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Battle over electoral signs

Jaimie Shurmer, Comment NewsComment News

The city faces significant legal costs ranging from $30,000 to $70,000 to defend the matter and potential costs could be awarded against the city.

The City of Armadale wrote to Armadale Liberal candidate Katherine Webster after 13 signs were displayed on a Lefroy Street property early in the election campaign period.

The Liberal Party took the City of Armadale to court over its blanket ban on electoral signage and an injunction on the removal of some signs was upheld in court.

At its January meeting, the council resolved to immediately abandon provisions specifically banning electoral signage and authorised officers to administer signage in accordance with a proposed amendment. The amendment was advertised for 21 days with no submissions received.

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During the advertised period, the city held discussions with its solicitor and officers from the City of Gosnells which is subject to a similar injunction.

Further modifications were suggested which include allowing a combination of signs per lot and increasing the size allowance to 1.2sqm, increasing the display time from 30 to 90 days, and increasing the time period for signage removal from 48 hours to 14 days after the election date. Last Monday night, councillors adopted Local Planning Policy PLN 4.2 – Advertisements (Signage).