By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A PROPOSAL for advertising signage on Simonds Stadium’s light towers will go to a planning panel.
Geelong’s council and the Cats want the advertising in place for the 2014 season.
The Independent revealed in December that Kardinia Park’s public park zoning had thwarted the Cats’ initial bid for the tower advertising. Council asked Planning Minister Matthew Guy for an exemption.
The new application seeks “major” promotion advertising signage on the towers, which would help cover their electricity bills.
The application said Simonds Stadium was a “special circumstance” as a national commercially operated facility hosting events broadcast across Australia.
“It is to be expected that significant advertising signage would be displayed at the stadium,” the application said.
“The use of advertising promotes branding of the facility on the national stage to generate funds towards the upkeep and operations of the stadium.
“The stadium is now starkly contrasted with that of its surrounds, having undergone a multi-million dollar revamp over the past few years.
“The signage planned for the towers is not intended to be too intrusive to the local community and will remain in place year round.
“Signage could impact on the natural and built environment of Kardinia Park, so it will be important the light tower signage complements Simonds Stadium and does not detract from the quality of the urban environment.
“Council will need to ensure that the signage at Simonds Stadium is consistent with and complements the character of the area in which Kardinia Park sits.”
The planning panel will hear the application in February.
