The return of Webers Circus to the Great Lakes for the first time in 14 years has been anything but a happy experience.
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Owned and operated by Natalie and Rudy Weber, the family owned circus rolled into Forster in the new year to showcase their Wild West Australian Tour until January 28.
However, even before the big top was erected promotional material posted on pubic land advertising show dates was taken down and confiscated by MidCoast Council rangers.
Webers was informed of the action via an email a couple of days later and told they would be charged a $1400 fee for the return of 18 corporate posters and three banners.
Natalie Weber explained every town they had visited in the past had given the circus some leeway to place promotional material on display.
She said the circus could not afford to pay councils these additional costs in addition to the costly development application (DA).
Usually the DA says we can put the signs up, but not on council-owned land.
- Natalie Weber
“Usually the DA says we can put signs up, but not on council-owned land,” she said.
Ms Weber said all the advertising material was later gathered up, and recycle for the next tour.
A council spokesperson confirmed the signs were removed from public land and impounded.
“There is a fee that has to be paid for them to get them back. This is set in council’s fees and charges,” the spokesperson said.
“A development consent provided to the circus to operate specifically indicated there was to be no off-site signage erected.
“As the signs were a breach of the development consent those placed on public land have been removed.”
The spokesperson said the large inflatable advertising (clowns) still in place on private land was under investigation.
The spokesperson advised advertising on private land was regulated by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
“MidCoast Council reminds property owners that allowing a sign on their property without a development consent could result in compliance action.”
Ms Weber said the family’s experience with MidCoast Council had left them with a bitter taste, and confirmed it was unlikely Webers would return to the area in the future.
She believed the low turn-out of audiences was partly because of council’s decision to removed advertising material.
With just 50-60 people occupying the 500 capacity tent on some nights, the circus had struggled to make wages.
The show had always attracted large audiences at other locations around the country.
“People don’t know we’re here because the signs have been taken down.”
The circus packs up next Monday, January 28.