Strathfield Council is drafting a measure which would make sure foreign text is no bigger than 30 per cent of its English equivalent.
Independent Councillor Matthew Blackmore, who moved the proposal at the last council meeting, said "the change to the policy is designed to set a standard in the presentation of signs in shops".
But Nikki Chen - who has worked at her brother's grocery store in Strathfield for more than four years - said she had never received a complaint about its signage.
"We have Chinese and English, both on the sign ... So I don't need we need to change it," she told SBS News.
While investigating this issue, SBS Korean program got some questions. It seems obvious that current signage guidelines have not been followed by many local shops in Strathfield area and it doesn't seem even sure if shop owners aware of the current guideline about bilingual sign display. Then why does the council need to change the guidelines when it is not even properly followed by shop owners? It seems logical for council to crack down the current breach of the signage guidelines first before tightening the regulation.
SBS Korean program tried to have an interview with Cr Blackmore or other representatives of the council to find out the answer but was told no one is available for the interview. Instead of that, the council offer a short statement in relation to the matter;
“Council’s draft shopfront signage policy aims to improve the visual amenities of our town and local centres. It applies to all shops in the Strathfield Local Government Area.
The Draft Policy sets out at least 50% of shopwindows not be covered by signage and where used, foreign language may occupy up to 30% of the total signage area.
This is an inclusive policy that recognises English and the linguistic diversity that exists in Strathfield”
The full story is available on the podcast above.
