Mrs PADGHAM-PURICH - 1994-09-01
Is it a fact that, without the usual advertisements in newspapers, the Department of Lands and Housing has given approval in principle for the erection of very large signs on the Stuart and Arnhem Highways in the rural area outside Darwin, and around Alice Springs? If that is the case, why was it done for the firm that erected these signs?
Page 139
ANSWER
The member for Nelson raised this matter very vociferously in last evening's adjournment debate. I have had the opportunity to check some of the facts and wish to advise the member of the specific procedures and the current situation in relation to these signs. It has been much easier to obtain information overnight about the situation in relation to Darwin, but I have not had the opportunity to clarify the situation in relation to Alice Springs. However, I will investigate that situation for the member.
The current situation in relation to signs on road reserves is that, where advertising structures are to be erected within road reserves, applicants are required to lodge applications with the Department of Transport and Works for assessment in terms of their compliance with the technical guidelines. Once assessed, the applications are referred to the Northern Territory Planning Authority for approval and issue of development permits. Apparently, the 3M advertising company took the approval in principle, given by the Department of Transport and Works during preliminary discussions, as the only approval required and commenced erecting the signs. In fact, the company should have obtained permission also from the Power and Water Authority and Telecom to ensure that their locational requirements also were met.
The Department of Transport and Works advises that all works have ceased and the required applications are to be lodged. It should be noted that the Department of Transport and Works guidelines do not provide standards on the numbers of signs that may be erected within the road reserves despite the fact that that could have implications for the aesthetics of the rural area and, subsequently, the opinions of rural residents on the merits of roadside advertising. That matter would be dealt with through the Planning Authority.
On the basis of the advice that I received today, it is reasonable to say that neither the Planning Authority nor the Department of Lands, Housing and Local Government has yet received applications. I trust that the member will make appropriate apologies for the rather nasty things that were said about my department in the adjournment debate. However, I can understand her frustration at a situation whereby it appeared that discussion with local residents had been totally ignored and overridden. Under the new planning legislation, we now require public advertising and development applications ...
Mrs Padgham-Purich: I apologise to you and transfer my remarks to the Minister for Transport and Works.
Mr HATTON: Obviously, I will follow up this matter. I will discuss with the department the situation in relation to the signs that have been erected without the necessary development approval to determine the appropriate action that can and should be taken. Certainly, the work has ceased, but there are still signs that have been erected without approval.
Page 140
Page 139
ANSWER
The member for Nelson raised this matter very vociferously in last evening's adjournment debate. I have had the opportunity to check some of the facts and wish to advise the member of the specific procedures and the current situation in relation to these signs. It has been much easier to obtain information overnight about the situation in relation to Darwin, but I have not had the opportunity to clarify the situation in relation to Alice Springs. However, I will investigate that situation for the member.
The current situation in relation to signs on road reserves is that, where advertising structures are to be erected within road reserves, applicants are required to lodge applications with the Department of Transport and Works for assessment in terms of their compliance with the technical guidelines. Once assessed, the applications are referred to the Northern Territory Planning Authority for approval and issue of development permits. Apparently, the 3M advertising company took the approval in principle, given by the Department of Transport and Works during preliminary discussions, as the only approval required and commenced erecting the signs. In fact, the company should have obtained permission also from the Power and Water Authority and Telecom to ensure that their locational requirements also were met.
The Department of Transport and Works advises that all works have ceased and the required applications are to be lodged. It should be noted that the Department of Transport and Works guidelines do not provide standards on the numbers of signs that may be erected within the road reserves despite the fact that that could have implications for the aesthetics of the rural area and, subsequently, the opinions of rural residents on the merits of roadside advertising. That matter would be dealt with through the Planning Authority.
On the basis of the advice that I received today, it is reasonable to say that neither the Planning Authority nor the Department of Lands, Housing and Local Government has yet received applications. I trust that the member will make appropriate apologies for the rather nasty things that were said about my department in the adjournment debate. However, I can understand her frustration at a situation whereby it appeared that discussion with local residents had been totally ignored and overridden. Under the new planning legislation, we now require public advertising and development applications ...
Mrs Padgham-Purich: I apologise to you and transfer my remarks to the Minister for Transport and Works.
Mr HATTON: Obviously, I will follow up this matter. I will discuss with the department the situation in relation to the signs that have been erected without the necessary development approval to determine the appropriate action that can and should be taken. Certainly, the work has ceased, but there are still signs that have been erected without approval.
Page 140
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016