“Sign, sign, everywhere a sign…” Those words from a 1970 song by the Five Man Electrical Band sprang to mind recently. I had to look it up — I remembered the tune but not the band — yet the lyrics remain instantly familiar:

“Sign, sign
Everywhere a sign
Blockin’ out the scenery
Breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that
Can’t you read the sign?”

The song was more about social and property rights than literal signage, but it is hard not to think of it when considering the sheer number of signs across Canberra. They guide us, inform us, and make getting around Canberra easier. At least, that is their intention.

Recently, while driving into Canberra, I was genuinely shocked by the state of some of the directional signs on the way in. Several were so weathered or vandalised that they were barely readable. These are not obscure back roads: they are key entry points used by residents, and, importantly, by visitors.

Concerned, I contacted Dr David Marshall, Chair of the Canberra Region Tourism Leaders Forum, to talk about it. I recalled that he had spoken in the media about the poor condition of many of our directional signs, particularly on major roads that tourists coming into Canberra would use.

David has, for some time, highlighted that the fading, damaged – including graffiti-covered – and peeling signs reflect badly on Canberra’s status as the National Capital. Additionally, this undermines the pride that the ACT Government speaks about wanting to foster among Canberrans.

The Tourism Leaders Forum is the ACT and region’s peak tourism and events industry representative organisation, with members from the tourism, business, sports, arts, cultural, aviation and educational sectors in the ACT, along with Destination Southern New South Wales. The need to upgrade these signs was part of the five key policy areas raised in their 2024-25 Budget submission.

At first glance, signs might not seem that important. But for visitors, they do far more than point the way. They shape first impressions and contribute to the overall experience of a city. More than 5.5 million tourists visit Canberra each year (not quite back at pre-pandemic numbers) and tourism injected $3.66 billion in the year to September 2023.

The Tourism Leaders Forum argues that the quality and amenity of facilities and environment are critical to the visitor experience and need urgent action. They point to a noticeable deterioration in the maintenance and upkeep of the city. They believe – and I agree – that Canberra should be the showcase of the nation.

David has been raising this issue with the government for years and has been told the signs are scheduled to be replaced. When will the government urgently replace or repair signs on key approaches, not to mention scheduling an annual review and improvement program of priority wayfinding signs?

Why is it that we can spend millions or billions on some projects, but cannot maintain basic infrastructure? I guess it is a matter of priorities for this government.