By NICOLE WILLIAMS
A GIANT ‘chook’ would be more appropriate than a 12-metre sign set back off the road in Cockatoo, according to a Cardinia Shire councillor.
Councillors were split in their decision to grant a retrospective permit to Cockatoo business Abundant Layers for a 12-metre advertising sign on the side of a shed.
Council officers had recommended the retrospective permit be refused, but Councillor Tania Baxter offered an alternative motion to approve the permit, arguing it had become part of the landscape in the 18 months it had been installed.
Despite the argument that the red sign was now a landmark of Cockatoo, other councillors believed it was simply too large.
Cr Graeme Moore did not support the motion, but said he would have been all for the permit if it had involved a ‘giant chook’.
Cr Baxter said she had never noticed the sign until the issue was raised with council.
“The sign has been up the whole of my term in council and I have driven past it many times and I had never seen it,” she said.
“Because I have never seen it, I don’t believe it is conspicuous. I believe it has become a landmark.”
Cr Baxter was also supported by Cr Leticia Wilmot who said the community were in support of the sign.
At a recent community meeting, the only objection she had received for the sign was that it ‘didn’t say Cockatoo’.
Cr David Young did not support approving the application because it would set a precedent for other businesses in similar rural settings.
“There are regulations set out for the Green Wedge and this sign does not meet the requirements,” he said.
“If we go against the officer’s recommendation, it would be setting a precedent. Having the sign brings attention to the area, but detracts from the type of area we’re trying to attract.”
However, a big chook would be more appropriate according to Cr Graeme Moore.
“All business would like to have a sign of this size and being there for two years doesn’t mean it is legal,” he said.
“If it was a big chook, I would support it.”
The alternate motion to approve the application, raised by Cr Baxter, was approved. Councillors Young, Moore and George Blenkhorn voted against the motion.
