Background

For over 20 years, Council has had advertising structures on many of its social infrastructure including bus stops. This advertising provides Council with revenue which pays for the maintenance and enhancement of the public domain.
Waverley Council is planning to upgrade many of its existing bus shelters to provide better, more accessible shelters which align with modern requirements.

Currently, advertising is displayed on posters within a display unit attached to the bus stop. Technology now allows for digital advertising which has the capabilities to display more frequent community and Council messaging as well as a variety of different advertisements.

In addition to replacing the bus shelters with associated digital advertising, Council intends to include advertising on multi-functional communications panels.

To make these changes this requires changes to the Waverley Local Environmental Plan (WLEP).

Update: The Planning Proposal was exhibited 6 February 2024 - 5 March 2024. It was reported to Council on 16 April 2024 where Council resolved to finalise the Planning Proposal to amend the WLEP. The Planning Proposal was subsequently finalised and gazetted on the 19th of July.

Waverley Local Environmental Plan (WLEP) changes

Council proposes to update the WLEP to allow digital advertising on bus stops and communications panels to be installed by Council or a party acting on behalf of Council. It is proposed for this to be allowed as exempt development, meaning that the installation of this advertising will not require a Development Application.

The Planning Proposal is proposing measures to ensure that any advertising or structures are appropriate for their environment, this includes:

  • no flashing or neon advertising,
  • size restrictions for freestanding communications panels that contain advertising outside of pedestrianised mall environments,
  • ensuring the structures do not obstruct accessibility for people with a disability, approved outdoor dining or footpaths,
  • do not hinder sight lines, and
  • communications panels are not to be in residential zones and can only be in commercial zones (MU1, E1 and E2 zones).

While a Development Application will not be required, the exact location of the bus stops and communications panels will be determined by the Councillors at a future Council Meeting as part of any contract entered with a supplier or advertising company. This is part of a separate Request for Tender process.

How to submit

Public exhibition has concluded.