THREE controversial LED noticeboards will be removed by the Shire of Mundaring following vocal public backlash and community consultation.

The decision to remove the signs was made at this month’s ordinary council meeting on Tuesday, November 14.

Deputy shire president Trish Cook moved the motion to remove the signs, provide options for their future and amend the shire’s policies to restrict LED signage within parklands or playgrounds.

“Somewhere along the line we got this wrong,” she said.

As previously reported Call to modify park LED signs, (Echo News, October 12) a recommendation to modify the noticeboards was made at the September ordinary council meeting, due to widespread community dissatisfaction with both the aesthetics of the signs and appropriateness of the locations.

Cr Cook said more conversation needs to take place to look at the future options for the LED signs but stated that future recommendations should not include playgrounds and parks.

The motion passed with seven of the nine councillors in favour. The two councillors who voted against the motion were Neridah Zlatnik and Karen Beale.

The noticeboards are currently installed across the shire at Sculpture Park in Mundaring, Pioneer Park in Mt Helena, and Morgan John Morgan Reserve in Glen Forrest, with the latter receiving the most public ire.

“If we only take one sign out that says it’s okay to put them in parks and playgrounds in the future, and I don’t want that,” Cr Cook said.

“We are setting a precedence if we leave any of them in the ground.”

The three noticeboards were installed in December of last year at the cost of $150,000.

During the discussion of the motion, Cr John Daw said that prior to the installation of the noticeboards, the relevant residents’ associations were to be consulted, but said this did not happen.

The Glen Forrest Residents and Ratepayers Association (GFRRA) president Sharon Hill confirmed they were not contacted by the shire for community consultation before the installation of the noticeboards.

As reported Bright idea cops removal petition, (Echo News, April 14), after the installation a petition against the LED Signs was signed by nearly 500 residents, led by the GFRRA.

“Putting some time between removing them (the LED signs) and figuring out what they will do with them is a good idea,” Ms Hill said.

“I think it’s just really good to note that the councillors have been really supportive in listening to the community and engaging with us in these areas of concern, so we are really happy that the outcome is what it is.”