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🇦🇺 Australia /Economy & Trade

Tourist-town shops say order to remove 'unsafe' road signs bad for business

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Businesses in Denmark, Western Australia, are concerned that an order to remove unauthorized road signs directing tourists to local shops could harm their trade.
  • The Shire of Denmark cited safety concerns raised by Main Roads regarding signs placed in high-speed, high-traffic areas.
  • While the Shire President acknowledged communication could be improved, he stood by the decision, emphasizing safety as paramount.

Businesses in the popular Western Australian tourist town of Denmark are voicing strong opposition to an order from the Shire of Denmark to remove unauthorized road signs directing visitors to local shops and cafes. They fear the removal will deter tourists and negatively impact the region's booming economy.

The signs are quite important to show that we're open and hours of trading.

— Brendan LaingA local business owner explaining the importance of road signs for his cafe and leather shop.

Thousands of tourists visit Denmark annually for its natural attractions. However, some businesses have received letters from the Shire demanding the removal of signs within 28 days, citing potential non-compliance with policy and possible enforcement action. Brendan Laing, a cafe and leather shop owner, stated that these signs are crucial for attracting customers, especially those not located within the town center.

"Given the fact we're not in town and don't have any foot traffic out here, we need to capture people when we can, and it definitely helps our business," Laing explained. He believes the Shire's actions are counterproductive to supporting the tourism industry, which has become a major economic driver for Denmark.

Given the fact we're not in town and don't have any foot traffic out here, we need to capture people when we can, and it definitely helps our business.

— Brendan LaingThe business owner emphasizing how crucial the signs are for attracting customers located away from the main town.

Shire President Aaron Wiggins explained the order stems from safety concerns raised by Main Roads, the state road utility. "They're in high-speed, high-traffic areas right on the roads and around corners," he said. "It's a huge safety issue, and we're not going to hide from that."

I think they seem to be ... nearly working against us in some ways, dealing with tourists.

— Brendan LaingThe business owner expressing frustration with the Shire's perceived lack of support for the tourism industry.

Wiggins acknowledged that the Shire could have communicated the issue more effectively but maintained the decision was necessary. "The ones we're talking about are unsafe signs right on what is still considered the road area. That's never going to be acceptable." He added that the Shire is updating its signage policy and is open to consulting with industry and residents.

They're in high-speed, high-traffic areas right on the roads and around corners. It's a huge safety issue, and we're not going to hide from that.

— Aaron WigginsThe Shire President explaining the safety rationale behind the order to remove road signs.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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