will have no option other than to take action by removing the offending signage and or issuing on the spot fines of $1500 per offence".

Outgoing mayor Kevin Mack has been photographed with Mr Hamilton with the signage which has been supplied by another retiring councillor Murray King.

But Mr Hamilton said he had "written confirmation" from the NSW Electoral Commission he could use the signs.

"The reason I am running for council is because I have witnessed several councillors who spend their time bickering and engaging in personal grievances rather than looking out for the wellbeing of the city," he said.

"I would prefer to spend my time talking about the issues that face Albury in the future like prosperity, housing, parkland and economic growth, rather than having an old, tired, redundant fight.

"My sign will be back tomorrow until I am told otherwise."

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Cr Darren Cameron, and Cr Henk van de Ven who are standing for re-election, said their rival had enjoyed an unfair advantage in the campaign.

"There is simply no excuse for a candidate in this election who wants to be a councillor not understanding that signage over 0.8 square metres requires development consent," Cr Cameron said.

"This is the second time that Mr Hamilton has got himself into a pickle because of a lack of understanding of development matters.

"Mr Hamilton has benefited from seven days of illegal advertising.

"If he is successful in getting on council that will somewhat tarnish his victory."

Cr van de Ven said in response to the council edict: "It is seven days too late. It should have happened last week.

"People who are supporting him know that."

Another council candidate, Daryl Betteridge, also had signage on display above his former Dean Street pizza shop on Monday.

"If contacted by the relevant authority, council or the NSW Electoral Commission, that my sign contravenes (the rules) I will take it down," he said.

"But I haven't been directly contacted to do so."

Mr Betteridge thought the email from council staff was directed at Team Hamilton.

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