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Election signage guidelines

Election signage is any free-standing advertising signage that identifies candidates and/or promotes a political party at local, state or federal government elections. All election signage content is regulated by the relevant Electoral Commission and must be authorised as required by the relevant Electoral Commission for the duration of the election period.

Candidates for local government, State or Federal elections are encouraged to review and understand the Central Highlands Regional Council Election Signage Guidelines when preparing their individual campaigns.
These guidelines have been developed to ensure a consistent approach throughout the region in relation to the construction, placement and location of election signage. For requirements on state-controlled roads visit the Department of Transport and Main Roads website.

Pursuant to section 36 of the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld), Central Highlands Regional Council cannot make any local laws to regulate election signage. However, in the interest of balancing candidates’ needs and community expectations, candidates for election are requested to understand and comply with these guidelines.

Printable fact sheet.

Placement, construction and location requirements
Signage must…

Display period
- …not be erected or displayed until the election has been officially announced.
- …be removed within seven days of the election polling day.
Construction
- …be no greater than 0.6m2 in size.
- …be made from a material that can withstand normal weather conditions without being damaged or destroyed whilst still being frangible for disposal purposes.
- …not rotate or be illuminated or flashing.
- …not use reflective or fluorescent materials.
- …have clearly printed on it the name and address of the
  the person who authorised the display.
- …not contravene and the law of the State of Queensland or the Commonwealth of Australia relating to electoral advertising (Electoral Act 1992 and Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918).
Location
- …be located so as not to distract motorists, cyclists or
  pedestrians; restrict sight distances on approaches to
  intersections; obstruct the view of road traffic signs; or
  otherwise, impact on safety.
- …not be located on a motorway, freeway or roads of a similar standard.
- …be located at least 3.5 metres from the edge of the nearest traffic lane on roads where the speed limit is 80kmh or less.
- …be located at least six metres from the edge of the nearest traffic lane on roads where the speed limit is over 80kmh.
- …not be located on centre medians or roundabouts.
Placement
- …not be attached to vegetation or council infrastructure (for example, trees, vegetation, road signs, guard rails, etc).
- …be located as close as practicable to the property boundary.
- ..not hinder the flow of traffic, protrude over the road or interfere with the road’s operation (this includes a person holding or waving an election sign).
- …not obstruct pedestrians and cyclists (including people using a mobility device).
- …be secured so that the signage will not become airborne and damage persons or property.
Liability requirements
The candidate accepts liability for any claims arising from the placement of elections signage.

Safety first

Queensland laws cover the placement and type of election signs that can be placed beside a road. These laws are necessary to ensure:
- Road users are not distracted by the signs.
- Road users (pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle) have a clear line of vision.
- Pedestrian and vehicular movements are not impeded.
- Official road signs are not obstructed.
Disclaimer

Candidates should note that the council is not responsible for the regulation of the printed content and format of any electoral signs.
All candidates are encouraged to contact the election Returning Officer or the relevant electoral authority prior to the production of any electoral signage to ensure that compliance with the appropriate electoral advertising regulations and standards are met.

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