Central Coast Council is declaring a war on graffiti this summer, with a new region-wide strategy adopted, and appeals to residents to play their part.
The Central Coast Graffiti Management Strategy 2021- 2024, which sets out the approach Council will take, in partnership with others, to effectively manage graffiti across the region, has been adopted.
The Strategy will replace the former Gosford City and Wyong Shire Graffiti Management Strategies to become the first whole of Central Coast Graffiti Management Strategy.
It aims to create a sustainable, significant and measurable reduction in graffiti on the Central Coast, while also increasing community awareness and understanding of the issue and providing legitimate avenues for residents to express themselves creatively.
Administrator Dick Persson said graffiti is a complex issue that requires Council, community members and the police to work together to deliver a multi-faceted solution. “As one of the most visible crimes, graffiti can impact on perceptions of public safety and community pride,” Persson said.
“This Strategy aims to reduce the negative impacts of graffiti felt by the community and visitors and increase pride in local areas, so that the Central Coast can become an even better place to live, work and play.”
Developed by Council in partnership with local stakeholders and in consultation with the community, the Strategy outlines five key priorities for graffiti management on the Coast: Boost the rapid removal response, Value our partners in graffiti management, Make it easier to report graffiti, Towards legitimate art and Prevention.
In addition to providing a more coordinated response to graffiti on Council owned assets, the strategy will also see Council support the community and businesses to get involved in graffiti removal, provide better support for the police to do their job through developing stronger partnerships and conducting community safety audits and deliver innovative alternatives such as murals, public art activations and community education programs.
Meanwhile, Council is calling on residents and businesses to play their part in wiping out illegal graffiti this summer including by providing free graffiti removal kits. Each kit contains Soy Safe graffiti remover, protective eyewear, gloves and a scrubbing brush.
Graffiti removal kits can be picked up from all Central Coast libraries and Council’s Gosford and Wyong customer service centres after they reopen on January 7.
If you spot someone actively vandalising property of any kind, please call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 to lodge a report.
Terry Collins