Shire councillors condemn vandalism

THE Surf Coast Shire is taking a stronger stance against vandalism, with councillors unanimously passing a motion “condemning vandalism in all of its forms, on both public and private property, regardless of the purpose or intent”.

Councillors considered the notice of motion, proposed by Cr Paul Barker and seconded by Cr Joel Grist, at their meeting on Tuesday this week.

The rationale for the motion states all forms of vandalism had “significant financial, safety and amenity impacts, and should be condemned”.

According to the chief executive officer’s information report attached to the motion, the shire spent an estimated $130,000 in repair and maintenance costs associated with vandalism in the previous financial year.

The motion also acknowledges and thanks the volunteers and shire staff who continually respond to public vandalism, and recognises that unlawful damage to property and disruption of community events is inconsistent with community values.

Speaking at the meeting, Cr Barker said vandalism to a tent at an Australia Day event in Anglesea that took place the afternoon or night beforehand inspired his motion.

“Obviously I’m on the record as of having supported Australia Day in the past, and I support those that disagree to be able to have their say. But the way this graffiti was done violated private property rights.

“Individuals and groups had gone out and spent money to hire this equipment that vandals chose to spray with an anti-Australia Day sentiment.

“As a free speech advocate, all power to you. If you’ve got different ideas, feel free to share them. But doing it in this format was neither inclusive nor respectful, and council has a policy on vandalism and graffiti.”

Cr Tony Phelps said he supported the motion but with one caveat.

“We do need to be careful not to give the one thing that some of these small-minded perpetrators want, which is publicity.

“To me, vandalism is cowardly destruction done under cover of darkness or out of view by people hiding their identity.

“Vandalism wastes money, waste time, waste resources, and it’s for no justifiable reason. So this is where we work, live and play, and I encourage everyone to report graffiti and vandalism and to do what we can to make it socially unacceptable.”

Cr Barker acknowledged Cr Phelps’ point about giving vandals publicity, admitting he was “very hesitant about moving this notice of motion because of that one particular element”.

“I think this balances the issue without giving the notoriety to the individual.

“And I think that’s something that to we need to be aware of ongoing is that sometimes if an act is done, highlighting it can only boost their message. But I think doing it this way is most effective.

“So if we can put a little bit of a net dent in it, that just goes a fair way to being able to reallocate those funds into more essential services.”