Residents, media personalities back petition to save Sally’s Big Ass Burger sign at Beaconsfield’s Tradies and Ladies Cafe

A PETITION to save the Sally’s Big Ass Burgers sign in Upper Beaconsfield has already racked up more than 200 signatures.

Offensive or not, Sally says her sign is staying put. Picture: Derrick den Hollander

A PETITION to save the Sally’s Big Ass Burgers sign in Upper Beaconsfield has already racked up more than 200 signatures.

Berwick Leader broke the story on Friday that Tradies and Ladies Cafe owner “Sally” had been told by VicRoads to remove her signature sign — Sally’s Big Ass Burgers — because it had been deemed ­offensive.

The mother of two was told she would be slapped with a $1443 fine and costs for two removalists and storage if she failed to comply.

>>>HAVE YOUR SAY: Should Sally remove her sign? Is it offensive? Tell us in the comment box below, post on the Berwick Leader Facebook page or send us a Tweet @BerwickLeader

The furious shop owner, who asked that her surname not be used, told Leader the sign was going nowhere, promptly launching a petition to save it.

Stints on 3AW’s Neil Mitchell and Triple M’s Hot Breakfast on Monday morning have helped move things along, with co-hosts of the FM radio station, Mick Molloy and Luke Darcy, offering to chain themselves to the sign.

News_Module: Big Ass burgers on Triple M

“I’ll hold them to that too, don’t you worry,” Sally said.

She said she was shocked by the support she had so far received.

“It’s unreal, people are coming in just to sign the petition,” she said.

“I’ve had people come from Camberwell and Thomastown, just to try the burger, see the sign and sign the petition.

“I can’t even put it (my feelings) into words because I have never experienced this much support before.”

VicRoads metro south east regional director Adam Maguire said following an investigation, prompted by complaints from residents, VicRoads found the sign was “illegally placed” and “offensive”.

But the leading roads body said Sally could keep her sign if she moves it off road reserve and onto private property, and got a council permit.

“Due to the primary aim of advertising signs to attract attention, these types of signs are not permitted on the road reserve,” Mr Maguire said.

“VicRoads has been in regular contact with the owner of the cafe, who has been advised to apply to council for a permit to place an advertising sign on private property.”

A defiant Sally said she was not happy about paying for a council permit, but would — provided the sign stayed where it was.

“There is no arse in the sign, my backside isn’t on show, it’s a burger and I shouldn’t have to pay any council permit fee,” she said.

“But if I have to, I will, it’s worth it to me.”

Cardinia Council has been contacted for comment.