GREENSBOROUGH.
Nillumbik Shire’s innovative approach has cut graffiti offences by 50 per cent in Eltham. Council’s new approach as an example of solutions that work, calling on the Victorian Government to fund a statewide graffiti tagging taskforce says Mayor Peter Clarke.
“I’m calling on the State Government to establish a designated graffiti prosecution taskforce to ensure councils across the state can achieve results like we have … offenders should be brought to justice and made to pay for their mindless [graffiti] tagging,” he said.
“Tagging is detrimental to our Shire’s appeal and impacts on the wellbeing and quality of life for Nillumbik residents.”
According to Nillumbik Shire there has been a 50 per cent reduction of graffiti in Eltham, 67 per cent in Diamond Creek, 66 per cent in Greensborough, 54 per cent in Plenty and 76 per cent decrease in Panton Hill.
“Breaking the offending cycle is the key to maintaining the downward trend in graffiti crime in our community,” Clarke said.
Over 120 offenders have stopped offending, saving $350,000 from the shire’s budget.
A graffiti crew known as ‘Wild Child Artists’ (WCA) has been graffitiing the Hurstbridge railway corridor since 1990 when a large ‘WCA’ mural first appeared behind Fairfield railway station.
Nillumbik attempts to remove graffiti once it appears. Residents are encouraged to report graffiti on council buildings, toilets, parks and reserves by calling 9433 3111.
Anyone witnessing graffiti should contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Text & Images ©COPYRIGHT 2017 Kinglake Ranges News.
