In its 2018-19 budget the council allocated funding towards the new sign and four draft designs have been developed.

The council says the intention of the new entrance sign is to instill civic pride within the community; create a sense of arrival and reaffirm the city’s coastal location and reinforce the council vision for Warrnambool to be a "cosmopolitan city by the sea".

The new entrance sign follows through on a commitment in the council plan to "develop civic pride and story through development of town entrances".

Mayor Tony Herbert called on residents to have their say.

“We want people to go to the website and have a look,” he said.

“We want your comments and constructive criticism. It’s about saying to visitors to our city and people who in work in Warrnambool: welcome. We are making a statement about the pride we have in our city.”

Option one welcomes visitors to the world of a cosmopolitan city by the sea.

“Four distinct panels illustrate ocean, city, coast and countryside with symbols that can be interpreted at a glance, such as a whale, Norfolk Island pines and the cityscape,” the description says.

“Detail in the panels hints at the possibility of discovering new aspects of Warrnambool. The panels would be spaced four metres apart.

“The sign structure will first be viewed as a whole then, as viewers approach, details on each panel will be revealed.”

Option two is the largest sign.

“This statement ties the region's natural and cosmopolitan identities together with wooden pylons depicted behind the city's skyline cut into a metallic finish,” the description says.

“The spacing and depth of the series of pylons will cause the sign to change in density as viewers approach and pass the sign.”

Option three uses abstract motifs to suggest the sea, land and city.

“The forms use bold colours and repetition to depict layers of adventure waiting to be discovered,” the description says.

“This option will include 3D layers in the lettering and abstract forms.

“The three panels will be spaced four metres apart.” 

Option four features Warrnambool's built and natural environment.

“They have been distilled into two groups of abstract forms,” the description says. 

“Viewed together the forms and colours suggest rather than illustrate the cosmopolitan city by the sea. Captured in shapes and colours are the ocean, basalt, sandstone, coastal outline, vegetation and land profiles.”

The council wants people to consider what they like and don't like about each option.

People can note their thoughts in an online survey.

Visit www.yoursaywarrnambool.com.au to have a say on the new entrance sign.