Election signs have started popping up across Kiama, and not everyone is happy about it.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has taken aim at candidates who have installed corflutes on public land leading into the formal election period, calling the practice “visual pollution” and a breach of the rules.

“It’s not a free-for-all. The law is clear, and everyone should play by the same rules” the state member said.

“It’s time to do politics differently.”

He criticised signs being placed on fences, poles and other publicly owned infrastructure, and said he has only ever put his signs on private property.

“If a small business was caught doing this, they would be fined – and so too should these candidates.”

Kate Dezarnaulds’ team says their campaign has acted well within the law and in the spirit of long-standing Australian electoral practice.

“On Saturday 22 March, we placed signs across Kiama in public locations commonly used for community notices, such as fences that regularly display banners for local sporting events and community activities,” a spokesperson said.

“The law allows election signage from either the date the election is called or up to eight weeks before polling day, whichever comes first. 

 “We believe we have followed both the letter and the spirit of the law.”

The team also raised concerns that some Kate4Gilmore signs have been taken down, while other signage nearby was left untouched.

“If Council’s concern is signage on public land, we would welcome clarity on the approach being taken, to ensure all campaigns are treated consistently.”

While Ward encouraged residents to report unauthorised signs to Council, Kate4Gilmore’s campaign struck a different note: “Our focus remains on engaging respectfully with our community about the big issues, from housing and health to the rising cost of living.

“Our signs are just one way of letting people know we are here, we are listening, and we are ready to work hard for our region.”

With voters watching closely, the question may be less about where signs go up and more about who is willing to listen when they do.