Council Ranger Threatens to Fine Campaign Volunteers Over Signage at Speers Point Pre-Polling Station

A heated discussion unfolded Yesterday (Monday, 9th September 2024) at the Speers Point pre-polling station, located at 81 Lakeview Street. It has been alleged that campaign volunteers and Lake Macquarie Councillors were approached by a Lake Macquarie City Council ranger, who threatened the group with fines and the impounding of their coreflute and A-frame signs. The ranger told the volunteers that they were not allowed to place the signage on council property because it is against the law. However, it is a long standing tradition that signs are placed in front of polling centres during election periods and in this case, were displayed on the lawn outside the hall by several campaigners, and attached to fencing.

Word had spread through the volunteer community leading to Newy 87.8 receiving numerous text messages from concerned individuals about the ranger’s actions. Our reporter attended the polling station today and observed several A-frame signs positioned on the lawn outside the polling station but none attached to the fence.

We were told that following the confrontation with the ranger, the NSW Electoral Commission staff who were supposed to be working inside moved all the offending materials from outside, into the voting hall.

Volunteers told our reporter that party representatives contacted Lake Macquarie City Council, who admitted that the request to remove the A-frame signage from the grass was invalid and that the ranger should not have ordered the removal, placing the blame on the ranger. However, in discussions with the ranger, the volunteers were informed that he was acting on council instructions.

Lake Macquarie Council then informed the volunteers that the removal of signage from the fence was correct, but the error made by the ranger was related to his request to remove the A-frame signs. Additionally, the signs were not allowed to be placed in the driveway or on the grass between the footpath and the road as it was deemed a obstruction.

While at the polling station, the Newy 87.8 reporter overheard a discussion between three individuals who revealed that Cr Adam Shultz, who has been endorsed to replace Cr Kay Fraser as Mayor if elected, was involved in the negotiations. It was alleged that Cr Adam Shultz described the situation as “a gross overreach by council staff” and it was further alleged that Schultz told council staff that the situation was “inappropriate and unprofessional.”

Newy 87.8 also learned from volunteers that, following the review, senior ranger Libby would be sent to polling locations to establish a direct line of communication with site managers to avoid further misunderstandings.

In a statement to Newy 87.8, Lake Macquarie City Council said:

“Rangers have this week attended a number of pre-polling stations in Lake Macquarie to ensure all signage, including A-frames and corflutes, comply with electoral guidelines and don’t obstruct safe passage for pedestrians. No signs have been impounded from any pre-polling locations at this stage. We understand the importance of signage in polling areas and are committed to ensuring electoral activities are conducted smoothly and safely for all.”

The incident has brought attention to election signage regulations governed by the Electoral Act 2017. While signs on council property, such as fencing, are prohibited, A-frame signs are permitted as long as they do not obstruct access or violate safety regulations.