City of Melbourne unveils new plan to tackle CBD’s graffiti problem

Melbourne council will lift rates to help fund a $30 million street cleaning blitz as the CBD tries to rebuild from the world’s longest lockdown.

City of Melbourne residents will pay an average $40 more on their rates and charges over the next year as the council passes on the state government’s 1.75 per cent rate cap.

The hike includes a new waste charge that was introduced to separate waste service costs from general rates in line with most other Victorian councils.

After freezing or discounting rate rises for the past two years, Town Hall said it was time to boost rates income to keep services like road works, street cleaning and parks maintenance running.

Its draft 2022-23 budget expects to rake in $345.6m in rates, up 6.3 per cent on last year.

And with more activity returning to the inner city after Melbourne’s long lockdowns, parking fine revenue is due to rise by 64 per cent to $41m, while $47.1m will be collected in parking fees, up nearly 24 per cent.

The budget includes a significant funding package to keep the CBD attractive and clean, as the city continues to build back from the pandemic.

Almost $30 million will be put towards a new campaign to scrub the city clean by eradicating illegal graffiti.

Cohen Place Graffiti

In the past 12 months, more than 96,000m2 of graffiti has been removed from city streets, representing a 57 per cent increase on the previous year.

In March alone, more than 10,000m2 was scrubbed from the central city as part of the Clean Melbourne Graffiti Blitz, which has resulted in 20 people being arrested by police for illegal tagging.

In total, $28.2m will go towards city cleaning, with the Rapid Response Clean Team to be expanded with a further $1.4m pledge to fast-track graffiti removal across the municipality.

The council’s supply of high pressure cleaning tools will also be doubled.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp urged property owners to help improve the city by stepping up to clean their buildings and assets.

Residents and visitors can also report graffiti and litter digitally through the QR codes on City of Melbourne bins.

“We’re proud to lead the fight against illegal graffiti and tagging, but we can’t do it alone,” Cr Capp said.

“Cleaning the city is a challenge, and we need support from our community to ensure our streets are sparkling.

Graffiti Clean Up

“Every Melburnian takes great pride in their city – that’s why our teams are ramping up their work to clean footpaths, remove graffiti and litter, and make sure our community facilities are up to scratch.

“We’re investing in momentum and putting our best foot forward as visitors, students and office workers return to our great city.”

More than $5m will be allocated to boosting city safety, including $2m to improve city lighting in areas such as on the north bank of the Yarra River and around St Kilda Rd.

Upgrades will also be made to the Safe City Camera fibre network and running the digital radio system to enhance surveillance through the city.

Health, Wellbeing and Belonging portfolio lead Councillor Dr Olivia Ball said the funding package to deter anti-social behaviour.

“We want to make Melbourne a safer place for workers, residents and visitors,” she said.

Meanwhile, city pensioners will receive a rates discount of up to $247 in a bid to ease the burden of cost of living pressures, while the council will use $1.4m to identify the needs of each neighbourhood.

A $20m Make Room project will convert a council-owned building into safe and supported accommodation for people in need, while rough sleepers will have access to food, healthcare and other support services under a $2m package.

“Melbourne is a caring city,” Dr Ball said.

“We’re continuing to increase support for the most vulnerable members of our community, boosting access to affordable housing, and creating a sense of belonging.”

More than $30m will go towards delivering essential waste collection services for residents and businesses.