The City of Casey has launched a new campaign urging the State Government to take action on the removal of graffiti from its infrastructure.
The campaign, Clean Up Your Act, asks local residents to sign an online petition requesting that the State Government prioritise removing the tags that plague VicRoads’ controlled signage and noise barriers along the Monash Freeway (Hallam Bypass) and railway bridges controlled by VicTrack.
City of Casey Mayor Councillor Sam Aziz said the graffiti had become a permanent fixture along the major arterials and rail corridors, and it was time the State Government took action to clean it up.
“Council has been advised that VicRoads will only remove graffiti from its infrastructure that is considered racist, offensive or a risk to road safety.
“Any other graffiti is left for a time when their resourcing allows. The VicRoads’ response time for cleaning tags and general vandalism is untenable.
“The City of Casey has a 24-hour removal policy when graffiti is reported on Council- owned property and we believe that other government authorities should be equally vigilant.
“Research shows that graffiti attracts copycats and more vandals. If not cleaned quickly graffiti can quickly proliferate. Through its inaction, the State Government is turning a blind eye to vandalism, effectively giving vandals permission to continue.”
Residents are encouraged to complete the online petition at www.casey.vic.gov.au/cleanupyouract which automatically sends an email to the Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan MP and Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan MP to lodge their concern over graffiti on State assets.
Residents can also participate on social media by sharing images of graffiti on freeway and rail corridors in Casey, tagging the Ministers and using the hashtag #cleanupyouract.
