Cr Peter Reynolds said it was hypocritical for Wingecarribee Shire Council to crack down on advertising for markets and businesses when political candidates were the worst offenders.

"I would be one of the worst offenders but, having political poster-type signs everywhere is not good for the environment," Cr Reynolds said.

"I've had a lot of complaints over the years, people concerned about candidates signs bobbing up all over the place."

Would-be councillor Malcolm Murray, who has announced his candidacy for the 2004 elections, accused Cr Reynolds of trying to disadvantage less well-known candidates in the election by denying them public exposure.

"The motion is a blatant attempt to limit the freedom of political debate and I don't think this is what ratepayers want," Mr Murray said.

But Cr Reynolds maintained his proposal would actually give all candidates equal exposure because six conspicuous locations would be designated areas for advertising where posters could be put up a month before the elections.

"It will give newcomers to council a better chance because it will guarantee them a more prominent location," he said.

"I don't think posters are really the way candidates get known, it more happens through brochures and that sort of thing."

Cr Reynolds said he understood council had the legal power to ban political signage on private land.

Mr Murray said the wording of the motion, referring to "political advertising, in all forms..." would also cover federal and state political advertising.

Southern Highlands MP Peta Seaton said the idea of banning political advertising on private property was not part of NSW Liberal Party policy.

She said she had benefited in the past from being able to display banners and posters on private property.