Councillor Jonathan Sri’s signs opposing Lytton Rd project cause for debate in Brisbane City Council

A BRISBANE City Councillor’s funding of campaign signs against a major road upgrade has been criticised as borderline misuse of ratepayer money for party politics.

Greens councillor Jonathan Sri has concerns about the Lytton Rd widening project and has created signs opposing the project. Picture: Renae Droop

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A BRISBANE City Councillor’s funding of campaign signs against a major road upgrade has been criticised as borderline misuse of ratepayer money for party politics.

In council’s Finance and Economic Development committee on Tuesday, it was revealed that Brisbane City Council had reimbursed The Greens councillor Jonathan Sri (The Gabba) $521.82 for corflute sign printing.

The signs read “Widening Lytton Rd won’t stop congestion” and “There are better ways to spend $150 million”.

Cr Jonathan Sri with residents concerned with the widening of Lytton Rd in June 2016. Picture: Renae Droop

Labor councillor Shayne Sutton raised the issue in the later Infrastructure Committee meeting and said the signs had been displayed at residences known for campaigning for the Greens.

“I think that is appalling and I want to make sure you’re aware of it,” she said.

“I’ve campaigned for the Wynnum Rd upgrade. and I’ve hand painted them (my signs) on the back of my own corflutes.”

Infrastructure committee chairman Amanda Cooper said it was disappointing to hear of any councillor who may have misused ratepayer money.

Despite the debate, a council spokesman said the signs were compliant with relevant guidelines.

Cr Jonathan Sri's signs against the widening of Lytton Rd.

Councillor Sri told Quest Community News there was an important distinction between printing Greens or party political signs and giving money to community political campaigns.

“If we’d been printing Greens signs that would be pretty messed up but these signs don’t have any party slogans or logos, they’re just black and white signs,” he said.

“So, if council has concerns about that maybe we should be asking why it’s appropriate for the Lord Mayor spending thousands on brochures claiming the project will fix congestion.”

Independent councillor Nicole Johnston said she would not expect similar signs she printed to be paid for by the council but that “If he’s not putting Labor, Liberal, or Greens on it, it’s fine”.

Brisbane City Council has been contacted on whether the signs flaunt any regulations or laws.