A controversial bus stop advert rollout in Rose Bay, Double Bay, and surrounding areas has triggered significant backlash, with locals citing safety risks and aesthetic concerns.
Residents are asking for a council review and a state investigation, saying that the commercial scale of the nearly 40 installations is akin to a “Times Square” intrusion into otherwise “quiet, village-like” communities.
Luxury Brand Ad Shelters Draw Criticism Over Safety Risks
The advertising shelters, introduced in March 2024 through a deal between oOh! Media and Woollahra Council, offer premium ad space for luxury brands at no direct cost to ratepayers.
However, the project has sparked complaints about obstructed driver visibility, pedestrian hazards, and light pollution, with reports of near misses and at least one accident. The NSW Ombudsman is now investigating the issue, and the council is reassessing some locations.
Community Concerns Over Aesthetic and Safety Risks
Residents argue the large-scale advertising panels clash with the areas’ heritage charm and disrupt its streetscape. More urgently, some bus stops have blocked sightlines at intersections, forcing pedestrians, including parents with prams and wheelchair users, onto the road.
Lack of Consultation Fuels Backlash
Locals say they were not properly consulted, only noticing the project when markings appeared on footpaths. Many feel the council has ignored community concerns, prompting a push for smaller, less intrusive shelters.
As the NSW Ombudsman reviews the case, residents continue fighting for changes, determined to restore Woollahra’s character and safety.
Published 14-March-2025
