Lasers protect history

AN INNOVATIVE laser technique is being trialled to remove graffiti from heritage buildings in Point Lonsdale, reducing the potential damage from traditional cleaning methods.
The Borough of Queenscliffe has engaged contractors to use lasers to ‘zap’ graffiti off historically and architecturally significant structures including the 1891 brick rocket shed at the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve.
The council has been impressed with the initial results of the trial, and the process of lasering the fragile surfaces, rather than scrubbing or grinding brick and stone.
The technique also allows for unpainted surfaces to be maintained as they were designed rather than being painted to cover graffiti.
However, the benefits for the community and heritage preservation come at a cost to council, and anyone with information which could prevent future vandalism in the borough is urged to speak up.
“In a community like ours with so many beloved heritage structures, we’re always looking for new ways to protect and preserve them,” Borough of Queenscliffe mayor Ross Ebbels said.
“The laser graffiti removal we’re trialling in Point Lonsdale is helping us clean up unsightly graffiti while protecting the buildings underneath.
“As exciting as it is to trial new technology, we’d rather not have graffiti to clean up in the first place.”
“Cleaning graffiti is expensive, and limits the amount of money we can invest in other projects.
“If you have information that might help police prevent graffiti, please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
Under the Victorian Graffiti Prevention Act 2007,
marking publicly visible graffiti, or offensive graffiti, on private property without the owner’s consent carries a penalty of up to two years prison and a maximum fine of $39,653.
Possessing, without lawful excuse, a spray paint while trespassing on private property carries a maximum fine of $4,130 or an on-the-spot fine of $826, and possessing a graffiti implement with the intention of marking graffiti can result in a maximum fine of $4,130.
Offenders may also be charged with property damage offences under the Summary Offences Act 1966.