Noosa residents have taken to social media to comment on the sudden disappearance of inflatable clowns advertising an upcoming circus across the shire.
The inflatable structures were installed to promote The Great Moscow Circus, which will hold shows at the Noosa Pony Club at the Noosa District Sports Complex, from Friday, September 18 to Sunday, October 4.
A Noosa Council spokesperson said the inflatable devices were classified as advertising signs and did not comply with council’s local laws relating to advertising devices and signage. The spokesperson said a similar non-compliance issue involving the same circus was identified when it last performed in Noosa in 2022.
The spokesperson said council had advised the circus operators that the inflatables had to be removed or deflated, to ensure local laws were applied fairly and consistently.
SCN has been informed by the circus that all nine inflated structures were placed on private property, with permission from the property owners.
Council said it supported local events and businesses, and worked with organisers to meet regulatory requirements while balancing community expectations, neighbourhood impacts and public safety.
But the decision has prompted plenty of discussion online, with one Noosa-based community board post attracting more than 100 comments.
“My kids just love the clowns and spotting them all over town,” wrote one resident in the post.
In general, community opinion on the post was that the clowns were a positive aspect of driving through the shire, with residents discussing their appeal and the enjoyment they provided for children.
The council spokesperson said council officers had since worked with the organisers and advised that six to 10 directional signs could be installed within 3km of the venue to help patrons locate the event.
SCN has requested additional comment from The Great Moscow Circus on the council’s decision, but it did not respond by the time of publication.
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