2014-08-19 Infrastructure and Services Committee Agenda

INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                   19 AUGUST 2014


5                          COUNCIL POLICY - GRAFFITI
DOCUMENT IN FOR MATI ON




Author                               Business Support Officer, Beth Potter
                                     Planning & Infrastructure Department

Index                                ECM/ Subject/Council policies

Attachments                          1.   Council Policy, Graffiti


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Graffiti is a criminal offence which costs ratepayers money and detracts from the amenity of our
public spaces. By promptly removing graffiti and providing photographs and other evidence to
the Queensland Police Service (QPS), Council can proactively assist with deterrence and the
prosecution of offenders.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Business Support Officer to the Infrastructure & Services
Committee Meeting dated 19 August 2014 and adopt the Council Policy – Graffiti as set out in
attachment 1 to the report.


REPORT
Removal of graffiti is a cost all local governments and state agencies incur to maintain assets
and protect the visual amenity of our public spaces. In the six months from January to June
2014, graffiti removal cost Noosa Council ratepayers $20,500.

Graffiti is a criminal offence under the Summary Offences Act 2005 and QPS require the
assistance of the general public, including local governments, in obtaining information,
photographs and other evidence to assist with prosecutions. On occasions, successful
prosecutions may result in restitution for costs incurred.

Attachment 1. Council Policy - Graffiti details Council’s position on graffiti, methods to deter,
ways Council can assist the QPS and responsibilities for staff.

The following are means by which Council can contribute to deterring graffiti in our community:

1.                        Prompt removal of graffiti
                          Rapid removal of graffiti denies the perpetrator satisfaction and may deter others if they
                          know their efforts will be in vain.

2.                        Photographing and reporting graffiti to QPS
                          Community concern about graffiti has led to the state government introducing graffiti
                          specific legislation and the QPS target graffiti crime as a priority. Details of the graffiti,
                          including any specific wording and photographs, can be used by QPS in prosecutions.

3.                        Graffiti removal agreements with other agencies
                          By entering into agreements with other agencies such as Unitywater and Energex, Council
                          can ensure prompt graffiti removal from public assets on a cost-recovery basis.
                          Discussions with agencies are currently in the preliminary stages.




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