Tourist Signage Review - Denmark

Tourist Signage Review

A review of existing tourist directional road signage within the Shire of Denmark Prepared for: Shire of Denmark Prepared by: Eugene Stankevicius Manager Brand WA | Corporate Identity | Tourist Signage Policy August 2009 (Revised January 2010)

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Attachment 9.1.4

August 2009 Tourism Western Australia

Page 1 Tourist Signage Review | Shire of Denmark



Introduction

The following review of existing tourist signage was carried out in response to a request from the Shire of Denmark. The review of tourist signage was conducted in May 2009 and covered the

following essential areas:

Denmark Town Centre Primary entry and exit routes Signage for caravanners

The review covers main and significant roads within the Shire of Denmark. Time constraints prevented the inspection of numerous local roads and to this end the review is not purported to be comprehensive. However, it provides sufficient information by example to guide the development of a tourism signage policy document and implementation of recommendations contained herein.

I have also made a number of observations about other signage and related matters for consideration.

I wish to acknowledge the time and assistance provided by

Eber Butron (Shire of Denmark) & Ian Osborne (Denmark Visitor Centre).

Footnote The author apologises for the poor quality of some of the photos.

The timing of this review coincided with stormy weather conditions during which time it rained heavily and continuously on each day.

Contents A. Introduction B. Scotsdale Tourist Drive C. Tourist Signage – General Comments D. Tourist Signage – Review of existing signs E. Visitor Centre Signage F. Other Observations G. Priority Projects





A. Introduction Tourism Western Australia (Tourism WA) works closely with Main Roads Western Australia (MRWA) to develop assessment criteria for tourist Directional Signs. Tourism WA has no influence or jurisdiction over roadside advertising, promotional or interpretative signage as these are covered by established MRWA and Local Government policies.

Blue or Brown – Which is Which

Directional signs to Tourist Attractions have white lettering and symbols on a BROWN background. The following Australian Standard symbols are the only symbols permitted on Tourist Attraction Signs and applicants are assessed by Tourism WA:

Directional signs to Tourist Services and Facilities have white lettering or symbols on a BLUE background. The following Australian Standard symbols are the only symbols permitted on Tourist Service & Facility Signs and applicants are assessed by Tourism WA:

The following symbols are AS community and other service and facility symbols which may be used on road signage – these do not get assessed by Tourism WA:



Tourist Signage Objectives Tourism WA objectives in preparing these signage guidelines are:

to encourage the provision of an efficient information system, designed as a ‘family’ of co-ordinated and complementary signs throughout the State, which meet the requirements of tourism operators and the travelling public

to encourage a uniform and consistent approach to the design, construction and erection of signs throughout the State, with a view to eventually eliminating the proliferation of different types of signs, which are becoming increasingly confusing and ineffective to motorists travelling from one area to another.

to limit the proliferation of road signs to preserve the prime aesthetic values of the landscape and environment.

to encourage the removal of unauthorised or unnecessary signs which: • cannot be read effectively • threaten road user safety • interfere with the message of legitimate signs • clutter the landscape • reduce the aesthetic and natural beauty of the State.

to ensure that, from a road safety point of view, signs incorporate ‘glance appreciation’ qualities incorporating uniform, elementary shapes and colours, with simple and concise messages using internationally recognised symbols wherever possible.

‘glance appreciation’ means being able to readily interpret the information on a sign with only a momentary ‘glance’ by the driver at the prevailing road speed.

to ensure that the fundamental purpose of signposting tourist attractions and service facilities is always maintained. It must be remembered that the main purpose of signs is to confirm the location of, and not advertise, tourist attractions and services.

to promote the use of MRWA standards for signs in preference to individual variations and interpretations which are sometimes developed by Local Government Authorities.

to rationalise and simplify signage standards, to ensure that all businesses operate under the same controls or restrictions concerning tourist attraction and service facility signs.

to ensure that signs are uniformly used as a means of confirmation for the motorist of tourist attractions and service facilities in a given area.

to ensure that existing signs are properly maintained and continue to project a positive image of the area.

to ensure that the value of tourist attraction and service signs are not diminished by ensuring that only those attractions and services that meet the essential criteria are signed.

Established Standards and Policies Tourism WA supports and recommends the adoption of the MRWA signage policy as a State wide standard to guide and direct the development of tourism and service signage throughout the State in a consistent and uniform manner. MRWA standards comply with both national and international standards. The signs and associated symbols and colours, therefore, have the advantage of national and international recognition, which benefits local operators and visitors alike and transcends language barriers. By working within the MRWA policy, and by applying common sense and a flexible approach to individual situations, MRWA and Local Government in consultation with Tourism WA will be able to properly manage signage to service the best interests of visitors, road users, businesses and community at large.



Key Policy Guidelines Signs should not be used as the primary means of identification. Good road and tourist maps are always recommended to be used as the primary means of locating tourist attractions and services. Road signs then become a means of affirming their precise location and reassuring motorists that they are travelling in the right direction. Local Government Authorities and Visitor Information Centres are encouraged to develop and implement a regular and systematic tourist sign inspection programme and to maintain an up-to-date sign inventory for their area. These are just some of the fundamental rules about tourist directional signage:

Tourist direction signs are not advertising or promotional signs – there are other methods and opportunities available for promotional signs.

Signs are never considered individually – they form part of a signage system – each linking to the next providing an unbroken chain of signs.

Directional signs for a business will normally only be signed from the nearest main road. Businesses located in more remote areas will not necessarily be able to rely on directional signs to get their customers to their business. This is the role of marketing.

All signage starts at the property line of the business. The business name must be clearly visible from the road before any directional signs are installed. Signs then work back from the property line to the nearest main road – this will be the last sign to be erected.

Business names on road signs must be the same as appears at the property entrance and all marketing and promotional collateral – if it is different then visitors will be unsure if they have arrived at the correct property - getting confused by perhaps seeing a different name and they may ‘dawdle’ on the road which could result in road safety issues

All tourism businesses applying for signage will be referred by the Local Government to Tourism WA for compliance assessed to determine if they meet the minimum essential criteria for road signage

All signs must include the distance in km to the property.

Business names in a sign stack should be listed in order of closest first – not alphabetic

Only the primary business of the property is signed – for example, if a 200 bay Caravan Park had a few chalets, some campsites, small bunkhouse for backpackers and a cafe, then the property would be signed as a Caravan Park as being the prime business.

General Requirements The premises of any commercial tourist attraction must provide an appropriate level of ambience both within the premises and in the physical location of the premises. As an example, locating the premises in an industrial or commercial district is unlikely to provide much tourism ambience; however, if the premises were located in a rural environment then this would be more likely to provide the desirable level of ambience expected by visitors.

Facilities That Are Not Eligible The following types of business or activity are not considered to be commercial tourist attractions for road signage purposes:

Nurseries & garden centres

Intangible or seasonal visitor activities and attractions like whale watching, dive trails, wildflowers, walk trails etc

Recreational facilities like skydiving, scuba diving

Commercial tour operators like boat cruises, 4WD, scuba diving



Community recreational activities and facilities like golf courses, aquatic centres and similar establishments

Antique galleries/shops

Multiple Attractions on One Site or Attractions within Attractions Individual businesses and facilities that are located within a complex or larger group attraction are not permitted to have individual road signage for their business. In these instances, the complex or major or primary attraction will be signed from the nearest major road incorporating generic symbols indicating the types of services and facilities located within. Examples of such situations are Yanchep National Park, Serpentine Dam, Sorrento Quay, Pioneer World etc. Businesses co-existing on the same property with a single access point should consider developing a marketing name for the “complex” which would then be signed from the nearest main road. Directional signage to the individual business can then be installed within the property at each business owner’s discretion and expense.



B. Scotsdale Tourist Drive Scotsdale Tourist Drive (STD) is categorised as a State Tourist Drive. This means that it has been deemed to be one of only a handful of premium routes of state-wide significance in WA. The scenic quality of STD would have to make it one of the most visited attractions of Denmark. Tourism WA supports and encourages the ongoing management, maintenance and promotion of this quality tourism product. These three key drivers are essential for a successful and sustainable tourism product:

• Management requires that information in Information Bays, road signage and all other collateral to be current and up to date. If operators are no longer in business then signage needs to be removed quickly. If new operators come on the scene then this needs to be included in information bays and road signage quickly. Road signs should show the actual business name and not any variation. It is suggested that the management of this role be vested in the Denmark Visitor Centre and the tourism operators benefiting from the marketing of this tourism product. There needs to be shared ownership.

• Maintenance involves ongoing vigilance of the physical infrastructure – the road and the general appearance of the road reserve. Road and roadside maintenance is a Shire responsibility. There needs to be a commitment to maintain the visual appearance of road surface and general visual appearance of the entire route. As this has been categorised as a route of state-wide significance then there is an obligation to keep the road surface in good condition, keep the verges neat and tidy, and trim bushes and trees where they encroach on road signs and other markers. Again, there could, and should, be shared responsibility for this role where it would be in the interest of the tourism operators to report anything that may either impact on visitor satisfaction or be considered a risk to motorists.

• Promotion is best vested in the Denmark Visitor Centre to ensure that the route is clearly marked with the State Tourist Drive symbol on all printed collateral, regardless of who produces it, and be included in all web content for Denmark.

A SINGLE PRODUCT The recommendations made in this signage review in relation to the STD are made on the basis of marketing the route as one tourism product. Tourism operators would benefit from this approach by piggybacking their advertising and promotion of their individual businesses as being “on the Scotsdale Tourist Drive”. There will then be less reliance on road signage which could then be rationalised and maintained at a level that does not become overbearing or intrusive on the scenic landscape. AMENDMENT TO THE ROUTE STD runs along Scotsdale Rd from Horsley Rd in the town centre to McLeod Rd and down to the South Coast Hwy. This should be the complete route which complies with the guidelines as a route which is an “alternative” route leaving a main road and rejoining it later. In this case however, there is an unconventional “spur” which takes one along the highway and down the spur road to William Bay. Spur roads are not considered to be tourist drives as the forward and return journey is along the same road. In addition, William Bay Rd is not considered particularly scenic. This is not to say that the attractions of Elephant Rocks, Greens Pool and the bays in general are not worth visiting. They are and should continue to be signed but not necessarily as part of STD. The excellent attractions stand in their own right and William Bay will continue to be signed as a geographical location. TWO WAY ROUTE As a tourism product, the route is, can and should be traversable in both directions. Road signage should take this into consideration when assessing both existing and future applications for signs. To facilitate this, two new Tourist Information Bays have been recommended for the route.



C. Tourist Signage in Denmark – General Comments All tourist signage covered by this review has been considered in terms of the two primary entry points to Denmark – eastbound and westbound. Visitors arriving from Mt Barker are considered as westbound. It is evident that much of the existing signage has evolved over many years without any clear policy guidelines. Many signs have become dated and in need of replacement while others should have been removed as they point to businesses that have closed long ago. Property names have been checked where possible – however, there is no assurance given in this review that all properties are correctly named or meet the minimum essential criteria for signage to be installed in the first place. It may well be that many of the businesses that are signed do not meet the minimum essential assessment criteria and would not be eligible for signage today. However, this review does not cover this aspect. If existing signs point to businesses that do not comply then they are deemed as non-compliant. The reason for this is that the operators would have made some payment for the signs and the fact that they were installed with a compliance check then it is not the fault of the operator. However, when signage needs to be renewed or changed, the compliance process will need to be adhered to. Signs are not forever – there should be a review process say every five years – this will pick up any businesses that are closed or changed the nature of their operation. Primary consideration is always given to caravanners as they need to find their caravan park as easily as possible without getting caught out on local roads where they could possibly get into difficulty. INAPPROPRIATE SIGN TYPE The sign type shown at right has been used a number of times along the Scotsdale Tourist Drive. This sign type was specifically designed for use on main arterial roads to indicate there are multiple (more than 5) tourist attractions or facilities off the main road. The reason for doing this is that MRWA regulations comply with Australian Standards and prohibit sign stacks on main arterial roads containing more than 5 separate attractions or facilities. The use of this type of sign would then require a pull in bay on the local road, as soon as practicable after the turn off, which would list all of the attractions and facilities available along the local road. It was found that most of the locations where this sign type was used there was only one attraction or facility on the side road thus obviating the necessity such a large sign which can be construed as an overstatement. The signs would show the generic symbols of the tourist attractions or facilities at that turn-off. Although compliant, this sign is inappropriate for use on a local road.



SPECIAL CASE STUDY – THE LAKEHOUSE WINERY It was noted during the course of the signage review that The Lakehouse Winery had a prolific number of signs on the local road network. The map below shows the location of the winery and the locations of 10 known road signs covering virtually all road access points. Although this is good for the winery, the practice does not comply with State or national standards which permit a business to be signed to the nearest main road. If there is a choice of “main” roads then the applicant must decide which road to sign to. The Lakehouse example has consequently created a signage precedent that can never be sustainable. For example, what amount of signage would be required at all these and many other intersections if 2 or 3 or even all of the wineries requested the same level of signage – there would be no basis for refusal and the customer would lose out because not only would it be unsightly but also very confusing and dangerous to stop and read these sign stacks.

Indicates location of existing road sign It is suggested that, in line with the significance of the Scotsdale Tourist Drive to Denmark tourism, that the tourist drive be promoted as the major tourist attraction and the “preferred way” to all tourist businesses feeding off the tourist drive. This means that visitors would be encouraged to travel the Tourist Drive from which wineries like The Lakehouse and Tingle-Wood would be signed. This would strengthen the tourist drive as a tourism product and provide an equitable system of signing all operators in this area. The correct elements for signing The Lake House are:

• It is an “attraction” and not a “service” so the sign must be brown • The Winery symbol should be used • As the winery also has a restaurant, this is regarded as a secondary business and is not

eligible for a separate sign. It can however, have the restaurant symbol included on the sign indicating that a visitor can obtain a meal at this winery

• Directional signs should always include a distance in km to the property entrance. The correct layout for The Lake House sign is shown here:

The Lakehouse Winery



MULTIPLE BUSINESSES ON THE SAME PROPERTY Refer to general notes on this topic in Section A. Denmark Farmhouse Cheese Factory / Ducketts Mill Wines These are two components of the one business. There are many instances where both of these components are road signed individually. Normal signage rules dictate that when there are multiple “attractions” or “businesses” on a property then only the main or core business activity is signed to reduce the number and cost of signs and any unnecessary visual proliferation. The business owner should be consulted to ascertain which of these is the main or core business. If the Cheese Factory is considered to be the main “attractor” of the business with the winery component being the subsidiary business; then, the Cheese Factory would be signed. Signage policy does, however, allow for appending approved symbols for subsidiary business components on the sign. In this case the Winery symbol would be included an all Cheese Factory signage as shown in the typical example below.

For the purposes of this report, the Denmark Farmhouse Cheese Factory will be used in all examples as the prime business; however, this can be changed before any signs are changed. Further, the word Denmark will be dropped to reduce the wordiness of the sign and to improve readability. MT SHADFORTH ROAD Currently Mt Shadforth Road is signed as a SCENIC DRIVE. There is a potential risk management issue here because the road beyond Mohr Drive (location of scenic lookout) becomes gravel. This is safety issue for inexperienced drivers AND drivers of rental vehicles who are not permitted to take vehicles onto gravel or dirt roads. This road can be verbally suggested for motorists – the road condition can then be explained. It is recommended that road signs be removed. SCOTSDALE RD / MT SHADFORTH RD / SOUTH COAST HWY AREA There is a general systemic proliferation of road signage in this area particularly for businesses located between these roads which are currently signed from all three roads as well as from McLeod Rd. It is recommended that a detailed study of signage in this area be carried out for the purpose of rationalising signage and determining:

• the “preferred” route to each tourist business, attraction or service • the relevance of promoting Scotsdale Tourist Drive as the main route to take to access

businesses in this area • the road status, condition and tourism significance of Mt Shadforth Rd

Please note that all signage concept drawings appearing in this audit are diagrammatic only

and will need to be designed according to Australian Standards.



D. Tourist Signage – Review of existing signs The following map shows the scope of enlarged map insets appearing in this signage review.

Area 1

AREA 2 AREA 1 AREA 4

AREA 5

AREA 6

INSET MAP 1.1

INSET MAP 1.2

INSET MAP 1.3

AREA 3



Area 1 – Inset Map 1 Loc 1.1.1

Existing Sign

203

Comments: This sign is redundant as the property (Rudgyard Beach Holiday

Park) is no longer in operation

Recommendation 1. Road: MRWA Sign: MRWA Cost: MRWA Sides 1

Remove this sign

LOC

1.1.1

LOC

1.1.2LOC

1.1.3

LOC

1.1.4



Loc 1.1.2 Existing Sign

202

Comments: The blue tourist signs are redundant as the property is no longer

in operation


Remove all tourism signage

Loc 1.1.3

Existing Sign

201

Comments: This sign is redundant as the property (Rudgyard Beach Holiday

Park) is no longer in operation


Remove this sign

Loc 1.1.4

Existing Sign

200

Comments & observations: None of these signs are tourism related The street name should be at top of the stack It is debatable if the “Tip Shop” warrants a sign as it is located

within the grounds of the Rubbish Tip and one can only presume that this would not be accessible by the public.


Reposition the street name at top of stack



Area 1 – Inset Map 2 Loc 1.2.1

Existing Sign

199

Comments: This sign is fully compliant The modular sign at top is beginning to age but does not need to

be replaced at this time

Recommendation 5. Road: MRWA Sign: MRWA Cost: Business Owner Sides 1

The sign below shows the correct layout and the correct AS Symbol to be used when the sign eventually needs to be replaced:

LOC

1.2.6

LOC

1.2.5 LOC

1.2.4LOC

1.2.3

LOC

1.2.1LOC

1.2.2




198

Comments: This Position sign is fully compliant The modular sign at top is beginning to age but does not need to


Recommendation 6. Road: MRWA Sign: MRWA Cost: Business Owner Sides 1

The sign below shows the correct layout showing the correct AS Symbol to be used when the sign eventually needs to be replaced:

Loc 1.2.3

Existing Sign

205

Comments: This is an illegal sign which has been installed privately The business owner may wish to apply for road signage. The

application will need to be assessed by Tourism WA to ensure that applicant complies with the minimum essential criteria for a tourist attraction sign.

Recommendation 7. Road: MRWA Sign: Private Cost: Private Sides 1

Remove this sign




197




Remove this sign

Loc 1.2.5

Existing Sign

196

Comments: This sign is fully compliant The modular sign at top is beginning to age but does not need to



The sign below shows the correct layout and the correct AS Symbol to be used when the sign eventually needs to be replaced:




195




Remove this sign



Area 1 – Inset Map 3

LOC

1.3.2

LOC

1.3.1

LOC

1.3.4

LOC

1.3.3

LOC

1.3.5




192

193

Comments: “AIRSTRIP” sign (Photo 192) The addition of the “AIRSTRIP” sign on this stack appears to

have been an afterthought The size is too small for it to be readable on a major highway at

the prevailing road speed It should not be positioned above the directional sign to Mt

Barker for westward traffic coming from Albany, the “AIRSTRIP” sign

would be particularly difficult to see or read because the entire sign stack is set a fair way back from the road edge and is also obscured by the crop of large trees

The need for this sign for westbound traffic is questioned Winery Sign (Photo 193) The winery sign has been installed contra to MRWA guidelines Tourist attractions are normally signed to the nearest main

arterial road. In the case of this winery, they have existing compliant signage on the South Coast Hwy which is the “nearest main road”

Precedence needs to be considered with allowing signage like this. For example, how would similar signage requests for other wineries be handled if any one decided that they too needed a sign at this location.


Remove the “AIRSTRIP” sign Remove the “WEST CAPE HOWE WINES” sign




191

190

Comments: This is much more effective sign for the airstrip however its

location is completely non-standard A turnoff sign should always be installed before a turnoff and not

after This sign is also located quite some distance from road edge

reducing its effect considerably. Motorists would only see this sign as they are driving past the intersection.


Relocate this sign (photo 190) to a suitable location approx 200m before the turn off




194

Comments: The Airstrip sign here is appropriate for this location The Ashburton Air Services is a Local Government service sign

and therefore falls outside tourism signage policies

Recommendation 13. Road: Shire of Denmark Sign: Shire of Denmark Cost: Shire of Denmark Sides 2

No action required

Loc 1.3.4

Existing Sign

36

Comments: This sign is clear and in reasonably good condition It does not need to be replaced, however, the quality of

information on display within the Information Bay is very old and outdated, very poor in quality and consequently reflects badly on the whole of Denmark.


It is strongly suggested that the INFORMATION BAY sign be covered temporarily so as not to raise the expectations of visitors to Denmark

Loc 1.3.5

Existing Sign

206

Comments: The information on these signs is very old and outdated, in very

poor condition and needs to be urgently updated It reflects poorly of the whole of Denmark if left in its current

state. They are of very little use in their current state.


It is strongly suggested that these signs be covered up temporarily or taken down completely until they are replaced.

Update and renew these signs as a priority



Area 2

INSET MAP 2.1

INSET MAP 2.2

INSET MAP 2.3

INSET MAP 2.4

INSET MAP 2.5

INSET MAP 2.6

INSET MAP 2.7

INSET MAP 2.8

INSET MAP 2.10 INSET

MAP 2.11

INSET MAP 2.12

INSET MAP 2.14

INSET MAP 2.15

INSET MAP 2.9

INSET MAP 2.13



Area 2 - Inset Map 1

LOC

2.1.5

LOC

2.1.1LOC

2.1.2

LOC

2.1.22 LOC

2.1.19

LOC

2.1.14

LOC

2.1.15 LOC

2.1.7

LOC

2.1.4

LOC

2.1.3

LOC

2.1.6

LOC

2.1.21 LOC

2.1.18

LOC

2.1.17

LOC

2.1.16

LOC

2.1.20

LOC

2.1.13

LOC

2.1.12

LOC

2.1.10LOC

2.1.11 LOC

2.1.9

LOC

2.1.8



Loc 2.1.1

Existing Sign

56

Comments: This sign stack is in a pull in bay so that makes it easy for the

visitor to pull over and read the information Overall, this sign is really difficult to read the blades are not in any particular order – neither grouped by

attraction type, nor in alphabetic order The various symbols on the blades are not always positioned in

the same location on the blade - each blade should have the symbol in a consistent position – usually first

There is a variation of fonts used – this does not make it easy to read

There are various styles of arrows used – all arrows are redundant as all attractions and facilities are on the Scotsdale Tourist Drive

The names on the blades should be the actual business name – at present there is a mix of actual business names and generic names like “Cheese Factory”, “Berry Farm”, “Wine, Food & Craft”

It would be more useful for visitors to group the tourist attractions and facilities in the key groups – Wineries, Accommodation and Other

The following observations are made in regard to the blades in the LEFT HAND stack: o Stones Throw B&B: no longer exists o John Wade Wines: no longer exists o The Lake House: OK o Karriview Wines: OK o Karrak Reach Chalets: Correct name is Karrak Reach

Forest Retreat o Misty Valley Cottages: OK o Cheese Factory: Correct name is Farmhouse Cheese

Factory and is on the same property as Ducketts Mill Wines. Farmhouse Cheese Factory should be signed as the prime business. Refer to notes in Section C.

o Ducketts Mill Wines: this is deemed to be the secondary business to the Cheese Factory and should not be signed separately. The winery symbol should be included on the Cheese Factory blade.

o Rickety Gate Wines: OK o Whitfield Wines: Correct name is Whitfield Estate

The following observations are made in regard to the blades in the RIGHT HAND stack: o Horsley Rd: Inappropriate location for street name o To Mt Lindesay: this is a non compliant sign. Should be

on a brown blade and listed as an attraction. o Riverbend: OK o Howard Park / Madfish: correct name is Howard Park

Wines – individual products are not signed o Matildas Meadow: Correct name is Matildas Estate o Berry Farm: OK o Pottery Jonathon Hook: correct name is Jonathan Hook

Studio Ceramics o Wine, Food & Craft: It is unclear what properties these

generic terms refer to o Harewood Estate Wines: correct name is Harewood

Estate o Alpaca Tourist Farm & Crafts: Correct name is Pentland

Alpaca Stud




Install the new signs on new poles angled so that the Tourist Drive sign points towards the turnoff to Scotsdale Rd

Organise the blades into 3 key categories: Wineries, Attractions, Accommodation to improve readability for the visitor

All businesses should be listed in order of distance with the closest being first (the signs below may not be in the correct order).

Directional signs should always include a distance in km to the property entrance. The distance shown below (99) is indicative only - distance should not be taken off existing signs but checked to the nearest km.

Loc 2.1.2

Existing Sign

55

Comments: This sign is compliant and in reasonably good condition. There

is no need to replace it at this time.


No action required.



Loc 2.1.3

Existing Sign

31

Comments: This cluster of signs has obviously been added to over time

without consideration of what has been erected already The Scotsdale Tourist Drive sign is showing its age and

consideration should be given to replace it as this is Denmark’s premier tourist drive

The Blue Chevron sign with the Bed and Caravan Park symbols also has the Hospital symbol. The Hospital has its own sign below making this symbol on this sign redundant

Riverbend Caravan Park (blade below chevron) and Riverbend Chalets (fingerboard on pole) are the same property

The Hospital sign is OK Alpaca Tourist Farm & Crafts (fingerboard): correct name is

Pentland Alpaca Stud. There are many other attractions along this route – suggest this be removed.

Mt Lindesay is an attraction category and should be on a brown sign. This sign should be included in the Information Bay and in this location.


Remove all existing signage at this point. Install new signs as shown in the layout below to direct

visitors to the information bay for all tourist attractions and facilities located along the Scotsdale Tourist Drive.

Insert the correct distance in metres on the centre chevron sign



Loc 2.1.4

Existing Sign

32

38

Comments (Apologies for the quality of this photo): The top chevron sign is for general services. The symbols

comply with AS. When this sign requires to be replaced it should also include the boat ramp symbol.

The bed and caravan park symbols should be on the one chevron below which the properties would be listed.

The Recreation Centre is not a tourism sign and therefore subject to Shire policy

Restaurants are not tourism signs are not normally signed. This sign stack is barely visible for visitors travelling westward

over the bridge as shown in photo 38. This would cause a traffic management issue as motorists slowed to read the sign.

The sign to the Waterfront Motel (shown at Loc 2.1.5) should be included in this sign stack because of its very poor visibility.

The correct name for the “Waterfront Motel” is “Denmark Waterfront”

Denmark Waters B&B is signed at the bend near Rivermouth CP – it should also be added to this sign


This sign should either be relocated to a position where it can be easily read by westward traffic, or the trees should be heavily pruned to enable a clear line of sight


The following sign stack shows the correct layout:




33a

33

Comments: This sign is poorly located and its isolation from other tourism

signs would make it difficult to see It would be best relocated to the main sign stack The correct name for this property is Denmark Waterfront


Remove this sign as the property has been incorporated into the sign stack at Loc 2.1.4

Loc 2.1.6

Existing Sign

189

Comments: The two blue signs at this location seem to be redundant as

motorists drive straight on through the “T” intersection if they are looking for either the caravan park or the motel


Remove the two blue fingerboard signs




50

51

Comments: The signs on this stack are of varying sizes and contain different

fonts and font sizes which do not make for easy reading. Most signs are community service signs governed by Shire policy.

The purpose of the Denmark Cottage Industries sign at this point is questioned. The sign appears to be redundant here as there is a sign at the Price St and South Coast Hwy intersection.

The only tourism sign here is the MUSEUM sign which is correctly signed but the correct name is actually HISTORIC MUSEUM


No action is required here for tourism signage

Loc 2.1.8

Existing Sign

49

Comments: Accommodation brand names like YHA, BIG 4 etc are not

normally used in directional signage. The actual property name should always be used.

The actual property name is BLUE WREN TRAVELLERS REST Before any replacement signage is installed, the property name

must be clearly visible form the road. This property has a number of different names on and around the façade and fence – the correct property name should be clear

The most appropriate location for the sign to this property is at the corner of S Coast Hwy & Price St (refer Loc 2.1.9).

This sign in this location is considered redundant


Remove this sign



Loc 2.1.9

Existing Sign

40

39

Comments: This sign stack is poorly located for visibility. It is set too far

back from the main road and tends to get lost in the background clutter (see photo 39)

There needs to be further signage at the Civic Centre turnoff Accommodation brand names like YHA, BIG 4 etc are not

normally used in directional signage. The actual property name should always be used.

The actual property name is BLUE WREN TRAVELLERS REST


Relocate this sign closer to the main road Directional signs should always include a distance in km

to the property entrance. The distance shown below (99) is indicative only - distance should not be taken off existing signs but checked to the nearest km.

The following layout shows the correct sign for the backpacker accommodation:

Loc 2.1.10

Existing Sign

53

Comments: This sign should be on a brown background as it is an attraction.

It will also match the existing sign at Loc 2.1.7 The sign is in good condition and does not need to be replaced

at this time


This sign should be on a brown background when it needs to be replaced




43

Comments: This sign is fully compliant and does not need to be replaced


No action required

Loc 2.1.12

Existing Sign

22

23

Comments: The general position of this sign is not very effective as it is

located away from the road edge and between a driveway and Ocean Beach Rd. Vehicles are often parked in the driveway which further obscures the sign.

There is an existing sign stack opposite Ocean Beach Rd (Loc 2.1.19) which should include the tourism signs from this sign. As it is now, motorists are faced with two separate tourist sign stacks at a very busy intersection.


Remove the three tourist accommodation signs from this location and incorporate them into the sign stack at Loc 2.1.19




46

45

Comments: Taverns, restaurants and cafes are not considered tourism

facilities for the purposes of road signage. They are managed by Shire policies on signing community facilities.

The knife & fork symbol is an AS standard. The bottle is not an approved symbol for road signage purposes

This sign implies that there is accommodation available at Denmark Tavern. This is not the case and the bed symbol should not be used on this sign.

The entire sign is poorly visible from the road as shown in photo 45.

As the tavern has adequate signage of its own it is suggested that this sign is redundant and should be removed.


Remove this sign

Loc 2.1.14

Existing Sign

47

Comments: This sign is in reasonably good condition and does not need to

be replaced at tis time


No action required

Loc 2.1.15

Existing Sign

48



No action required



Loc 2.1.16

Existing Sign

19



No action required

Loc 2.1.17

Existing Sign

25

Comments: This is not a tourism related sign however, it highlights the

importance of sign placement The sign is unreadable and if the information is considered

important then it should be placed in an information bay where visitors can take their time to read the content. At this point the sign could be construed as causing a traffic management issue approaching a busy intersection.


This sign should be relocated to an information bay



Loc 2.1.18

Existing Sign

21

Comments: This sign stack is poorly laid out – signs have obviously been

added over time without much regard to readability or to what was there before.

All accommodation properties are valid Spring Bay Villas, Surfside Ocean Beach and Ocean Beach

Caravan Park should be added – they are currently located on a poorly positioned sign on the opposite side of the road (Refer Loc 2.1.12)

The “i” symbol on the blue chevron sign should be removed as there are no visitor information facilities down or along Ocean Beach Rd

The brown Tourist Attractions chevron should be removed as there are no commercial tourist attractions down Ocean Beach Rd



All properties should be listed in distance order with closest first

The following sign stack shows the correct sign stack layout for this location:

Loc 2.1.19

Existing Sign

26

Comments: This sign is on the wrong side of the road the information bay has been decommissioned


Remove this sign



Loc 2.1.20

Existing Sign

44

Comments: This sign is poorly located. It is on the wrong side of the road for

westbound traffic and is past the turnoff for eastbound traffic The direction sign to Ocean Beach has been incorporated in the

new sign stack at Loc 2.1.19 Ocean Beach is not a town and should therefore not be on a

green directional sign.


Remove this sign



Loc 2.1.21

Existing Sign

28

27

Comments: The purpose for the TOWN CENTRE SIGN is questioned at this

location The Mt Shadforth Tourist Drive sign is in very poor condition.

This is the only reference to the Tourist drive – there are no other signs referring to the drive.

The Visitor Centre refers to this road as Mt Shadforth Scenic Drive. It is suggested that this is an adequate description for the drive and does not require any additional signage.

Bombina Cottages is now named Bombina Organic Cottages. It is noted that there are many other accommodation facilities

accessible from Mt Shadforth Rd which are signed at Mt Shadforth Rd but not at this location on the main road (refer to Loc 2.1.23). This reduces the effectiveness of tourism signage as visitors are not aware of the properties on Mt Shadforth Rd. All signage should start at the business property line and end at the nearest main road.


Remove all 3 existing signs at this location Directional signs should always include a distance in km



The new sign stack should be located closer to the main road as the tendency for motorists to turn into the service station and then drive through – this is not a desirable situation particularly for the Service Station operators

The following sign stack shows the correct sign stack layout for this location:

Suggested location of Sign stack



Loc 2.1.22

Existing Sign

29

Comments: These signs are not linked back to the main road (refer Loc

2.1.22) Cafes and restaurants are not considered to be tourism facilities

for road signage purposes. The signing of these types of facilities are subject to Shire policy for signing community services and facilities

Observatory Resort is no longer operating Bombina Cottages is now named Bombina Organic Cottages The Lake House is OK




The following sign stack shows the correct sign stack layout for this location and will follow from a similar sign stack on the main road:



Area 2 - Inset Map 2 Loc 2.2.1

Existing Sign

57

Comments: These signs are in good condition and do not need to be

replaced at this time The correct name for the Waterfront Motel is Denmark

Waterfront This is the first appearance of a sign for Denmark Waters B&B.

This property should be added to the sign stack at Loc 2.1.4


Include the distance to the property for Denmark Waters B&B when this sign is replaced. The bed symbol on this sign is not required.

LOC

2.2.1

LOC

2.2.2

LOC

2.2.3

LOC

2.2.7

LOC

2.2.6

LOC

2.2.4LOC

2.2.5




58

59

Comments: The fingerboard sign as appears in photo 58 is in good condition

and does not need to be replaced at this time. The sign for this property is not on the sign stack at Loc

2.1.4 The advertising signage on the roadside at the entry to

the property (photo 59) may not comply with the Shire’s advertising sign policy


No action is required for this sign Add the blade for this property on the sign stack at Loc

2.1.4

Loc 2.2.3

Existing Sign

60

Comments: The fingerboard sign is in good condition and does not

need to be replaced at this time. The sign for this property is not on the sign stack at Loc

2.1.4


No action is required for this sign Add the blade for this property on the sign stack at Loc

2.1.4



Loc 2.2.4

No Existing Sign

Comments: The outlook at Poison Point Lookout is really special and would

appeal to visitors driving through this area It deserves an advance “lookout” sign


Install a new sign as shown below Check the distance when a safe installation point is

determined

Loc 2.2.5

No Existing Sign

Comments: The outlook at Poison Point Lookout is really special and would

appeal to visitors driving through this area It deserves an advance “lookout” sign


Install a new sign as shown below Check the distance when a safe installation point is

determined



Loc 2.2.6

Existing Sign

61

Comments: Properties on this sign stack should be limited to only those

accessible by turning left into Campbell Rd It is implied that the other properties listed here are still coming

up on Ocean Beach Rd and reinforcement signage is not required

The correct name for Waterfront Restaurant Cottages is Denmark Waterfront



This sign stack should be replaced with just one new blade as shown below:

Loc 2.2.7

Existing Sign

62

Comments: The sign for The Cove should incorporate the bed symbol and

the distance to the property The Gumnuts sign should include the distance to the property Both these properties were difficult to find because it was

unclear which road to take and there was no sign at the property line which is the first requirement for good signage. Refer to Key Policy Guidelines on p4.



Both these signs should be replaced as shown below:




Existing Sign

207

Comments: This sign is in good condition and does not need to be replaced

at this time


When this sign needs to be replaced it should include the distance to the property

LOC

2.3.1

LOC

2.3.2

LOC

2.3.3




209

208

Comments: The sign to Lights Beach is OK. LB Crafts & Teas is not a Tourism sign – this is governed by

Shire community service signage policy The Hallowell Springs sign is in good condition and does not

need replacement at this time although it should include the bed symbol and distance to the property

The signs stack is getting obscured by bushes and trees making it difficult to read


Add the bed symbol and distance to property on the Hallowell Springs sign when it is eventually replaced

Prune back the bushes on the verge to enable better visibility of the signs

Loc 2.3.3

Existing Sign

210

Comments: These signs all look a bit tired and it would be good to upgrade

them The Scenic Coastal Drive is the tourism related sign. It is

understood that the drive is along a poorly constructed gravel/dirt road. It is suggested that a duty of care assessment be made of this drive and if found to be suitable for visitors then the sign should be upgraded. It is unknown if the route is reinforced with other signage as it traverses a number of other tracks – it would be essential to mark the route.


Upgrade the Scenic Coastal Drive sign if the drive is deemed to be safe for normal vehicles.




Existing Sign

137

Comments: This sign should be removed as it refers to the now disused

Information Bay near the intersection of Ocean Beach Rd.


Remove this sign

Loc 2.4.2

Existing Sign

138

Comments: Taverns, restaurants and cafes are not considered tourism


The knife & fork symbol is an AS standard. The bottle is not an approved symbol for road signage purposes

This sign implies that there is accommodation available at Denmark Tavern. This is not the case and the bed symbol should not be used on this sign.

As the tavern has adequate signage of its own it is suggested that this sign is redundant and should be removed.


Remove this sign

LOC

2.4.1

LOC

2.4.2




Existing Sign

136

Comments: The signs in this stack have obviously been installed at different

times with the use of different arrows, positioning of distances and extraneous information that should not be included in directional signs

The Observatory Resort is no longer operating and the sign should be removed

The Lake House is a winery and should therefore be on a brown sign

Restaurants are not tourism signs and are not customarily road signed. Refer to Shire policy on community service signs.


The correct sign stack layout for this location is shown below:

LOC

2.5.4

LOC

6.1.5

LOC

2.5.3

LOC

2.5.10

LOC

2.5.5

LOC

2.5.1

LOC

2.5.7

LOC

2.5.2

LOC

2.5.8

LOC

2.5.6LOC

2.5.9 LOC

2.5.12

LOC

2.5.11




135

Comments: This sign stack is compliant and in good condition


No action required

Loc 2.5.3

Existing Sign

134

Comments: The brown winery signs are compliant and in good condition. The Grape symbol is now used on chevron signs instead of the

word WINERY The restaurant is a secondary business at Forest Winery and

should not be signed separately. Only the primary business is signed, however, the restaurant symbol can be included on the drop down blade.


Remove the two blues signs for the restaurant. Directional signs should always include a distance in km


The brown WINERY sign is in good condition and does need to be replaced at this time. Replace the brown blade as shown. The correct layout of this sign is shown below:




133

Comments: This sign is compliant and in good condition.


No action required The distance to the property should be added to the blade

when this sign is replaced

Loc 2.5.5

Existing Sign

132



No action required




131



No action required

Loc 2.5.7

Existing Sign

130

Comments: This sign is compliant and in good condition. The reversed “t” symbol used is non standard but was used

errantly for a number of years throughout the region. The correct symbol is used on the advance signs (Loc 2.5.6 & 2.5.8)


No action required

Loc 2.5.8

Existing Sign

129



No action required



Loc 2.5.9

Existing Sign

128

Comments: This is the wrong sign type for an advance sign The MRWA standard advance sign should be installed if

approved by MRWA There is also an additional hinged sign above the chevron which

is not an approved sign type and was installed privately. This can be seen clearer on photo 127 at left.


Replace this sign with the layout shown below:

Loc 2.5.10

Existing Sign

126

127

Comments: This is the wrong sign type for an advance sign The MRWA standard advance sign should be installed if

approved by MRWA There is also an additional hinged sign above the chevron which

is not an approved sign type and was installed privately. This can be seen clearer on photo 127 at left.


Replace this sign with the layout shown below:



Loc 2.5.11

No Existing Sign

Comments: As there are two advance warning signs for this property Locs

2.5.9 & 2.5.10) there should be a clear property entrance sign erected on then private property entrance driveway clearly visible to motorists approaching from both directions.

Recommendation 60. Road: MRWA Sign: Property owner Cost: Property owner Sides 1

The business owner is to upgrade the signage at the property line

Loc 2.5.12

Existing Sign

125

Comments: The tea rooms sign is not a tourism sing but a community

service sign governed by Shire policy. Taverns, restaurants and cafes are not considered tourism


The layout of the top chevron sign here is non standard. Commercial property names are not used on chevron signs. However this sign is in good condition otherwise and does not need to be replaced at this time.


No action is required When this sign does get replaced then the correct layout

is shown below:




LOC

2.6.14

LOC

2.6.12

LOC

2.6.13

LOC

2.6.7

LOC

2.6.9 LOC

2.6.8

LOC

2.6.10

LOC

2.6.5

LOC

2.6.11 LOC

2.6.4

LOC

2.6.3LOC

2.6.2

LOC

2.6.6

LOC

2.6.1

LOC

2.6.4a



Loc 2.6.1

Existing Sign

123

Comments: The brown chevron sign is an older vintage sign but is compliant

and in good condition. The grapes symbol is now used instead of the word WINERY

The brown blade should have the distance to the property included

The blue chevron is an older vintage but compliant and in good condition

The blade for Turicum Chalets is quite weathered and needs to be replaced.



The layout of the new blades is shown below:

Loc 2.6.2

Existing Sign

121

Comments: These signs are compliant and in good condition. They do not

need to be replaced at this time


No action required



Loc 2.6.3

Existing Sign

122

Comments: The brown chevron sign is an older vintage sign but is compliant

and in good condition. The grapes symbol is now used instead of the word WINERY

The brown blade should have the distance to the property included

The blue chevron is an older vintage and appears to be in poor condition

The blade for Turicum Chalets is in poor condition and needs to be replaced.



The layout of the new signs is shown below (the brown chevron sign can remain):

Loc 2.6.4

Existing Sign

120

Comments: The main (green) sign was designed to indicate that there are

many attractions and accommodation facilities at the next turn off and these will all be listed in the information bay on McLeod Rd.

The main sign is compliant and in good condition. The brown Alpaca Farm blade at the bottom is non-compliant

and should be removed


Remove the Alpaca Farm blade



Loc 2.6.4a Existing Sign

XX4

Comments: The main (green) sign was designed to indicate that there are

many attractions and accommodation facilities at the next turn off and these will all be listed in the information bay on McLeod Rd.

The main sign is compliant and in good condition. The brown Alpaca Farm blade at the bottom is non-compliant

and should be removed


Remove the Alpaca Farm blade

Loc 2.6.5

Existing Sign

119

Comments: Although this sign is compliant and in reasonably good condition

– it is considered that there are too many signs at this intersection and they need to be rationalised

The overgrown bushes and trees are beginning to obscure the sign thus reducing its effectiveness.


Remove this sig



Loc 2.6.6

Existing Sign

116

Comments: This sign and the existing signs stack at Loc 2.6.8 should be

rationalised in an Information Bay similar to the Information Bay at the other end of the tourist drive at Horsley Rd (Loc 2.1.1)

The focus of signage at this location is to identify the attractions and facilities accessible along the Scotsdale Tourist Drive.

Siverstream is not on the Tourist Drive therefore should not be included

Refer to further comments at Loc 2.6.8


Remove this sign Install an Information bay in a suitable location in this

vicinity for visitors to pull off the road to familiarise themselves with the attractions and facilities along the Tourist Drive

Organise the blades into 3 key categories: Wineries, Attractions, Accommodation

All businesses should be listed in order of distance with the closest being first


The layout below shows the correct layout for the Information Bay signs:



Loc 2.6.7

Existing Sign

118

Comments: This sign stack should have been removed when this advance

turnoff sign was installed at Loc 2.6.5.

The advance sign was installed because there were more

property signs than permissible on a main road. The signs here should be combined into one set of signs in an

information bay similar to the information bay at Horsley St, at the commencement of the Scotsdale Tourist Drive. This location is also the commencement of the tourist drive.

All tourist attractions and facility signs should be grouped into in the three key groups – Wineries, attractions and Accommodation. All as for Loc 2.1.1

This sign stack does not show all the signed properties along the Scotsdale Tourist Drive

Alpaca Farm: Correct name is Pentland Alpaca Stud Cheese Factory: Contained within Ducketts Mill Wines – only

the primary business is signed Puzzle Shop: Contained within Tingle-Wood Wines – only the

primary business is signed Eaglemont Farm: Correct name is Eaglemont Farm Cottages


Remove all signs at this location and replace with the layout below

Loc 2.6.8

Existing Sign

117

Comments: The Williams Bay section of the Scotsdale Tourist Drive doesn’t

really form part of the Tourist Drive which leaves and returns to the South Coast Hwy without having to double back on the same road. The Williams Bay section is a spur and should be treated separately.

This section of the Tourist Drive was likely to have been added as an afterthought.


Remove the Tourist Drive sign



Loc 2.6.9

Existing Sign

228

Comments: This sign is not quite compliant with the combination of a blue

symbol for a roadside rest area and the brown outlook symbol. This is predominantly a lookout so it should be signed as such. The Rest area aspect is secondary because this location is only approx 12km from the town centre.

The sign is in good condition and does not need to be replaced at this time


When the sign does get replaced then the correct layout is shown below:

Loc 2.6.10

Existing Sign

227








Loc 2.6.11

Existing Sign

226






Loc 2.6.12

Existing Sign

114

Comments: This is an older vintage Tourist Drive marker. The sign is in poor condition but it is suggested that all markers

are reviewed along the drive and replaced at the same time rather than replacing individual markers.


No action required



Loc 2.6.13

Existing Sign

112

113

Comments: The SCENIC DRIVE sign should be removed as it is partially an

unsealed road The Lake House sign is non compliant and should be replaced.

Winery signs are on a brown background. The Alpaca sign should be replaced to reflect the correct name

of the business


The correct sign layouts are shown below:

Loc 2.6.14

Existing Sign

111

Comments: This is an older vintage Tourist Drive marker. The sign is in poor condition but it is suggested that all markers

are reviewed along the drive and replaced at the same time rather than replacing individual markers.


No action required




LOC

2.7.11

LOC

2.7.12

LOC

2.7.10

LOC

2.7.9

LOC

2.7.6 LOC

2.7.7

LOC

2.7.13

LOC

2.7.8

LOC

2.7.4

LOC

2.7.2

LOC

2.7.5

LOC

2.7.3

LOC

2.7.1



Loc 2.7.1

Existing Sign

211

Comments: This is an older vintage sign with the Tourist Drive identifier

symbol added to the sign at a later stage to include the spur road to Williams Bay as part of the State Tourist Drive

Spur roads do not conform to the guidelines of tourist drives The tourist drive identifier symbol should be removed William Bay is a significant attraction on its own merits and

should remain that way The existing sign should have the distance added



Replace this older vintage sign with a new sign as shown in the layout below:

Loc 2.7.2

Existing Sign

213

Comments: These signs are compliant and in reasonably good condition.

There is no need to replace them at this time


No action required



Loc 2.7.3

Existing Sign

215

Comments: This is an older vintage sign in very poor condition with the

Tourist Drive identifier symbol added to the sign at a later stage to include the spur road to Williams Bay as part of the State Tourist Drive

Spur roads do not conform to the guidelines of tourist drives The tourist drive identifier symbol should be removed from this

sign William Bay is a significant attraction on its own merits and

should remain that way The existing sign should have the distance added



Replace this older vintage sign with a new sign as shown in the layout below:

Loc 2.7.4

Existing Sign

214

Comments: These are illegal signs and should be removed


Remove these illegal signs




217

Comments: As the William Bay spur road is not a part of the Scotsdale

Tourist Drive this sign is redundant and should be removed


Remove this sign

Loc 2.7.6

Existing Sign

218

Comments: This is an older sign which is not quite compliant As this is a meadery, the winery symbol should not be used The sign appears to be privately installed as the two top modular

signs have been overlapped and the HONEY WINERY sign is not to MRWA standard


The existing sign is in reasonably good condition it does not need to be replaced




Loc 2.7.7

Existing Sign

219

Comments: There is duplication of signage here The blue fingerboard is non compliant as it should be on a

brown background. This should be removed. The brown chevron and blades are an older design which is

technically not quite compliant with the use of the reversed “t” symbol and the mock chevron sign shape. However, these signs are in reasonably good condition and do not need to be replaced at this time

The blade should indicate the distance to the property

Recommendation Road: MRWA Sign: MRWA Cost: MRWA Sides 2

Remove the blue fingerboard sign The brown signs are in good condition and do not need to

be replaced at this time. Directional signs should always include a distance in km


If and when the sign does get replaced then the correct layout is shown below:

Loc 2.7.8

Existing Sign

221

Comments: These are older vintage ‘signs and are in poor condition The correct property name is The Peppermints Confirmation is required to determine if this property is still in

operation


The sign should always include a distance in km to the entrance. Distance shown below (99) is indicative only - distance should be checked to the nearest km and be included on the sign.

Replace this sign with the correct layout as shown below:



Loc 2.7.9

Existing Sign

224

Comments: This is an older vintage ‘chevron’ sign and blade but in barely

good condition The distance should be shown on the property drop tag


This sign is in good condition and does not need to be replaced at this time.



Loc 2.7.10

Existing Sign

225

Comments: This fingerboard sign but in good condition and does not need to

be replaced at this time The distance to the property should be shown A fingerboard sign is inappropriate for ruse on a main road

where the prevailing road speed is 110kph. It is considered unreadable at that speed without causing the motorist to slow down or even reverse to read the information.

A chevron should be used with a drop tag to indicate the property.

If the property owner meets the minimum essential criteria for an accommodation facility and agrees to pay for the chevron sign then this sign should be replaced at the owners cost








222

Comments: This is an older sign which is not quite compliant As this is a meadery, the winery symbol should not be used The sign appears to be privately installed as the two top modular

signs have been overlapped and the HONEY WINERY sign is not to MRWA standard


The existing sign should be removed and replaced with a compliant sign

The correct layout for this sign is shown below:

Loc 2.7.12

Existing Sign

220

Comments: This is an illegal sign in the highway road reserve It appears that the location of this sign may have been errantly

sanctioned by the Shire with the addition of the Rural Property Street Address (2620) to this sign


This sign should be removed or moved back from the road edge as determined by MRWA




216

Comments: As the William Bay spur road is not a part of the Scotsdale

Tourist Drive this sign is redundant and should be removed


Remove this sign




Existing Sign

153

Comments: The purpose and relevance of this sign at this intersection is

questioned. The road name itself is misspelt and should be corrected The sign should be installed prior to an intersection and not after

– this is a traffic safety issue Directional signs do not show opening days and times – this is

promotional information which should be communicated in other ways

As it is very evident at this point that McLeod Rd clearly flows straight through, there is no requirement for the directional signs to Somerset Hill Wines and “Alpaca Farm”

The focus of all signage on the Scotsdale Tourist Drive is to maintain the integrity of this valuable tourism product and not direct visitors along lesser known roads which may have risk management issues as well as more turns and signage. Karriview and Tingle-Wood Wineries are already signed from the Tourist Drive and Mt Shadforth Road. It is considered inappropriate to direct visitors Osborne Rd.


Remove all the brown blades and replace the road sign with the correct spelling

LOC

2.8.7

LOC

2.8.5

LOC

2.8.4

LOC

2.8.6

LOC

2.8.8

LOC

2.8.3

LOC

2.8.2LOC

2.8.1



Loc 2.8.2

Existing Sign

110

Comments: This sign is compliant and in good condition – it does not need

to be replaced at this time


No action required

Loc 2.8.3

Existing Sign

109

Comments: This sign is compliant and in good condition – it does not need



No action required



Loc 2.8.4

Existing Signs

108

107

Comments: The following comments apply to signs at both this location and Loc

2.8.5 across Suttons Road The two large Tourist Drive signs are considerably oversized for this

intersection but they are in good condition and do not need to be replaced at this time – although the lower one has been slightly damaged and it is suggested that this be rectified by bending the segment back.

Almost all tourism signage at this location and on the opposite corner at Loc 2.8.5 is somewhat haphazard. Individual signs have been added over the years with inconsistent fonts and colours.

It is suggested that almost all tourism signage at this intersection is redundant.

This is the only major directional change on the Scotsdale Tourist Drive and the two existing chevron signs are considered more than adequate to keep visitors on the tourist drive.

The new sign stacks in the information bays at both ends of the Scotsdale Tourist Drive show the businesses that can be accessed from this drive and the distances to the property line. Any further signage at this point is considered redundant.

Loc 2.8.4 Silverstream Wines is not on the Tourist Drive but can still be signed

at this location All other tourism signage should be removed

Loc 2.8.5 The DENMARK sign is a town directional sign and should be on

green. There is no apparent reason for this town sign at this point. Sensational Heights B&B is OK. This property is not currently listed

in the Information Bay signs – it should be. The existing sign should remain

The Edge Gallery is no longer operating Spiral Studio is not on the Tourist Drive but can still be signed at this

location All other tourism signage should be removed


The Scotsdale Tourist Drive and street signs are to remain The existing sign structure is to remain containing only those

attractions that are not on the Tourist Drive Remove all tourism signs at Loc 2.8.4.and 2.8.5 except as indicated

in the layout below:




103

104

105

Comments: This intersection is completely oversigned. Please refer to comments at Loc 2.8.4


refer to recommendations at Loc 2.8.4 remove all tourism signs including the DENMARK town

sign The Sensational Heights B&B sign is compliant and

should remain




102

Comments: This is a compliant sign and in good condition. There is no need

to replace this sign at this time


No action required

Loc 2.8.7

Existing Sign

100

Comments: This sign is compliant and is in good condition. The distance to the property should be included on directional

signs


No action is required

Loc 2.8.8

Existing Sign

99




No action required




Existing Sign

94




No action required

LOC

2.9.4

LOC

2.9.5

LOC

2.9.2

LOC

2.9.1

LOC

2.9.3




95




No action required

Loc 2.9.3

Existing Sign

96




No action required




97




No action required

Loc 2.9.5

Existing Sign

98

Comments: This Tourist Drive marker is in good condition and does not



No action required




Existing Sign

93

Comments: The Studio Pottery sign should be removed because it is no

longer in operation. The winery sign is OK. The opening hours should not be on the

sign. This sign is in good condition and does not need to be replace43d at this time.

The free standing sign and the “OPEN” sign are illegal private signs and should be removed.


Remove the STUDIO POTTERY sign on blue blade Remove all illegal private signs

LOC

2.10.3

LOC

2.10.1

LOC

2.10.10

LOC

2.10.2

LOC

2.10.9

LOC

2.10.8 LOC

2.10.6

LOC

2.10.5

LOC

2.10.7

LOC

2.10.4




92

Comments: This is an older style advance sign but is in good condition and

does not need to be replaced at this time


No action required

Loc 2.10.3

Existing Sign

91

Comments: This sign is compliant and does need to be replaced at this time. The distance to the property should be included on all directional

signs


No action required




90

Comments: This is an older style advance sign but is in good condition and



No action required

Loc 2.10.5

Existing Sign

88

Comments: This is an older sign but is in good condition The correct property name is Karrak Reach Forest Retreat


No action required



Loc 2.10.6

Existing Sign

87

Comments: This style of sign was specifically designed for situations where

there are more than 5 tourist attractions or facilities off a main arterial road. In this case there is only one winery, therefore this sign is an overstatement. Please refer to Section C.

The blue symbol is not an AS symbol and therefore would be meaningless to the motorist. In any case Jamakarri is no longer in operation as a tourist facility

This sign type also does not lend itself to amendment without the making of a new sign. The blue symbol does not belong on this sign

Although compliant, this sign is inappropriate on a local road.


This sign should be removed. As it is in a reasonably good condition, it could remain but the blue symbol would need to be masked out professionally with an overlay.

The correct sign layout to be used is shown below:



Loc 2.10.7

Existing Sign

86

Comments: This sign is incomplete insofar as it does not include the blade

for Karriview Wines. Although the private on-property signage is quite visible for westbound traffic – it is not so for eastbound traffic

The Jamakarri Avocado Packhouse is no longer in operation as a tourist attraction/facility. The existing blue blade may be retained subject to Shire policy on signing local (non tourism) businesses



Add the blade for Karriview Wines as shown in the layout below:



Loc 2.10.8

Existing Sign

84



The blue symbol is not an AS symbol and therefore would be meaningless to the motorist. In any case Jamakarri is no longer in operation as a tourist facility

This sign type also does not lend itself to amendment without the making of a new sign. The blue symbol does not belong on this sign



This sign should be removed. As it is in a reasonably good condition, it could remain but the blue symbol would need to be masked out professionally with an overlay.

The correct sign layout to be used is shown below:



Loc 2.10.9

Existing Sign

83

Comments: This is a standard Department of Environment & Conservation

(DEC) sign which has been used on a public road. DEC signs are used in National Parks and other DEC estates.

Although this is not a tourism sign, it is suggested that it is replaced with a conforming parking sign


Remove this sign and replace it with a new sign showing the standard parking symbol as shown in the layout below:



Loc 2.10.10

Existing Sign

82

Comments: This is a standard Department of Environment & Conservation

(DEC) sign which has been used on a public road. DEC signs are used in National Parks and other DEC estates.

Although this is not a tourism sign, it is suggested that it is replaced with a conforming parking sign


Remove this sign and replace it with a new sign showing the standard parking symbol as shown in the layout below:




LOC

2.11.3

LOC

2.11.2 LOC

2.11.1

LOC

2.11.4

LOC

2.11.5

LOC

2.11.6



Loc 2.11.1

Existing Sign

75



The blue symbols, although standard, imply there are toilets and picnic facilities – but it is my understanding that these are at Mt Lindesay – some 13km away. As Mt Lindesay is a geographic place name and has public access these facilities can be shown on a chevron type sign



This sign should be removed. As it is in a reasonably good condition, it could remain for now.

The correct sign layout to be used for this location is shown below:



Loc 2.11.2

Existing Sign

99

Comments: The Mt Lindesay sign is compliant The correct name for Daisybrook is Daisybrook Farm. The blue

sign should be a brown sign because it is a tourist attraction. Both signs are in good condition and do not need to be replaced

at this time



Replace the blue with a brown fingerboard as shown in the layout below:



Loc 2.11.3

Existing Sign

78



The blue symbols, although standard, imply there are toilets and picnic facilities – but it is my understanding that these are at Mt Lindesay – some 13km away. As Mt Lindesay is a geographic place name and has public access these facilities can be shown on a chevron type sign





Loc 2.11.4

Existing Sign

79

Comments: This sign is compliant and in good condition so does not need to



No action required



Loc 2.11.5

Existing Sign

81

Comments: The two tourism signs are current but not quite compliant. The Lake House is a winery and should be on a brown sign As can be seen in the photo, the entire stack has been pushed

over and should be straightened again


Replace the Tingle-Wood & Lake House signs as shown in the layout below


Loc 2.11.6

Existing Sign

80

Comments: This sign is compliant and in good condition so does not need to



No action required




Existing Sign

67

Comments: This Tourist Drive marker is in good condition and does not



No action required

LOC

2.12.6

LOC

2.12.5

LOC

2.12.4

LOC

2.12.3

LOC

2.12.1 LOC

2.12.2



Loc 2.12.2

Existing Sign

68

Comments: John Wade Wines is no longer in operation The correct name for BERRY FARM is Denmark Berry Farm The correct name for the Pottery is Jonathon Hook Studio

Ceramics Kangaroo Valley Cottage is OK but is not on the Information Bay

signs and should be included. The Citrus Orchard appears to be a secondary business – only the primary business is road signed

It is inappropriate for The Lake House to be signed from this point. It is already signed correctly at Walter Rd.

It is inappropriate for Tingle-Wood Wines to be signed from this point. It is already signed correctly at Walter Rd.

This sign stack should be rationalised



Remove or replace blades as discussed above - the correct layout is shown below:

Loc 2.12.3

Existing Sign

69

Comments: This sign is almost completely hidden by shrubs. It is

inappropriate for this sign to be at this point – it is correctly signed at Walter Rd


Remove this sign



Loc 2.12.4

Existing Sign

70



The brown winery symbol is compliant. The Knife & Fork and the Bed symbols indicate there is accommodation and restaurant facilities – this is not the case. In any6 case, both symbols should be blue.


This sign should be removed. As it is in a reasonably good condition, it could remain for now but the brown Knife & Fork and the Bed symbols need to masked out professionally


Loc 2.12.5

Existing Sign

71

Comments: The correct name for this winery is Matildas Estate The sign is compliant and is in reasonably good condition – it



No action required When this sign is replaced it should show the correct

business name



Loc 2.12.6

Existing Sign

72



The brown winery symbol is compliant. The Knife & Fork and the Bed symbols indicate there is accommodation and restaurant facilities – this is not the case. In any6 case, both symbols should be blue.


This sign should be removed. As it is in a reasonably good condition, it could remain for now but the brown Knife & Fork and the Bed symbols need to masked out professionally





LOC

2.13.1

LOC

2.13.4

LOC

2.13.2

LOC

2.13.3



Loc 2.13.1

Existing Sign

66



The blue symbols are compliant.




Loc 2.13.2

Existing Sign

65

Comments: It is standard practice for only the main business to be road

signed. In this case the property should be signed as RIVERBEND. However, as these two blades are in reasonably good condition they do not need to be replaced at this time.


No action required A single blade is to be used when this sign needs to be

replaced



Loc 2.13.3

Existing Sign

64



The blue symbols are compliant.




Loc 2.13.4

Existing Sign

63

Comments: This sign is in very poor condition and beginning to be

completely hidden by scrub. Its usefulness and purpose is questioned. There is no complimentary sign at the other end of the Tourist

Drive at McLeod intersection with South Coast Hwy. So if this sign was to be replaced then a similar new sign would need to be installed at the other end of the Tourist Drive.

It is suggested that this “Tourist Drive Commencement” sign be removed


Remove this sign




Existing Sign

140

141

Comments: The Mt Lindesay View B&B sign is compliant except that it

should include the distance to the property. It is inappropriate to sign The Lake House at this point as it is

only useful to visitors leaving McNabb Rd. This sign is redundant and should be removed.


No action required here

LOC

2.14.2

LOC

2.14.1




139

Comments: Both accommodation facility signs are compliant except they

should also have the distance to the property on the sign


No action required




Existing Sign

152

Comments: This sign is compliant


No action required

Loc 2.15.2

Existing Sign

151

Comments: This is an older sign but is compliant. It should however be spelt

correctly by including the apostrophe and include the distance to the property.

The sign should also contain just the property name – SAHYMA’S SANCTUARY. “A mountain retreat” is marketing and should not be included in a directional sign.


No action required

LOC

2.15.2

LOC

2.15.8

LOC

2.15.3

LOC

2.15.4

LOC

2.15.5

LOC

2.15.1

LOC

2.15.6 LOC

2.15.7




149

Comments: These are older signs – they contain more information than

permitted on directional fingerboard signs The Lake House sign should be on brown background because

it is a winery. The Tingle-Wood sign should just have TINGLE-WOOD WINES Both signs are in reasonably good condition and do not need to



No action required

Loc 2.15.4

Existing Sign

148



No action required



Loc 2.15.5

Existing Sign

146

Comments: There are two sign here indicating 200m to the entry or turn-off.

If there is a blind corner or other traffic management issue for motorists travelling west along Mt Shadforth Rd then the correct advance sign should be used. It does appear however, that the existing sign at Loc 2.15.4 is adequate.

The blue sign is a non standard sign and should be removed. The wood routed sign at ground level is a private sign and is not

permitted in the road reserve. This sign should be removed.


Determine if there is a road safety issue with the entry to Chimes Spa Retreat

If so then the following sign layout should be installed at this point.

No sign is required if there is no road safety issue




144

145

Comments: This is not a tourism sign It is not customary for restaurants to be road signed. It is

suggested that there is more than adequate on-property signage at the property entrance (see photo 145) to obviate the need for this sign.

It is also suggested that the property managers be asked to remove all Observatory Resort signage as this property is no longer operating.


No tourism signage issues here

Loc 2.15.7

Existing Sign

143

Comments: This sign is compliant except that it should include the distance

to the property


No action required



Loc 2.15.8

Existing Sign

142

Comments: The signs in this stack have obviously been installed at different

times with the use of different arrows, positioning of distances and extraneous information that should not be included in directional signs

The Lake House is a winery and should therefore be on a brown sign

The Observatory Resort is no longer operating and the sign should be removed

Restaurants are not tourism signs and are not customarily road signed. Refer to Shire policy on community service signs.


The correct sign stack layout for this location is shown below:



Area 3 Loc 3.1

Existing Sign

158

Comments: This is an older sign using an older version of the winery symbol.

It is in good condition and does not need to be replaced at this time


No action required

Loc 3.2

Existing Sign

157



No action required

LOC

3.1

LOC

3.2

LOC

3.3



Loc 3.3 Existing Sign

156

Comments: This is an older sign using an older version of the winery symbol.

It is in good condition and does not need to be replaced at this time


No action required



Area 4 Loc 4.1

Existing Sign

180

Comments: This property has been closed for some years


Remove this sign

Loc 4.2

Existing Sign

179

Comments: This property has been closed for some years


Remove this sign

LOC

4.5 LOC

4.4

LOC

4.8 LOC

4.7

LOC

4.6

LOC

4.3

LOC

4.2

LOC

4.1



Loc 4.3

Existing Sign

181

Comments: The location of this sign does not seem to follow established

rules for sign installations It is on the wrong side of the road for eastbound traffic and after

the turn-off for westbound traffic This sign is compliant It is suggested that this sign be relocated to the opposite side of

the road immediately across from Parry Rd.


Subject to MRWA determination, this sign may be better located across the road opposite Parry Rd

Loc 4.4

Existing Sign

183

Comments: This is an older vintage sign in a non-standard very dark brown

colour The reason for a 500m advance sign is questioned as the

business is located on a straight road with reasonably clear sight lines

It is unclear as to the purpose of the small bus and caravan symbols attached to the pole. The small sign appears to be an unauthorised addition and should be removed

The sign is in general compliance and as it is in good condition it does not need to be replaced at this time


No action required



Loc 4.5

Existing Sign

184

Comments: There is a duplicity of sign at this point The older “t” sign is in a non-standard very dark brown colour The Factory” appearing on the advance sign is now “Toffee &

Sauces Factory” The brown sign is in general compliance and as it is in good

condition it does not need to be replaced at this time The two blue fingerboards duplicate the information and should

be on brown signs. Both of these signs are redundant and should be removed.


Remove the two blue fingerboard signs including the mounting pole.

Loc 4.6

Existing Sign

185

Comments: This is an unauthorized advertising sign in the highway road

reserve It should be either removed or set back in accordance with

MRWA regulations






186

Comments: This is an unauthorized advertising sign in the highway road

reserve It should be either removed or set back in accordance with

MRWA regulations



Loc 4.8

Existing Sign

187

Comments: This is an older vintage sign in a non-standard very dark brown

colour The reason for a 500m advance sign is questioned as the

business is located on a straight road with reasonably clear sight lines

It is unclear as to the purpose of the small bus and caravan symbols attached to the pole. The small sign appears to be an unauthorised addition and should be removed

The sign is in general compliance and as it is in good condition it does not need to be replaced at this time


No action required



Area 5 Loc 5.1

Existing Sign

159

Comments: The South Coast Hwy sign is not a tourism sign. It is a road

directional sign and should be on a green background Moombaki Wines should be on a brown sign These signs are I good condition and do not need to be replaced

at this time – particularly as this is a low traffic area


No action required

LOC

5.16 LOC

5.15

LOC

5.11LOC

5.10

LOC

5.12

LOC

5.13LOC

5.14

LOC

5.9

LOC

5.5LOC

5.8LOC

5.6

LOC

5.7

LOC

5.4

LOC

5.3

LOC

5.2

LOC

5.1

LOC

5.17 LOC

5.19

LOC

5.20

LOC

5.18




161

Comments: Sign should be on a brown background. It is in a reasonable condition and does not need replacement at

this time


No action required

Loc 5.3

Existing Sign

162



No action required

Loc 5.4

Existing Sign

163



No action required



Loc 5.5

Existing Sign

178

Comments: This is an non standard and possibly an unauthorised private

sign There are actually two attractions on Parker Rd


Remove this sign Confirm distance to the turn-off Install the correct sign layout as shown below:




164

165

Comments: These signs are all in poor condition the relevance of Kentdale and Kentdale Community Hall signs

are questioned – it has little relevance for it to be signed while there are other localities in the area which are not signed

“Spiral Studio Pottery” takes up two blades, is blue and should be brown. The correct name Spiral Studio should be used

The swing tag “OPEN” is an unauthorised sign and should be removed.

It is suggested that the signs at Loc 5.8 should be incorporated into this location for better visibility


Remove all existing signs D Directional signs should always include a distance in

km to the property entrance. The distance shown below (99) is indicative only - distance should not be taken off existing signs but checked to the nearest km.

the correct layout for the replacement sign is shown below:



Loc 5.7

Existing Sign

167

Comments: This sign is located too far away from the road edge and is

obscured by bushes and trees for motorists travelling eastward The top chevron sign implies that those properties listed beneath

are “wineries” This sign would be more effective if combined with the street

sign at Loc 5.7


Remove this sign




166

Comments: Restaurants and cafes do not get signed on main arterial roads

except on MRWA controlled town advance approach signs The brown signs are compliant


Remove the modular Restaurant symbol from this sign stack:



Loc 5.9

Existing Sign

199

Comments: This is an non standard and possibly an unauthorised private

sign There are actually two attractions on Parker Rd


Remove this sign Confirm distance to the turn-off Install the correct sign layout as shown below:

Loc 5.10

Existing Sign

168

Comments: This entire sign would be categorised an advertising sign and

not a tourism directional sign except for the large unconventional sign in the middle. It is not to MRWA standard and should be removed

Individual products like raspberries and marron do not get road signed

Arts & Crafts is no longer in operation


Remove this sign stack Install a new sign, which indicates there is food available,

as shown below:




176

Comments: Restaurants and cafes do not get signed on main arterial roads

except on MRWA controlled town advance approach signs The brown signs are compliant


Remove the modular Restaurant symbol from this sign stack:

Loc 5.12

Existing Sign

169

Comments: This is an older vintage ‘chevron’ sign but in good condition. It is

not the approved MRWA standard. The need for this sign at all is questioned – there is a clear

approach to Tindale Rd and motorists would have no trouble seeing the turnoff.

It is suggested that the need for this sign be reviewed and removed if not required.


Remove this sign only when the signage at Tindale Rd is upgraded to chevron standard



Loc 5.13

Existing Sign

170

Comments: This type of blade signage is inappropriate on a main arterial

road – the motorist will need to slow down considerably to read the property names and this would cause risk management issues. However, this signage can remain if the 500m advance signs are also left in place

Ayr Sailean should have the distance to the property included There is only one chalet at Dawn Lake – this should be

corrected Aqua Blue Marron Farm is no longer in business



Replace blades as shown below:

Loc 5.14

Existing Sign

171

Comments: This is an older vintage ‘chevron’ sign but in good condition. It is

not the approved MRWA standard. The need for this sign at all is questioned – there is a clear

approach to Tindale Rd and motorists would have no trouble seeing the turnoff.

It is suggested that the need for this sign be reviewed and removed if not required.


Remove this sign only when the signage at Tindale Rd is upgraded to chevron standard



Loc 5.15

Existing Sign

172

Comments: This is an older vintage non standard ‘chevron’ advance sign but

in good condition The correct name for this property is Denmark Dinosaur World

but can be shortened to Dinosaur World for the purposes of road signage.




Loc 5.16

Existing Sign

173

Comments: This is an older vintage ‘chevron’ sign but in good condition The sign should include the distance to the property The correct name for this property is Denmark Dinosaur World





If and when this sign does get replaced then the correct layout is shown below:



Loc 5.17

Existing Sign

174

Comments: This is an older vintage non standard ‘chevron’ advance sign but

in good condition The correct name for this property is Denmark Dinosaur World





Loc 5.18

No Existing Sign

Comments: As this is the most appropriate access to the Tree Top Walk for

westbound travellers it would be useful to reposition the existing advance turn sign at Loc 6.4 to this point


Relocate the sign at Loc 6.4 to this point. Existing sign shown below:




XX7

XX5

XX6

Comments: The Tree Top Walk sign does not match the standard of signage

at Locations 6.2 & 6.3. Subject to agreement, this should be the turnoff to the Tree Top Walk for westbound travellers. The signage at Loc 2.2 & 2.3 should serve eastbound travellers.

Che Sara Sara chalets should be signed to the nearest main road which would be the North Walpole Rd (approx 14km)

The Parrot Jungle Bird Park appears be no longer operating as it does not appear on any tourism website or database.


Remove the Che Sara Sara sign Remove the Parrot Jungle Bird Park sign Replace the existing Tree Top Walk sign as shown below.



Loc 5.20

Existing Sign

174

Comments: This sign stack has evolved over time with a mix of lettering

styles and sizes with many not readable at the prevailing road speed

Bow River Cottage does not show a distance Valley of the Giants Gallery is an attraction should be on a

brown sign Valley of the Giants Wines & Olives is an attraction should be

on a brown sign. Riverbank Cottage B&B appears to be no longer operating as it

does not appear on any tourism website or database.


Remove Riverbank Cottage B&B sign All other signs on this sign stack are in reasonably good

condition and do not need to be replaced at this time. If and when the signs do get replaced then the correct

layout is shown below:



Area 6 Loc 6.1

Existing Sign

4

Comments: The Tree Top Walk sign is OK Tree Top Canoe is not a tourism sign. It would come under the

Shire policy of community facility signs


No action required

Loc 6.2

Existing Sign

17

Comments: This sign is OK


No action required

LOC

6.1

LOC

6.2

LOC

6.3 LOC

6.4

LOC

6.7

7

5

10

LOC

6.5

LOC

6.6



Loc 6.3

Existing Sign

13

Comments: This is an older vintage ‘sign which refers to “Another Living

Window” and incorporates an unidentifiable logo on the chevron. It is understood that this was part a relatively short marketing campaign by the South West Development Commission but is now defunct as there is no longer any promotional activity or collateral.

The Tree Top Walk is a state owned product therefore it is able to be signed appropriately.

The Tingledale Cottage sign is somewhat dwarfed by the large area of brown signs


This brown signs are in good condition and do not need to be replaced at this time, however, the correct sign layout for this location is shown below:

Loc 6.4

Existing Sign

11

Comments: This sign is OK and in good condition however it would be best

relocated to Loc 5.18 as the advance turn off sign for westbound travellers


Relocate this sign to Loc 5.18

Loc 6.5

Existing Sign

10

Comments: These are older vintage signs but in good condition and do not



No action required Check to ensure that there is supporting signage at the

intersection of Ficifolia Rd



Loc 6.6

Existing Sign

7

Comments: The blue chevron sign with all the service symbols is an older

(but non standard) MRWA sign All properties listed on the drop-tags below are still in operation

and in good condition


No action required

Loc 6.7

Existing Sign

5

Comments: This sign is OK


No action required



Visitor Centre Signage The location, internal displays and general service and facilities provided by the Denmark Visitor Centre (DVC) is excellent. However, it seriously lacks any identity from the outside – it just doesn’t look like visitor centre – it bears none of the familiar markings of a visitor centre like the italic symbol or the customary wording readable from the street or even the car park to give visitors any form of identity, sense of welcome or familiarity.

There are the usual modular advance signs for the DVC on both approach roads. These signs shown at left are standard signs used throughout WA.

The road sign shown at right is located opposite the driveway. However, as one looks to the right, the building just doesn’t have the look or feel of a visitor centre and one is inclined to hesitate on the main road which is not a good thing.

There is another sign high on a pole on the verge at the entrance driveway. This sign unfortunately gets lost in the background “noise” of other buildings, building signage and other signs.

Although all of these signs are compliant it is suggested that they are not very effective in identifying the DVC, and that better use could be made of the exposure of the building itself in this quality location.



TRAVELLING EASTWARD

This is the first glimpse one gets of the DVC on the downhill approach into town. The building in the foreground (Child Care Centre) unfortunately blocks out any early view of the DVC. The tower structure is the only part of the DVC that is visible at this point.

As one approaches the entry drive it becomes obvious that the signage on both sides of the road gets lost in the background “noise” and is not very prominent, effective or reassuring.

On glancing right at the entrance drive the building shows no sign of being a visitor centre – more like accountant’s or lawyer’s offices or maybe even a doctor’s surgery.

TRAVELLING WESTWARD The approach to the DVC is on an incline approach with the road curving to the left so there is not a lot of advance visibility until arrival at Ocean Beach Rd.

As one approaches Ocean Beach Rd – there is poor visibility of the visitor centre signs and other road signs become distracting. There is no sign of where the DVC is even at this point.



At Ocean Beach Road – and there is still no real indication of where the DVC is located. The building at left has no indication that it might be a visitor centre. It looks like a commercial office complex. This is a busy intersection and not really safe to hesitate about where to go.

SUGGESTED ENHANCEMENTS Travelling eastward It is suggested that there is an opportunity for visitors to “notice” or get a glimpse of the DVC as they approach town and that it is coming up on the right.

The symbol will link in with the advance road signs. The words VISITOR CENTRE will confirm this and the 100m is recommended because the tower may appear to some that it is part of the Day Care Centre in the foreground (which no signage so it could be easily mistaken to be the entry to the DVC). It even has an ENTRY sign at the driveway.

Inset

Replace the symbol on the pole at the driveway entrance with a bigger format. Install a sign structure as an entry statement commencing at the pole to clearly identify that this is the entry point to the DVC.



Travelling westward

This is the other side of the entry sign suggested above. The trees that appear behind the sign would actually be in front of the sign but would not detract too much. This entry statement would increase the visibility for those travelling westward.

The building itself

Adding the symbol to the entrance portico would further confirm that the building actually contains a visitor centre and also identifies which is the entrance doorway. A number of doorways can be seen as one approaches the building. The vast expanse of lawn areas could also be used to introduce sculpture and colour to the otherwise bland foreground. Local artists and artisans could be asked to contribute to this task either by local competition or by commission if budgets permit. A barometer sculpture could also be a part of the objet d'art collection on the lawn areas.

These suggestions are concepts and ideas to increase the physical presence of the DVC. The ideas can me modified and adapted to be aesthetically acceptable. The important message here is that a reasonably bold identity is required.



E. Other Observations STREET SIGNS The town street signs (yellow on brownish background) are difficult to read under normal circumstances – and even more difficult at dusk and night time. Some examples are shown here:

Black on white street signs, which conform to Australian Standards, are much more visible an easier to read:



HISTORICAL SIGNS There are a number of brown signs for mainly school sites that obviously have some local historic significance. Some typical signs are shown here:

It is understood that these are local interest markers, put up by the Denmark Historical Society to locate the original Group Settlement school sites. They were not meant to be of any significant interest to tourists. The observation here is that as these brown signs, and brown signs universally indicate a place of tourist interest, brown signs suggest that visitors should stop to have a look. In some cases the signs point across the road but there is no safe place to stop, no road widening, and no real indication of what they are looking at because the “site” in some cases is completely overgrown and looks just like the surrounding bush. In other cases there is a remnant building but again with no structured access facilities and no interpretive signs to indicate what the “site” is. This is not a big issue but one that needs some consideration because they may have some “curiosity” value to some people other than locals. The following points should be taken into consideration:

• there may be road safety issues as motorists attempt to stop on a narrow or busy road

• it could be argued that these signs tend to devalue “real” tourist attraction signage where there is an imperative to provide a visitor experience

PEACEFUL BAY AREA There are some early concept plans being suggested to create a scenic drive in the Peaceful Bay area. There are a number of serious concerns which have been identified and the following comments are made following a drive around this area:

• the Station Rd Turnoff is considered unsafe because it is on a bend with very poor sightlines as Station Road falls away steeply from the highway

• the local roads in the area, after leaving the highway, are in poor condition and not suitably designed or prepared for tourist traffic

• there are no speed signs

• Dangerous bends

• Poorly constructed dirt roads

• Poor signage at Conspicuous Beach Rd intersection and other areas

• No distances shown It is much too early to comment further at this time but there is some potential for a scenic drive through this area leaving the highway at a suitable and safe point and returning back to the highway at a later point. The route would require a risk management assessment by the Shire.



F. Priority Projects Priority 1: INFORMATION BAYS The Information Bay on the eastern approach to town is in a dilapidated state and needs urgent attention. Options are: OPTION 1: Remove & Replace

• Remove all tourist information boards from the bay as a priority because the information is poorly presented, dated and just appears awful. Install new boards with easy to follow maps and relevant visitor information.

• Temporarily cover or remove the INFORMATION BAY sign directing visitors into the bay.

• It should be noted that there should also be an Information Bay for westbound visitors OPTION 2: Decommission the roadside bay (Tourism WA preferred option)

• Completely decommission the roadside information bay as was done with the bay at the western approach to town at Ocean Beach Road.

• Tourism WA does not support roadside information bays, particularly ones that are almost in the town centre. All visitors to town should be directed to the Visitor Centre which should provide the same visitor information on boards in front of their premises. Maps and information on accommodation facilities, attractions and other salient information should be in a well lit area for visitors who arrive outside of the Visitor Centre opening hours. The information boards and keeping it current is easier and cheaper to manage in the grounds of the Visitor Centre.

Priority 2: SCOTSDALE TOURIST DRIVE Scotsdale Tourist Drive is classified as a State Tourist Drive and is one of a handful of tourist drives in WA worthy of state-wide significance and status. Please refer to Section B for further elaboration on the significance of the Scotsdale Tourist Drive to Denmark. Recommendation: Establish a working group to scope this project with the aim of enhancing and developing this quality tourism product for Denmark. Representation should comprise:

• 2-3 Representative operators of tourism businesses in the general area bounded by Scotsdale Rd, Mt Shadforth Rd, South Coast Hwy & McLeod Rd. Representatives should not necessarily need to be a member of the Denmark Visitor Centre, industry organisation or marketing group.

• Denmark Visitor Centre

• Shire of Denmark Invitations should also be sought from:

• Other tourism organisations in the Denmark area

• Publishers of mapping, and other printed collateral including the Denmark Holiday Guide

• hosts of relevant websites and other on-line collateral



Priority 3: DEVELOP A SHIRE TOURISM SIGNAGE POLICY It is strongly recommended that the Shire of Denmark develop a Tourism Signage Policy to provide:

• clarity for the community, businesses and Council in the provision of roadside tourism • signage throughout Shire of Denmark • a set of clear and logical set of guidelines for a user-friendly signage system that:

o Defines the types of signage used within the Shire. o Encourages the use of standardised signs and symbols and consistent colour

coding for signs that comply with appropriate Australian Standards. o Enhances the effectiveness of signs by rationalising their use. o Identifies appropriate usage for each category of signs. o Clearly identifies facilities that will qualify for directional signage. o Provides administration guidelines that define application and permit requirements.

E N D O F R E V I E W

Tourist Signage Review - Denmark

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