Advertising Devices

Advertising_Devices_and_Signs.png

Council has rules in place for signs (referred to as advertising devices) to ensure they are safe and well-designed.

Some advertising devices require Council approval. Penalties may apply for displaying signs or advertisements without approval or that do not meet relevant standards.

An advertising device (a sign) means a structure or device that is visible from a road or other public place and provides information or directions.

Community noticeboards

Council owns and maintains several single letter display/school type community noticeboards throughout the region. 

Council is the primary user of these noticeboards and they are regularly updated to communicate important community information and upcoming events.

Local community groups may request for messages to be displayed on these noticeboards, with Council approval, by sending an email or submitting an online request.

Election signs

Candidates for local government, State or Federal elections are encouraged to review and understand Gladstone Regional Council’s Election Signage Guidelines when preparing their individual campaigns.

Permanent signage

Permanent signage, including that on private property (visible from the road) requires approval from Council. This includes illuminated signage, billboard and business signs.

The need for an application depends on the location of the proposed advertising device(s).

Permanent business signs

A sign advertising a business, is painted or affixed to a building, wall, fence or structure at the business, or is freestanding on the property.

Temporary signage

If the proposed advertising device is on a Council road reserve within the Council area, approval is not required for temporary signs, provided they meet the definitions and criteria in Schedule 3, Subordinate Local Law No. 1.4 (Installation of advertising Devices) 2011(PDF, 11MB).

This includes the following types of signs:

If the sign does not meet these criteria, you will need to apply for Council approval.

Directional community organisation signs

Directional community organisation signs, or Temporary event signs are described as, non-illuminated signs used to direct the public to a non-profit short term event such as a fete or other similar event, has the following criteria under the Advertising Devices Local Law:(PDF, 11MB)

Signage along a road frontage/footpath:

  • A maximum of 10 signs alongside a footpath or road in the vicinity of the event, where not causing a pedestrian or traffic hazard
  • each sign having a maximum face area of 0.6m2
  • displayed on the day of the event, and for not more than 3 days before the event.

Signage on private land:

  • a maximum face area of 2.4m2
  • displayed for not more than 14 days before the event and removed within 1 day after.

The advertiser must take out and maintain public liability insurance cover of a minimum $10,000,000.00 against claims for personal injury and property damage from the display.

Seized and abandoned signage

If you believe Council has seized your property, please check the Signs and Abandoned Goods Register. Proof of ownership is required prior to the item being released.

How to apply for approval

The need for an application depends on the location of the proposed advertising device(s).

Step 1.State-controlled road reserve

If the proposed advertising device is located on a state-controlled road reserve within the Council area, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR) is responsible for assessing the application. Council does not assess these applications. Please contact DTMR for more information. 

Step 2.Private property

If the proposed advertising device is on private property (a registered lot and plan) within the Council area, you may not need Council approval if it meets all the Acceptable Outcomes in the Advertising Devices Code (Part 9.3.1) of the Gladstone Regional Council Planning Scheme Version 2.1.

However, if it does not meet any of these requirements, you will need to obtain Operational Works Approval from Council before applying for any required Building Approval.

* Note: For the purposes of the Advertising devices code, the “urban zone” includes land within the following zones: Community facilities; Sport and recreation; Low impact industry; Medium impact industry; Special industry; Major tourism; Minor tourism; Mixed use; Specialised centre; Township; all residential zones and all centre zones. All other zones are classified as non-urban.

Operational Works Approval

To apply for an Operational Works Application for Advertising Device, DA Form 1 must be submitted along with the proposal plans.

NOTE: The Development Application forms are the approved forms under the Planning Act 2016 and must be used when making an application.

Step 3.Application for Signage

To apply for approval, you need to complete a form(PDF, 403KB) and pay a fee at the time of lodgement. Refer to Council’s fees and charges for the current fee amount.

Step 4.Will I need other approval?

Depending on the type of signage, you may require other Council approvals. The Building Act and Regulations prescribe requirements for signs based on size and relativity to buildings.

Contact Council on (07) 4970 0700 or info@gladstone.qld.gov.au to determine if your sign requires building approval.

Step 5.How long will my signage application take to process?

Approvals generally take up to four weeks to process. However, this may be longer if input is required from other departments or agencies, or if your application does not provide enough information.

Buying, Building & Renovating

Related Information

Back to top