By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Twenty-metre high advertising signs on Kardinia Park’s light towers have received the go-ahead from the planning umpire.
The Cats had wanted approval in time for the first bounce this season but entered a protracted tribunal process after objectors heckled the proposal.
The Independent revealed last year the club had fielded enquiries from businesses keen for the football exposure.
An initial application to council included no limit on the height of advertising on the four 73-metre towers.
However, the planning panel applauded council’s decision to restrict it to 20m because of the “potential visual impact on the Geelong skyline”.
Panel chair Cathie McRobert said the limit complemented Simonds Stadium’s average roof height, the highest being 25m on a new Premiership and Players Stand.
Ms McRobert said the change allowed for major promotional signs on the stadium and elsewhere within Kardinia Park.
Potential advertisers still had to apply for a permit so issues such as sign height, the area on the towers available for signage and its direction would be considered, she said.
“There remains the potential for adverse impacts from signs on views from the environs of the park and stadium, which include major traffic routes at an important gateway to the city.”
Ms McRobert noted a “perceived conflict of interest” from council both managing the stadium and approving its advertising applications.
Setting up a planning application committee could address council’s “pecuniary interest in the outcome” of the applications, she said.
