Media Statement from City of Ballarat Chief Executive Officer Anthony Schinck:

• Council received a complaint on Thursday from VicRoads about a potential traffic hazard posed by a number of signs and cars placed at the intersection of Airport Rd and Learmonth Rd.
• Council has a close working relationship with VicRoads and has a duty to respond when a major public authority raises concerns about traffic safety on a public road.
• Council officers responded by removing a number of signs from the area on Thursday (24/2).
• One of the signs removed belonged to Mitchell Park couple Roger and Rose Young. On returning the sign, Council officers advised Mr and Mrs Young that it was illegal to place signs on council land without a permit.
• Council officers returned the following day, Friday (25/2) and 25 fines were issued relating to signs and vehicles advertised for sale around the intersection.
• Mr and Mrs Young were also issued with a $100 fine, not $300, on Friday.
• The fine was issued because a sign advertising the Young’s garage sale was found by officers on Council land along Airport Rd on Friday.
• Council officers have contacted the Youngs today to discuss the issue.
• A process of review is open to Mr and Mrs Young and Council is happy to discuss this with them.
• Council supports garage sales, which are both environmentally and socially beneficial.  
• The local law dealing with advertising on council land is there to ensure council land can be enjoyed by all and to prevent traffic hazards.