Plans to install a 10m-high electronic advertising sign beside one of the Coast’s busiest roads are headed for court.
Australian Outdoor Media (Tech) Pty Ltd is appealing to the Planning and Environment Court after Sunshine Coast Council refused its application to build the third-party advertising device at 542 Maroochydore Road, Kunda Park.
The sign, which would have a screen measuring about 12.66m by 3.35m, would be sited to “primarily capture viewership travelling eastbound and westbound on Maroochydore Road and Maroochydore Road Service Road”.
The appeal, filed by Brisbane-based MacDonnells Law, says the site currently operates as Kennards Self Storage and is close to a mix of businesses including a Bunnings Trade, Sydney Tools, Mitre 10 and Boral.
The application was initially lodged in May 2025 and underwent public notification from August 22 to September 12. No submissions were made.
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But the council issued a decision notice on January 7 saying it was rejecting the proposal based on its visual impact, a lack of need and safety concerns.
“The proposal adds unnecessary visual clutter to the area and compromises the visual amenity, character and identity of Kunda Park,” it said.
“(It) does not accommodate a legitimate need to provide directions or business identification … (and) could create a traffic distraction and safety risks, being proximate to a signalised intersection on a moderately fast road.
“The application has not demonstrated that there is a need for the proposed development sufficient to justify approval of the proposal.”
But the appeal contends that the device would not cause negative impacts.
“The proposed sign is located within the corner of the land and will allow the surrounding area to continue to operate as an industrial area,” it says.
“The proposed development can be conditioned to ensure that luminance levels automatically change in response to ambient light levels to ensure that the proposed sign does not create an unacceptable traffic safety hazard.
“(It) will not obstruct the passage of pedestrians and vehicles, will not mimic or act as a traffic control device and will not restrict any sight lines at intersections and site access points.”
The appeal was lodged on February 3. The council has not yet filed a response.
