Some Dubbo councillors raised concerns about the advertising material they said was for an event in another town, with one labelling it “ambush marketing”.

Dubbo City Council staff advised that the group responsible for the blitz would be contacted and that a measure aimed at eliminating the problem in the future was progressing.

State planning policy exists that requires people to have consent from authorities for advertisements.

Cr Bill Kelly brought the matter of the posters at Dubbo to the council meeting this week.

He said he believed the bills had been put up on poles about October 18-19.

It looked bad and would result in someone having to remove it, he said.

A “pet subject” of Cr Kelly’s was neon signage and he asked if council could have a sign that people could hire for advertising, eliminating the problem.

Council general manager Mark Riley said they had a development application lodged with that intention and while there was no funding yet, it was hoped there would be as savings were made.

Cr John Walkom then rose to ask if it was known who put up the posters and where.

Mr Riley said his understanding was the posters were put up in strategic locations by a group from Forbes.

He said the crews of parks and landcare services director Murray Wood had removed them in the main street.

Environmental services director Melissa Watkins advised councillors contact would be made with the group to advise them of the legislation.

“So we will be following it up,” she said.

Cr Walkom then asked “do we know (the posters) were placed all down Whylandra Street and Victoria Street” and that it was for an event at Forbes, sponsored by Forbes Shire Council, Regional Express and Cancer Council.

He said he wondered if the sponsors knew about what he called the “ambush marketing” and urged the council to follow up the group.

“We need to jump on this,” he said.

Cr Ben Shields, who was chairing the meeting in the absence of Cr Mathew Dickerson who was attending council business, said he agreed.

He said if action was not taken, Dubbo would end up as “ugly” as the city of Sydney.