There are rules that apply to how electoral material is displayed and distributed.
In the lead up to the Council election in October, find out what’s allowed, and what to do if you suspect electoral material may be illegal.
What's allowed and not allowed
Signs and advertising on public land
To ensure Council doesn’t appear to support an individual candidate, election signage is not permitted:
- on Council land including roadsides, nature strips, parkland or Council-owned property
- attached to Council buildings
- attached to a verandah or awning that overhangs Council land
- on some land owned by other government agencies such as Parks Victoria or VicRoads without the required approval from the relevant agency.
Signage that is placed on Council property will be removed. Costs to recover the signs will be covered by the candidate.
Mobile billboards and signs on trailers and vehicles must be mobile at all times or parked on private property. They can’t be left unattended or parked on Council land.
Under the Environment Protection Act 2017, it’s illegal to place advertising material on windscreens in public places.
Signs on private land
There are guidelines for placing signage on private property under the Nillumbik Planning Scheme.
A sign can be placed on private property without a permit if it meets the following guidelines:
- The advertising area must be five square metres or less.
- One sign is allowed per property (two identical signs are counted as two signs).
- Signs can’t be animated or internally illuminated (a spotlight shining on the sign is okay).
- Signs can’t be displayed after 9 November 2024.
- Candidates must have the property owner’s permission.
Signage that doesn’t meet the guidelines will need planning permission. Candidates should talk to Council about permit requirements before putting up signs. Installing signage without a planning permit can result in a fine of up to $961.55 for an individual or $1975.90 for a company.
Candidates and property owners are responsible for ensuring signage meets the requirements, even if a sign was erected by someone else.
If you own land and someone has placed signage on your land without your approval, you can remove the signage. If you’re concerned about someone accessing your property without permission, contact Victoria Police.
Events and pop ups
Candidates and supporters can hold events in public spaces but will need to follow the guidelines:
- Election material can’t be distributed within 50 metres of Council property.
- Candidates need permission from the property owner to campaign in a public space.
- Consider public safety and community amenity – don’t obstruct access to footpaths.
- A-frame and freestanding signs aren’t allowed on Council land.
- Election material must meet the requirements of the Victorian Electoral Commission. Check the candidate handbook for more information.
Report illegal signage or campaigning
Who you report the issue to depends on the type of issue.
Content of electoral material
Electoral material includes signs, posters, flyers, advertising, social media posts, unaddressed mail, emails, SMS and how-to-vote cards.
All electoral material must follow the VEC guidelines.
- All advertising material must be authorised.
- Content can’t be misleading or deceptive.
If you see something that doesn’t follow the guidelines, check with the VEC.
Placement
Report a sign that you believe has been placed illegally.