Redland City Council is seeking assistance from residents to curb vandalism in the community after several public facilities were damaged earlier this year and needed to be repaired at significant cost to Council.
Mayor Karen Williams said residents could help Council tackle the scourge by reporting any suspicious or illegal activity to the Queensland Police Service through online platforms like Policelink and Crime Stoppers.
“Council works hard to maintain public facilities for the community’s enjoyment, which is why we are asking for the public’s assistance to ensure malicious damage and criminal activity is reported to authorities in a timely manner,” Cr Williams said.
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“Vandalism of Council-owned infrastructure like playground equipment, as we have seen at Thornlands recently, comes at a significant cost to the community and disrupts the public’s use of these facilities.
“Council has zero-tolerance for vandalism and strongly condemns any malicious damage to public property.
“We can all play a role in protecting our public facilities from damage and strongly encourage residents to contact the Queensland Police Service if they see any suspicious behaviour or have information about malicious property damage that could assist with investigations.
“Residents can also contact Council on 3829 8999 to advise of damage to Council-owned facilities so our crews can attend to the damage as soon as possible and ensure the space is made safe for the community.”
Cr Williams said Council used a range of strategies to combat graffiti across the city, including proactive removal patrols, community service graffiti removal, school-based education programs and the use of the VandalTrak graffiti reporting app.
“Council has also partnered with the Federal Graffiti Forum Taskforce which is undertaking research into contemporary models of graffiti prevention and management to ensure that future planning and initiatives are cost-effective and likely to have a greater impact on graffiti reduction,” she said.
“In terms of enforcement, Council works with Queensland Police Service and neighbouring councils around localised graffiti impacts and offenders.
“Residents are encouraged to report graffiti in their community on the VandalTrak app or website and provide police with information that could help officers investigate and hold offenders accountable.
“Removing graffiti as quickly as possible can help prevent repeat offences and is often successful in limiting the admiration vandals receive from their peers.”
Council has responded to several vandalism incidents this year, including the theft of copper wiring from Sel Outridge Park, Redland Bay, and Thornlands Community Park where a plastic slide, climbing play equipment, a shade sail and rubber soft fall were damaged by fire.
Replacement equipment has been ordered and Council is awaiting delivery, with the total cost of repairs estimated at $400,000.
Division 3 Councillor Paul Golle said it was disappointing that an act of vandalism had resulted in the play equipment remaining inaccessible to the public during the busy Christmas holiday period.
“Contractors engaged by Council have advised that repairs are expected to be completed by the end of March 2024, pending site conditions and weather,” Cr Golle said.
“Other areas of the park – such as the fitness equipment, public toilets, kick-about open space and barbecue – will remain open for use throughout the holidays as usual.
“Residents can also visit nearby William Stewart Park or Cascades Park at Victoria Point to enjoy the summer sun with family.
“By working together as a community, we can protect our public facilities from malicious damage and ensure they remain open for Redlands Coast residents to enjoy at all times.”
For more details on reporting vandalism, including graffiti, visit Council’s website.
