By BEN CAMERON
A TONIMBUK farmer has called the Cardinia Shire Council unethical over its stance on nine anti-quarry signs erected across Bunyip North and Tonimbuk.
Tony Knight said “around 15 to 20 residents” in the area were specifically concerned with large protest signs located on the corner of Ellis and Tonimbuk roads.
“The signs were erected illegally, without council permits, by a resident in Sanders Road,” he said.
“Later the Mount Cannibal and District Preservation Society, which this individual joined, assumed responsibility for this and a number of other protest signs located in Bunyip North and Tonimbuk.
“We want them removed or relocated, but they refused.”
He said the signs would devalue land prices in areas not directly impacted by the proposed quarry in Bunyip North.
“None of the impacted residents were consulted or given any opportunity to voice their opinions,” he said.
“Council’s planning enforcement officer informed us and still believes that the signs fall into category 12 ‘Promotional Signage’.
“I have asked for written confirmation of council’s position 10 days ago and to date have not received a response.”
Council’s guidelines state promotional signage; “which does not relate to product, goods or services for sale on the land will not be supported by council”.
“Council’s actions… aren’t conducive with ethical and equitable governance,” he said.
“It’s a sad indictment on the shire and the Mount Cannibal Preservation Society that residents and land owners are treated with such contempt and disdain and frankly it simply isn’t right.”
Council’s Manager Development and Compliance Services Brett Jackson would not confirm if the signs required permits.
“Council has thoroughly investigated this matter and has concluded that no further action can be undertaken,” he said.
Local resident George Fry and society member hoped the disagreement could be settled soon with an executive meeting.
“If those two signs are removed at the corner of Ellis and Tonimuk roads, you’d have 100 per cent happy people around here,” he said.
A spokesperson for the Mount Cannibal Preservation Society declined to comment.
