2 days ago
Unbelievable feud breaks out over VERY trivial footpath matter in ritzy suburb
Advertisement-plastered bus stops have caused some of Australia's most well-off residents to melt down.
Locals in Sydney 's Rose Bay have exploded at their council for installing more than 30 new bus stop shelters around the suburb.
The shelters in themselves don't seem to be the problem, however, rather locals have taken issue with the 'giant advertising screen' featured on the side of each one.
The large advertisements detract from the natural beauty of the suburb's promenade, argued Deanna Mastellone on Facebook.
'It is absolutely ridiculous. Woollahra Council placing this giant advertising screen outside the Wintergarden, blocking this very busy footpath which is enjoyed by so many,' she said.
But Woollahra Council defended its decision to place the money-spinning ads across every bus shelter in the district.
A spokesperson for the council said the revenue it raised from these ads helps pay for vital services that assist the entire community.
The eye-sores incited a lively debate online where locals offered various takes on the matter.
Ms Mastellone vowed to have the issue 'corrected' and had a particular problem with the fact that nobody in Rose Bay was even consulted prior to the rollout.
'It is an absolute disgrace Woollahra Council has signed up for 39 advertising bus shelters with zero community consultation,' she wrote.
'Such an ugly blight on our magnificent Rose Bay Promenade.
'This will be corrected, this is so very wrong.'
Ms Mastellone compared her suburb to others in the city's east like Balmoral Beach, which has no bus shelter ads, and Mosman Council which has 22.
Before installing its ads Mosman Council at least 'engaged with the entire community', Ms Mastellone said.
The ticked-off local even filed a complaint with Woollahra Council's Audit, Risk and Innovation external committee in her quest to have the shelters' ads removed.
'I am not against bus shelters, we must protect and preserve our streetscape and ensure all the community is engaged in the placement of them,' she wrote.
Those who chimed into the debate had mixed opinions with some agreeing, but others claiming Ms Mastellone was making a fuss over nothing.
'Rain protection and advertising revenue to keep your council rates lower. What's the issue?' one said.
'Perhaps think of the seniors waiting for a bus who appreciate having somewhere to sit while they wait,' another wrote.
Those who did agree with Ms Mastellone found even more reasons to complain.
'No proper access for wheelchairs and mobility aids to pass by and no alerts for vision-impaired members of the community to safely navigate around,' one said.
'These are disgusting eyesores around Rose Bay, I agree,' a second agreed.
But despite all the upraor, Woollahra Council said the shelters were here to stay.
'They provide excellent shelter and shade for commuters,' a spokesperson told Yahoo News.
'Each site was assessed to ensure the shelters were placed safely and appropriately and notifications were issued to nearby residents and businesses, providing opportunity for feedback.'
