A majority of Lismore councillors has backed a local woman’s right to have an ‘anti-GSG’ banner draped over the roof of her home.
The Lismore City Council last night had to decide whether the banner was advertising or artwork following a complaint from Cr Mathew Scheibel.
The owner of the banner, Jenny Leunig, made a passionate plea prior to the vote, telling councillors she had ‘spent my daughter’s inheritance ‘fighting the gas industry’.
The sign was erected three years ago, and depicts the Nightcap Range and the words ‘87% voted No to CSG’.
‘You’d have to throw me in jail which would be interesting as I was with Corrective Services for twenty years,’ Ms Leunig had told councillors.
‘All I ask is that you keep a fat old nanna happy by letting her sleep at night under this peaceful warrior,’ she said to loud applause.
Cr Scheibel argued that he had only complained about the banner because businesses around Lismore were being targeted by compliance officers for illegal advertising.
The complaint led to staff seeking legal advice, which confirmed that the banner was ‘advertising’,
But asked to show some discretion, a majority of the councillors backed Ms Leunig, with Crs Scheibel, Neil Marks and Graham Meineke voting for the sign’s removal.
Following the decision to keep the banner in place, Ms Leunig gave Cr Scheibel a sneaky kiss on the head, to the delight of the packed public gallery.
Hey, I have faith in our Lismore tribe!!!
There is something compelling and public about public art.
It is outside, out there to be seen. It is not obscene but adds to the scene of human life.
We should shout out about out local talented artists from the rooftops.
Good onya guys..
I think Council made the right decision. removing the sign would be repression of free expression. Advertising? Exactly what is it Ms. Leunig said to be selling? Maybe the good sense of the NR population. I’d buy that!