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The controversial traffic sign at the intersection of Hibiscus Coast Highway and Silverdale Street has been changed a number of times “under cover of darkness” over the past two years.
The sign, which directs traffic into the village, read ‘Silverdale Village’ but in 2018 this was changed by AT, at the request of the Silverdale Business Association of the time, to ‘Silverdale Centre’.
It later became clear that most village businesses were not consulted, and a petition to change the name back gained almost 800 signatures. Many business owners said the village has its own identity, very different from the Silverdale Centre shops.
There have been numerous illegal attempts to change the sign back to read ‘Silverdale Village’, followed by AT restoring the ‘Centre’ sign.
The issue came before the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board again last month, with AT seeking a definitive way forward.
After considerable discussion, the local board agreed to instruct AT to replace directional signs between Silverdale Street and Millwater Parkway to read ‘Silverdale’, without the words ‘Centre’ or ‘Village’.
It will involve changing as many as 10 signs. AT is not yet able to advise how much this will cost, or exactly when it will be done.
In addition, a ‘Welcome to Silverdale’ sign will be removed and the local board will work with the Silverdale Business Association on replacing this with signs that give a sense of place and reflect the history and unique aspects of Silverdale Village.
