Stonnington Council candidate Kate Hely accused of breaching campaigning rules after corflutes on padlocked bikes in the South Yarra Ward

A former mayor and Stonnington council candidate has been accused of “illegal election tactics” in her signage campaign as the council election competition heats up.

South Yarra Ward candidate for the Stonnington Council Kate Hely has been accused of "illegal election tactics" after padlocking her corflutes to bicycles on council land. Picture: supplied.

A former Stonnington mayor running for re-election has been accused of breaching the signage rules after her campaign signs were seen “all over council land”.

South Yarra ward candidate Kate Hely was accused of “illegal election tactics” after residents photographed her campaign corflutes attached to bicycles on council property throughout the ward.

According to the Victorian Electoral Commission standards, advertising boards such as A-frames and corflutes “require a permit from the council and must not be attached to council assets or other public infrastructure, including street poles, public transport shelters and signs, fences, roads and buildings”.

Former Stonnington mayor Kate Hely has been accused of "illegal election tactics" after corflutes on bicycles were seen padlocked around the South Yarra ward. Picture: supplied.

A council stalwart said the signs were “dangerous” and “illegal”.

“She has tried to be tricky attaching signs to bikes then padlocking them to public infrastructure,” they said.

“But this loophole doesn’t really work. Using the middle of road reserves like the Cromwell Rd roundabout is dangerous and highly illegal.”

Former Stonnington mayor and sitting councillor for the South Yarra Ward, Ms Hely is no stranger to the election campaign trail for councils.

Further campaigning rules outlined by the commission require mobile billboards — including bicycles — not to be parked on council land or on any road, and must be moving at all times.

Ms Healy’s signs were pictured throughout the ward attached to bicycles that had been parked and padlocked in various public spots.

The bicycle signage comes after Ms Hely openly said she “didn’t feel safe” using bikes.

During her time as mayor, Ms Hely opposed a push for all councillors to use bikes, public transport and ride sharing apps while on the job.

She said she “did not feel safe” riding a bike, using Uber or public transport.

“I love the idea of bike riding, but I don’t own a bike and don’t ride, I’m too nervous to ride of the streets of Stonnington,” she said.

VEC standards indicate corflutes and signage attached in mobile billboard style should always be moving – not parked and padlocked to street signs or public transport seating. Picture: supplied.

A Stonnington council spokesperson said the signs “must not be attached to council assets or public infrastructure”.

“Under council’s local laws, advertising boards – A-frames and similar signage – must not be attached to council or public property,” they said.

“When council is made aware of non-permitted material, the person or organisation responsible is asked to remove it as a priority.”

Council Watch’s Dean Hurlston said the watchdog had received hundreds of similar reports about multiple candidates since council election campaigning began.

“Without clear rules, we are worried we’ll be seeing more poor campaigning tactics,” he said.

Mr Hurlston said Council Watch had flagged the issue with Local Government Minister Melissa Horne “weeks ago”.

“It’s incredibly disappointing to see, because we tried to get the issue in front of Melissa Horne ahead of the elections, but she’s failed to respond,” Mr Hurlston said.

“The inspectorate are hamstrung because inspectors can’t fine candidates, they can only give warnings.

“This is going to continue if (Ms Horne) doesn’t give clear conduct guidelines and penalties.”

Ms Hely said she had not realised her signage breached the campaigning rules.

“I did a similar series of signage during the last election and had no issues,” she said.

“As soon as we were made aware it breached the rules they signs were removed.

“Now we just have to find another interesting way to reach the public.”