Graffiti vandals cost Boroondara ratepayers more than $400K each year

Boroondara ratepayers are being slugged hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to remove graffiti caused by thoughtless vandals. The council says the money would be better spent on community projects.

Vandals spray painting ugly tags and damaging public property are costing Boroondara ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.

Mayor Jane Addis said graffiti was an “eyesore” and absorbed precious council resources that could be used on other projects.

The council’s hefty clean up bill amounted to about $415,000 each year, she said.

And while the council aimed to remove graffiti within 24 hours of it being reported, she said other government contractors, such as those who managed public transport hubs and power poles, weren’t as fast to act.

“One of the biggest challenges we face is having graffiti removed by government agencies,” Cr Addis said.

“Government agencies do not attach sufficient weight to removing graffiti in a timely manner.”

The latest crime data shows police 46 incidents of graffiti were reported to police across Boroondara in the year to March, compared with 53 the previous year.

Anyone found in possession of a spray can without a lawful excuse while near public transport could face an on-the-spot fine of $793, according to the State Government’s Community Crime Prevention website.

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While anyone found marking public or private property without the owner’s consent could cop a jail term of up to two years and be fined up to $38,057.

Boroondara Council recently received two State Government grants totalling $46,733 to help remove and prevent graffiti on council owned property.

Cr Addis said the money would help pay for a new mural at Grace Park in Hawthorn, and also be used to explore new ways to tackle graffiti.

To report graffiti to Boroondara Council phone [phone] or use the Snap Send Solve smartphone app. Visit: snapsendsolve.com