Lismore sign outrage: "Far out. Just put 7 letters on"

"They just put in a major upgrade to the highway, but now they need to do a traffic count? What kindergarten did these muppets go to?"

Greens Lismore council candidate Vanessa Grindon-Ekins with a cardboard 'Lismore and Villages' sign at Ewingsdale Road.

UPDATE FRIDAY 11.30am: THE controversy over of a lack of signage to Lismore and villages on the Pacific Highway has divided Northern Rivers residents as well as rowdy state politicians. 

Since Greens councillor and mayoral candidate Vanessa Grindon-Ekins came out in support of activist group Fix Lismore's Signs (FLS), which attached their own Lismore signs to RMS property, readers have been polarised.

Some didn't understand why the issue was such a big deal, and others believe motorists should just  use the Pacific Highway - the safer option.

However, there is still a large vocal camp from Lismore and villages who just  want to see a sign to the regional centre. Simple.

Moya Jackson said, "They just put in a major upgrade to the highway, but  now they need to do a traffic count regarding Lismore and Byron? Really, what kindergarten did these muppets go to?

Mitchell Oke said, "Far out. How much do these government agencies spend trying to decide whether or not to add a city to a sign. Save some money and put seven extra letter on."

THURSDAY 5.50pm: THE PACIFIC Highway signage debacle made its way to NSW parliament today, with Greens MLC Jeremy Buckingham pressing the Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Duncan Gay, over the matter.

During question time Mr Buckingham asked the minister, "Will the NSW Government respond to Lismore City Council and community demands and commit to changing the RMS signage on the Ewingsdale Rd Exit of the Pacific Highway Southbound so that Lismore is no longer ignored?

After the question, political sledging broke out and Mr Buckingham shouted, "You think it's not a big issue? Go to Lismore!"

Before seriously answering the question, Mr Gay made a dig at the political motivations behind Mr Buckingham's question.

"Can I congratulate the new leader on his partisan support for the Lismore Councillor (Cr Vanessa Grindon-Ekins) who is campaigning to be elected to council up there on the provision of a sign.

"Partisan politics and The Greens. De rigueur," Mr Gay derided.

Shadow Minister for the North Coast Walt Secord quipped, "I read the article, too!"

Finally, rowdy backbenchers were brought to order and Mr Gay was given the chance to engage the question in earnest:

"A temporary yellow and black tourist sign was installed at the southbound approach at the Ewingsdale interchange to advise motorists of the alternate route via Bangalow. The RMS is carrying out traffic counts to better understand travel patterns of motorists. The RMS has met with Byron and Lismore councils, and are actively working to find solutions. Will we respond? Of course we will," he said.