‘No one has run into our signs in 15 years so it’s not a safety issue’: Fees will apply for businesses to install signs

BUSINESSES are baffled by incoming NT government regulations requiring businesses to apply for a permit to advertise on the Stuart Highway

Noonamah Tavern owner Tony Innes fears he will be forced to take down a number of signs, which cost him thousands to erect. Photograph: Che Chorley

GREATER Darwin businesses are baffled by incoming NT government regulations requiring businesses to apply for a permit to advertise on the side of the Stuart Highway.

The changes started being introduced last year with the government saying it was to improve road safety — a rationale Noonamah Tavern owner Tony Innes rejects.

“They say it’s about road safety, if you’ve got a mass of signs together I would agree … but when it’s done properly and they’re spread out, I honestly don’t believe it’s a safety issue,” he said. “No one has run into our signs in 15 years so it’s not a safety issue.”

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Mr Innes said the road signs, which all pubs had professionally made for tens of thousands of dollars, were a significant part of attracting visitors to rural pubs.

“This government came back into power claiming they were going to cut red tape … still they aren’t cutting tape, they’re adding to it,” he said.

Despite businesses being told permits had to be lodged and old signs removed by February 16, Mr Innes said he could not be provided with Australian standards with which new signs must comply.

Rural Darwin businesses are concerned they may be stung by new red tape restricting how road signs can be used to welcome people into their businesses along the Stuart Highway. Noonamah Tavern owner Tony Innes fears he will be forced to take down a number of signs, which cost him thousands to erect. Photograph: Che Chorley

A Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics spokesman said that last year the government released guidelines on how signage and activities were to be managed.

“Introduced under a 12-month moratorium, the guidelines seek to regulate signage in NTG operated road reserves, improving road safety for Territory road users, and providing more secure signage in adverse weather events.”

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A to-be-determined fee is set to be applied to permits in the new financial year.

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said businesses were happy to work with the government to develop framework for road signage but shouldn’t be stung by red tape.