Signage and plaque guidelines for infrastructure and capital works projects
Learn when you need to use NSW Government funding acknowledgement signage and plaques for infrastructure and capital works projects, including how they should look, and what responsibilities you have for their approval and production.
When is a sign or plaque required
Which sign or plaque to use, when to install and how long to display depends on the scale of NSW Government funding received, see below:
| Signage requirement | Timing of install | Display duration | Plaque requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optional. If producing own signage related to funded project, recipients must include NSW Government logo with acknowledgement | N/A | N/A | Optional - see plaques |
| Signage requirement | Timing of install | Display duration | Plaque requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW Government signage required | Minimum one external publicly visible sign within 30 days of project start | Until one year after project completion | Optional - see plaques |
| Signage requirement | Timing of install | Display duration | Plaque requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW Government signage required | Minimum one external publicly visible sign within 30 days of project start | Until three years after project completion | Optional - see plaques |
NSW Government funding acknowledgement signage
Signage content
It’s important that you follow the correct placement for logos, project titles and acknowledgement statements on funding acknowledgement signage.
- The NSW Government logo is positioned in the top left corner (when it is the majority funder).
- Contributor logos are aligned from the top right corner for co-funded or jointly funded projects. A maximum of 3 contributor logos can be included on signage. Logos should be visually balanced and aligned with the NSW Government logo. Colour logos should be on a white background.
- The project title must be centred and over a maximum of 2 lines. Each word in the project name should start with a capital letter.
- Funding acknowledgement statement. ‘NSW’ and ‘Government’ should always appear together on the same line in statement wording.
- Building a Better NSW message centred at the bottom of the sign.
- Corners are rounded with template dieline.
Introduction to co-funding and signage
An infrastructure and capital works project is co-funded when more than one party contributes funding towards the same project.
Australian, State, and Local governments as well as other private sector or Not-For-Profit organisations may each contribute funding towards a single project.
Private sector contractors and delivery partners (for example, construction, development, architectural and design companies) must not be acknowledged on co-funding acknowledgments or NSW Government funding acknowledgement signage.
Signage templates
Always check with your NSW Government representative responsible for administering the funding, as they can supply you with the correct signage template and provide advice on acknowledgement statements.
Choose the signage template with the acknowledgement statement that applies to your funding scenario
| Funding scenario: | Use template with acknowledgement statement: |
|---|---|
| Fully funded by NSW Government | Proudly funded by the NSW Government |
Funding recipients may request approval to acknowledge a significant non-monetary (or in-kind) contributor on funding acknowledgment signage in text only. Your NSW Government funding representative, must assess if appropriate and seek further approval from the NSW Government Brand team before a non-monetary contributor’s name can be included in an acknowledgement statement. Logos cannot be included for non-monetary contributors on funding acknowledgement signage.
If approved, use this signage template with acknowledgement statement:
| Funding scenario: | Use template with acknowledgement statement: |
|---|---|
| Fully funded by NSW Government, with significant non-monetary (or in-kind) support from another contributor. | Proudly funded by the NSW Government, in association with [contributor X] * (NSW Government brand team approval required) |
Where NSW Government provides funding ($100,000 or more) towards a project with other co-funding organisations (other than the Australian Government), then the NSW Government funding acknowledgement signage template must be used.
This is a mandatory condition of funding, regardless of whether the NSW Government is the majority contributor or not.
Use this signage template with acknowledgement statement for the following funding scenarios:
| Funding scenario: | Use template with acknowledgement statement: |
|---|---|
| Co-funded (NSW Gov majority) | Proudly funded by the NSW Government, [contributor X], [contributor Y] and [contributor Z] |
| Co-funded (NSW Government majority), but project owned or delivered by third party (e.g. Local council) | Proudly funded by the NSW Government, [contributor X], [contributor Y] and [contributor Z]* |
| Co-funded (third-party majority), and project owned or delivered by a third party (e.g. local council) | Proudly funded by the NSW Government, [contributor X], [contributor Y] and [contributor Z] * |
*Third party funding recipients must display NSW Government funding acknowledgement signage as a condition of funding. Additional project signage may be produced by the third-party delivery organisation (or majority funder), but it must also include acknowledgement of NSW Government funding.
Funding acknowledgement is not required on wayfinding or directional signage.
Where the NSW Government and Australian Government provides funding towards a project (with or without other co-funding contributors), funding acknowledgement requirements vary depending on the funding arrangement in place
Signage placement and variations
Signage placement
Signs must be positioned at primary entry points, highly visible locations and kept clear of obstructions.
Road projects, including bridges, must have a sign at each end of the project, ensuring there is one sign visible to each direction of travel.
Sign size variations
Where a sign is placed, and how it will be viewed, whether on foot, by car, or at speed, will determine its size. To meet these needs, there are 3 size variations designed for different environments.
Choose a signage placement scenario
Designed for areas with foot traffic such as community centres, parks, and walkways.
- ‘Small’ or ‘standard’ size signage placed at eye level.
- ‘Small’ size signage can be used for projects where space is limited or the project is shorter in duration, and is not practical to use standard size.
- Prioritises readability and accessibility for close-range viewing.
- Use ‘small’ 600W x 400H; or ‘standard’ 900W x 600H size.
Suitable for locations with both pedestrian and vehicle traffic such as town centres and shared zones.
- Use ‘standard’ size signage.
- Balances visibility for pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
- Use ‘standard’ size 900W x 600H.
Intended for environments with regular vehicle traffic at moderate speeds (<80km/h), including local roads and bridges.
- ‘Large’ size signage positioned for maximum visibility and legibility.
- Content should be balanced to maximise clarity and impact.
- Placement should ensure visibility from a distance and while in motion.
- Use ‘large’ size 1200w x 900H.
Used on highways or major arterial roads where vehicles travel at high speeds (>80km/h).
- ‘Large’ size signage positioned for maximum visibility and legibility.
- Content should be kept minimal to maximise clarity and impact.
- Placement should ensure visibility from a distance and while in motion.
- No funding acknowledgement statement is included due to legibility at high speeds.
- Use ‘large’ size 1200w x 900H.
Information for NSW Government agencies only
Project information on signage
For NSW Government-led infrastructure and capital works projects, funding acknowledgement signage templates including optional project information are available for NSW Government project or funding managers to use (if required).
Examples of optional project information that can be included on signs:
- Project cost
- Completion date
- Phone number
- Traditional Country
To access signage templates including project information NSW Government project or funding managers should go to Brand Toolbox.
Due Dilligence
The NSW Government department responsible for approving the funding must exercise due diligence when reviewing and approving which logos are included on signage:
- Private sector contractors and delivery partners (for example, construction, development, architectural and design companies) must not be acknowledged on funding acknowledgement signage.
- Where other signage is required for occupational health and safety reasons, for example on construction sites, these signs can have the names and details of the contractors and building companies involved in project delivery, but the use of their brand identity is not permitted.
- Where there are contractual rights to branding and/or control of sites, these need to be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.
Production, installation and maintenance of signage
Responsibilities
Funding recipients are responsible for:
- Production, printing, installation and maintenance of all signage
- Coordinating and paying for any costs relating to the design, production, printing and placement of signage. Contact your NSW Government funding representative to confirm if any of these costs are allowable expenses in your funding agreement.
Recipients must also:
- make sure signage complies with relevant regulations and by-laws
- get any necessary development approvals
- make sure signage is safely and appropriately installed
- provide photographic evidence of signage in place, with details of their location, to the NSW Government representative responsible for administering the funding.
Approved sign materials
Signs must be made from durable, weather-resistant, long-life materials, similar to those used for road and traffic signage.
For projects with a short construction period, materials such as corflute may be considered as an economical alternative, or when more durable solutions are not practical or needed. Signage variations should be discussed with the NSW Government department representative responsible for administering funding, before production can be approved.
Materials should suit the environment and visibility needs of the site.
Steps for production of signage
Placement
Determine where signage will be required.
Artwork
Prepare artwork in accordance with guidelines using the available templates. The size of signage and its content will be based on the site and funding arrangement. Planned location of signage is to be provided your NSW Government funding representative before approval.
Approvals
Send a copy of artwork (and proposed location of signage) for approval to your NSW Government department representative responsible for administering your funding, and other co-funders if relevant.
Production
Once approved, arrange production of signage.
Installation
Send in-situ photos of the sign showing location to NSW Government department representative responsible for administering your funding.
Display
Display for the appropriate time period.
Removal
Make sure signage is removed after the appropriate display duration.
Requesting signage variations
If signage requirements are not feasible (e.g. no suitable location, building not owned by recipient), you can submit a written request for a variation by emailing your NSW Government funding representative. The NSW Government encourages a practical approach and will consider reasonable exceptions.
The project name on signage should be consistent with the project name in your funding agreement. If the project name is too long to fit on the sign, consult with your NSW Government representative who administers your funding to agree on a shorter version.
Plaques
A plaque may be installed to commemorate the official opening of an infrastructure or capital works project once it is completed.
For projects where the NSW Government is the majority funder, if you produce a plaque you must use the NSW Government template, layout and approval process.
Plaque content
It’s important that you follow the correct placement for logos, project name, names of attending officials and funding acknowledgement statement on plaques.
Dimensions of plaques are 297w x 210h.
Text size should be proportionate to the entire plaque design and be clearly visible and legible.
- NSW Government logo is mandatory and must be positioned in the top left corner (as majority funder).
- Contributor logos are to be added e.g. for projects co-funded or jointly funded by the NSW and another entity and aligned to the top right corner. Logos should be of a visually equal size.
- The project name centred. Each word in the project name should start with a capital letter.
- Official opening date.
- Name and title of attending official/s (up a maximum of 3, if applicable)
- Funding acknowledgement statement required. ‘NSW’ and ‘Government’ should always appear together on the same line in statement wording.
Use the plaque template and wording provided by your NSW Government department representative
There are different versions of the Australian Government logo, so you should confirm with your Australian Government contact which one to use and to gain the relevant permissions.
Use a generic NSW Government plaque without names if no NSW Government representative can attend the opening.
Production, installation and maintenance of plaques
Responsibilities
Artwork, production and installation of the of the plaque is the responsibility of the funding recipient. It is also the responsibility of the funding recipient to coordinate and pay for any costs relating to the design, production, printing and placement of plaques.
Steps for approvals and production of plaques
Identify plaque requirements
It is the responsibility of the funding recipient to develop the plaque. The funding recipient must work with all stakeholders to confirm what the plaque should include. Typical details are:
- Building or project name
- Official opening date
- Name and title of attending official/s (if applicable)
- Funding contributors
- Relevant logos
Confirm protocol
If applicable, once plaque requirements have been identified, the funding recipient should consult with their NSW Government department representative responsible for administering your funding to obtain protocol advice on the correct titles and the naming hierarchy of attending officials.
If a minister cannot attend an opening event, they can nominate another NSW Government representative to attend in their place. However, that representative’s name and details can only be included on the plaque if approved by the minister responsible.
Obtain approvals
Before production or installation:
- Ensure all protocol and branding requirements are met.
- Seek approval from all stakeholders and the relevant minister responsible.
- Send the final artwork to the NSW Government department representative responsible for administering your funding for review and approval.
- Work with your NSW Government department representative to ensure final approval is sought from the relevant minister’s office prior to production.
Authorise production
Once you receive final approval from the minister’s office, you may proceed with plaque production and installation.
Get support
If you need support from your NSW Government funding representative to ensure you acknowledge NSW Government funding correctly, visit our support page.