Independent candidate for Gilmore, Kate Dezarnaulds, has raised serious concerns about the removal of election signs by local councils across the electorate, warning that voters are being denied fair access to information during the critical final week of the campaign.

Despite advice from respected Senior Counsel confirming that blanket bans on election signage are likely unlawful, Kiama, Shoalhaven, and Eurobodalla councils have continued to remove signs, threaten fines of up to $6,000 per sign, and refuse to assess signage permissions on a case-by-case basis.

Campaign Director Will Davies said the actions raise serious questions about fairness and democratic access.

"As an independent campaign working with a modest budget, visibility matters. Major parties have access to millions of dollars for saturation advertising. Election signs are one of the few affordable ways for independent candidates to reach voters. Removing them tips the scales even further away from fairness," Mr Davies said.

The Kate 4 Gilmore campaign is fully complying with State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP 2008), ensuring signs are placed within the permitted election period, meet all safety and size requirements, and will be removed within seven days of election day.

"Other councils across NSW are allowing signage during the election period where it meets basic requirements," Mr Davies said. "But here in Gilmore, we are seeing signs removed within hours of installation — sometimes even on public holidays — and minor issues, such as positioning on front lawns, receiving outsized enforcement responses."

He said the speed and intensity of enforcement actions has raised concerns in the community about whether election processes are being applied fairly.

"Gilmore voters deserve a level playing field, not an election campaign where independents are disadvantaged through inconsistent or heavy-handed enforcement," Mr Davies said.

The Kate 4 Gilmore campaign has formally written to all three councils seeking a review of their approach and a commitment to uphold the principles of fair and open elections.

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About Kate Dezarnaulds and Her Campaign for Gilmore

Kate Dezarnaulds is an independent candidate for Gilmore, committed to delivering practical, community-driven solutions for the South Coast. A local business leader and advocate for regional investment, Kate is focused on fixing real issues, including improving infrastructure, strengthening local economies, and ensuring government funding reaches the people who need it. Kate’s campaign is built on listening to the community, advocating for transparency, and working collaboratively to achieve meaningful change. She believes that Gilmore deserves a strong, independent voice in Canberra—one that puts people before politics.

For more information, visit kate4gilmore.com.au or follow Kate on socials: @kate4gilmore

Authorised by Kate Dezarnaulds, Independent for South Coast Pty Ltd, 3/68 Albert St, Berry NSW 2535