Media release – Peter George, Candidate for Franklin 28 April 2025

Mystery of missing campaign billboard solved Council apologises

The mystery of a huge missing campaign billboard promoting Peter George, independent candidate for Franklin, at Castle Forbes Bay has been solved.

The Huon Valley Council has admitted responsibility for its removal and apologised.

The owner of the space was wrongly ordered by the council to remove the sign earlier this month.

Council CEO, Lachlan Kranz gave an apology this morning stating, “I have worked through this issue with my team and I owe the Peter George campaign an apology.”

The advertising company that erected the signage is reinstating the campaign message today.

The Huon Valley Council has offered to cover the costs.

Mr Kranz’s email to Peter George’s campaign continues:

“The State Planning Office have a published FAQ regarding election signs which Council was not aware of and which clarifies the regulations. You can find this FAQ here. Information Sheet – Tasmanian Planning Scheme Election Signs

“I can confirm you can lawfully advertise on the billboard.”

Peter George comments:

“While I accept Mr Kranz’s apology, this should never have occurred in the first place as council staff could easily have checked the regulations before taking action.

To remove democratic election signage without clear reason and legal authority is an outrageous action and to do so to an independent campaign whose voice often struggles to be heard above the old parties, is deeply disappointing.

Mr Kranz as assured me that there was no political intent behind the decision to remove the sign and that he was unaware of the decision.

Such a significant decision should obviously have been referred to him and the campaign staff before action was taken.

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