NEWCASTLE only gets one chance to make a first impression and, as far as Liberal councillors are concerned, the city's entry points are giving "old, tired and forgettable".
Councillors Jenny Barrie and Callum Pull want to improve Newcastle's signage and presentation at key gateways to the city, using billboard advertising to pay for improvements.
A motion going to this week's council meeting, co-signed by the pair, says the push is an opportunity to help Newcastle stand out.
"Currently, our city presentation can be lacking; verges and median strips overgrown, missing kerb and guttering, and lacking signage announcing your arrival in Newcastle," the motion said.
If approved, councillors will ask staff to review existing entryway signage and develop designs for new ones at several suburbs across the city.
Cr Barrie said City Road, for example, carried a huge volume of traffic into the city and the sign "needs to be redesigned and replaced".
"I would like visitors to be impressed when entering our city at entry points across the local government area," she said.
Cr Pull said it was an opportunity to improve Newcastle's impression and presentation.
"The University of Newcastle has iconic sandstone signage at Callaghan Campus, where every graduate or student can snap a picture to celebrate their commencement," he said.
"I'd like to see our own iconic signage at the entrances to our city so residents and visitors alike can celebrate and be proud of Newcastle."
Councillors may request improved landscaping and main road presentation, with the concepts to be echoed in designs for future upgrades, such as Minmi Road.
"These changes may assist in reducing maintenance costs of mowing the existing median strips which are often overgrown and ugly, particularly after heavy rainfall," the motion said.
The motion asks staff to find suitable locations where billboard advertisements could be installed to pay for welcome signage, landscaping, maintenance and road improvements.
Any designs or plans would need to be publicly exhibited for feedback before being approved.
