Brothers Leagues Club ordered to shut down digital billboard despite retrospective application to council
A 6.5sq m digital billboard is the latest casualty in Cairns’ billboard wars as a major Cairns club was ordered to shut it down after erecting and operating the device without a permit.
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A 6.5sq m digital billboard is the latest casualty in Cairns’ billboard wars as Brothers Leagues Club was ordered by council to shut down the advertising device, despite a retrospective permit application.
The digital wall sign that glowed above Anderson St in Manunda was operated by the club without a permit and has since been deemed too distracting, too dangerous and not compliant with Transport and Main Roads regulation.
Large digital signage has been the front of an ongoing battle between government and local businesses with both sides claiming past victories.
It was the council, at its Wednesday planning meeting, who notched the latest triumph for authority when it unanimously voted to shut down the Brothers’ sign, but not without a touch of empathy for the vanquished, as well as a deal of trepidation.
Division 7 councillor Max O’Halloran said the decision could open the flood gates.
“(This one) shot through, it was picked up and after driving past it the past few weeks (I think) it technically suits. But the you have the overriding factor of the main roads … and I think we have to toe the line,” Cr O’Halloran said.
“If it’s anything to do with signs, I think Spence St is the greatest example of it, with Gasparin, the Jack and Myer … It starts to confuse you then.
“But I think we need to hold our ground here and work with Brothers on a better deal.”
Division 9 councillor Brett Olds held similar concerns, wishing mercy on the souls of council’s planning department who could now be on the receiving end of double-standards arguments from businesses in the wake of the decision.
“The digital signs are always going to be a nightmare … it’s good you caught this one, they tried it and haven’t gotten away with it, but there are those out there who have tried it and got away with it and it becomes an equity thing,” Cr Olds said.
Both councillors Cathy Zeiger and Kristy Vallely expressed concern for businesses who have had the wool pulled over their eyes by signage companies that should be across the relevant local and state laws.
“I feel for the people who have paid this money,” Cr Vallely said.
“Obviously people putting up the signs know the law, so I’m wondering how, against our policy, they’re doing that.”
Division 2 councillor Rob Pyne was in absolute support of the sign’s removal but more from concern over the advertising content that was being beamed into residents’ eyes.
“I want to support the officer’s recommendation here … if you wanted to put two gambling-alcohol outlets in places where they’re going to disadvantage the community you’d put them where Cazalys and Brothers are, where there’s vulnerable people who haven’t got money to spare and where alcohol is a real problem,” Cr Pyne said.
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Originally published as Brothers Leagues Club ordered to shut down digital billboard despite retrospective application to council
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