RSL ‘powerless' to stop billboard beside Sydney war memorial
A large billboard across the street from a commemorative garden that honours Australia's war veterans has been labelled a 'visual eyesore' by critics in the latest row over public advertising signs placarding Sydney's suburbs.
A surge in outdoor advertising material – including on the sides of bus stops, rail bridges and buildings — is sparking concerns from community groups and councils over impacts to public amenity, road safety and the 'commercialisation' of public areas.
On Sydney's north shore, Willoughby Council says it has been left 'disappointed and deeply concerned' after losing a long-running fight to stop Transport for NSW from installing the electronic billboard on the side of a railway bridge close to the Garden of Remembrance in Chatswood.
While Transport for NSW has pledged to turn off the digital billboard during Anzac and Remembrance Day ceremonies, Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor wants the sign to be relocated, saying the council will 'not tolerate' the site 'being marred by the neon lights of advertising'.
Chatswood RSL sub-branch president Barney Flanagan said committee members had been 'powerless' to stop the billboard's installation from going ahead due to its location on a state government-owned site.
Willoughby Council is not the only council embroiled in a billboard battle. The City of Sydney last year was forced to spend $325,000 removing large street advertising signs in response to community concerns over the size of the signs and impacts on pedestrians.
Similar billboards proposed on footpaths in the North Sydney Council area have also faced community backlash, with public submissions calling the signs 'visual pollution'.
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Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
RSL ‘powerless' to stop billboard beside Sydney war memorial
A large billboard across the street from a commemorative garden that honours Australia's war veterans has been labelled a 'visual eyesore' by critics in the latest row over public advertising signs placarding Sydney's suburbs. A surge in outdoor advertising material – including on the sides of bus stops, rail bridges and buildings — is sparking concerns from community groups and councils over impacts to public amenity, road safety and the 'commercialisation' of public areas. On Sydney's north shore, Willoughby Council says it has been left 'disappointed and deeply concerned' after losing a long-running fight to stop Transport for NSW from installing the electronic billboard on the side of a railway bridge close to the Garden of Remembrance in Chatswood. While Transport for NSW has pledged to turn off the digital billboard during Anzac and Remembrance Day ceremonies, Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor wants the sign to be relocated, saying the council will 'not tolerate' the site 'being marred by the neon lights of advertising'. Chatswood RSL sub-branch president Barney Flanagan said committee members had been 'powerless' to stop the billboard's installation from going ahead due to its location on a state government-owned site. Willoughby Council is not the only council embroiled in a billboard battle. The City of Sydney last year was forced to spend $325,000 removing large street advertising signs in response to community concerns over the size of the signs and impacts on pedestrians. Similar billboards proposed on footpaths in the North Sydney Council area have also faced community backlash, with public submissions calling the signs 'visual pollution'.
The Age
a day ago
- The Age
RSL ‘powerless' to stop billboard beside Sydney war memorial
A large billboard across the street from a commemorative garden that honours Australia's war veterans has been labelled a 'visual eyesore' by critics in the latest row over public advertising signs placarding Sydney's suburbs. A surge in outdoor advertising material – including on the sides of bus stops, rail bridges and buildings — is sparking concerns from community groups and councils over impacts to public amenity, road safety and the 'commercialisation' of public areas. On Sydney's north shore, Willoughby Council says it has been left 'disappointed and deeply concerned' after losing a long-running fight to stop Transport for NSW from installing the electronic billboard on the side of a railway bridge close to the Garden of Remembrance in Chatswood. While Transport for NSW has pledged to turn off the digital billboard during Anzac and Remembrance Day ceremonies, Willoughby Mayor Tanya Taylor wants the sign to be relocated, saying the council will 'not tolerate' the site 'being marred by the neon lights of advertising'. Chatswood RSL sub-branch president Barney Flanagan said committee members had been 'powerless' to stop the billboard's installation from going ahead due to its location on a state government-owned site. Willoughby Council is not the only council embroiled in a billboard battle. The City of Sydney last year was forced to spend $325,000 removing large street advertising signs in response to community concerns over the size of the signs and impacts on pedestrians. Similar billboards proposed on footpaths in the North Sydney Council area have also faced community backlash, with public submissions calling the signs 'visual pollution'.
The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
'Game changer': $35m funding for the duplication of Thornton Bridge
The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project. The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment. The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work. An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years. When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters. Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project. The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge. "This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said. "Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services. The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects. Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed. The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight. NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand. "We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said. "We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities." Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses. "It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said. "This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community." The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project. The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment. The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work. An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years. When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters. Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project. The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge. "This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said. "Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services. The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects. Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed. The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight. NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand. "We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said. "We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities." Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses. "It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said. "This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community." The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project. The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment. The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work. An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years. When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters. Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project. The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge. "This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said. "Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services. The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects. Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed. The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight. NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand. "We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said. "We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities." Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses. "It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said. "This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community." The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project. The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment. The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work. An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years. When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters. Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project. The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge. "This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said. "Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services. The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects. Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed. The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight. NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand. "We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said. "We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities." Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses. "It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said. "This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community."
