A Yarraville trader ordered to remove a banner from his store won his battle to keep it in place during the Yarraville Festival.
The protest banner, depicting the three councillors who voted to introduce paid parking into Yarraville, was erected last year after the controversial decision.
Maribyrnong council demanded Village Store owner Andrew Dannaoui remove the 3×6 metre banner from the building’s façade because it was installed without the applicable approvals and permits.
Mr Dannaoui labelled the order an attack on free speech motivated by embarrassment, but recently removed the banner after the council increased pressure.
He believes the popular festival, held last Sunday, was the main reason the council wanted the banner removed.
“I think the festival was a big part of it – they didn’t want it up for the festival after 10,000 people came last year.
“We put the banner back up over the festival after I was assured they [council]would not prosecute.”
Maribyrnong chief executive Stephen Wall said “ongoing discussions” had been held in an attempt to resolve the issue.
Mr Wall said council officers instigated action to remove the banner “in accordance with our usual practice of regular planning scheme and local law enforcement”.
because the building’s façade was protected under a heritage overlay, both a local laws permit and a planning permit were required.
“Permits are required by council for the protection of the amenity of our city and the safety of our community,” he said.
Benjamin Millar
