By Howard Salkow

All levels of government have the staggering ability to make mind-boggling decisions; with the most recent being a proposal to remove a large billboard at the entrance to Port Douglas.

The billboard, like any other outdoor advertising, is used to advertise the IGA, Wildlife Habitat and a pharmacy. It is an excellent resource for locals, but more importantly first-time visitors. Rational thinking is clearly not visible here. We live in a world dominated by signage – albeit speed signs, hotel accommodation, petrol stations, restaurants, information and many more.

Yet, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR), believes “the sign can distract road users and create safety issues”. The billboard has been in its current spot for more than a dozen years. 

We can openly see that the said businesses stand to lose revenue should this proceed.

There is also a confusing element which needs addressing. A report in the July 30 issue of the Gazette, may have you questioning the role of the Douglas Shire Council. 

The report states that according to DTMR, “the sign be removed following concerns raised by the Douglas Shire Council (DSC)”. Yet, later in the article, it says that “Douglas Shire is reported to have distanced itself from the sign removal”.

This then raises obvious questions: Who wants to remove the billboard? And Why? What are the concerns raised by DSC? How many accidents have been caused as a result of it? If this billboard is supposedly “distracting road users” what about the other signs in the town. Should they also be removed? 

Some of the aforementioned questions may go unanswered, but when given the opportunity to further explain, Council said an ‘individual’ had complained about the signage. 

The complaint was regarding the location of the signage and whether it was permitted to be there. On review, according to Council, it was determined there was no approval for the signage; which you don’t need reminding has been there for more than 12 years.Council added the sign is located on (DTMR) land and as per normal procedure was referred to the DTMR for investigation. 

It beggars belief an ‘individual’ has this amount of influence.      

It’s not too late for common sense to prevail and this billboard must not be torn down. Is this the sort of decision DSC wants rearing its head in an election year?