OPINION: The signs of the times keep fencing me in

When I was a younger man, there was a song on the radio about signs. It was by a group called Five Man Electrical Band. Remember them? You probably don’t. Anyway, some of the words to the song went “... Sign, sign, everywhere a sign, blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind. Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?”. It was a catchy song, about the only hit that the group had, and it sprung to mind the other day as I walked past what I imagined was a construction site. However, it wasn’t signs that assaulted me, it was the seemingly endless amount of temporary fencing that had been erected. You know the stuff, tall, made of wire mesh with a large heavy base that the supports the fence, holds it upright. Pretty ugly stuff, although if I was more politically correct, I might describe it as utilitarian. Overkill was another word that came to mind. If there was a far horizon, that’s where it was going. I seriously can’t remember temporary fencing of this nature until recent times. There has always been a commonsense approach, but now it appears as if we have been overwhelmed by some occupational health and safety theme crossed with legal implications. “Better put a fence around it!” Sometimes the fencing sits there for an inordinately long amount of time before anything happens and meanwhile there is a sign (yes, a sign) telling you that pedestrians need to cross the road and walk on the other side of the road. There is one particular site in Geraldton that has had a temporary fence for a few years now. But it serves no useful purpose other than to make what is a substantial eyesore into something that shines with neglect. To my way of thinking, the whole temporary fencing mentality that stretches around properties all over our fine country is in the same league as hi-vis clothing. It is an abhorrence. I’m convinced at some point the plain metal finish that currently dominates the temporary fencing world will be replaced by the need for a hi-vis colour fence that is easier to see. Even blind Freddy on his day out won’t miss it. Perhaps something that lights up at night could also be added. I’m sure someone or some business is making good money by fencing people out.