LIGHTING at the Proserpine entry statements does need to be improved.

This is the view of the Proserpine Chamber of Commerce, whose executive team pioneered the signs at the northern and southern entrances to town.

Speaking on behalf of the group, PCOC president Chris Patrick said lighting had been identified as a potential problem last year, "particularly for this time of year when visibility may be weakened by fewer sunny days to recharge the solar battery capacity of each entry statement”.

The PCOC was, however, both surprised and disappointed to learn of a complaint about the signs by local resident Rogin Taylor (Whitsunday Coast Guardian, March 1), who said the stainless steel lettering was hard to read and highly reflective, like a "mirror”.

Mr Patrick said ahead of construction the PCOC had diligently and meticulously been through a long, consultative process with its membership, the public and Whitsunday Regional Council, "where many site visits and boardroom presentations were carried out to ensure all were in favour of the design”.

"As for Rogin's comments in relation to the lettering's reflectiveness, this was in fact designed in this way to create a sense of movement within the signage without requiring digital enhancement, a concern for the Department of Transport and Main Roads given the sites are both located on the Bruce Hwy,” he said.

Mr Patrick noted that because of the signs' proximity to the highway, DTMR had imposed restrictions on height and even location.

"(Which was) also the reason we ended up with the bridge site and not the PCOC's preferred southbound location,” he said.

Mr Patrick also noted MrTaylor was previously a financial member of the PCOC.

"During this time and despite attending numerous PCOC meetings, perhaps a more appropriate forum to raise any such concerns or complaints, Rogin made no comment with regards to his disappointment in the entry statements, instead only ever inquiring as to the cost,” he said.

"All comments received at the consultation phase were positive, all concerns were publicly ventilated and all permissions were ultimately granted.

"Leaving it for 12 months after the project's completion in March 2016 is upsetting to say the least.”

Mr Patrick said to date thePCOC had received "a great deal of positive feedback” about the entry statement signs.

"We are extremely proud that Proserpine now has two welcome entry statements for both north and southbound traffic to welcome our local and travelling community to Proserpine,” he said.

"The PCOC is a group which thrives on good news and positivity, promoting Proserpine for its strengths and constantly striving to seek new opportunities for the whole of the community.

"We would encourage everyone to adopt the same positive, constructive approach to enhance what we have so we can build for our future, one which we believe is bright.”

What you said online

I THINK they're great. If some people haven't seen them, maybe they need to go to Specsavers, lol.

Merewyn Wright

GREAT statement however it's just a pity the northern one is right near the bridge - for someone travelling the highway you are almost past it before you realise it's there and then no time to read. Would have been better just past the brickworks near the already established gardens. Bad location I think.

Margaret Roberts

I THINK it's fine, at least it is a statement, not like the Airlie Beach sign.

Rebecca Ross

DEFINITELY not too reflective - unless you know they are there, you wouldn't even notice them and I have never seen them lit up at night yet. Also terrible placements in both locations. The money wasted on this project could have been put to better use like kerbside recycling or actually making all the footpaths the same in the Main St or maybe being used for grants to support small businesses!!!

Teena Roberts

WELL I reckon they look good and, as Merewyn said, if you haven't noticed them you need glasses ... old mate needs to stop complaining about trivial stuff and move on.

Kerry Dunk

I LIKE them but bad location.