COUNCILS URGED TO SEEK FUNDS TO FIGHT GRAFFITI

Thursday, 2 February 2012

Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, today urged local councils across Ballarat and region to apply for up to $150,000 available to help clean up and prevent graffiti.

Ms King said the Federal Government has allocated $3 million from the Proceeds of Crime Fund for the program.

“Graffiti is a crime and blight on our local communities. That’s why I’m pleased the Government is helping do something about it,” Ms King said.

“It is fair enough that the Government is using money confiscated from criminals to clean up graffiti.

“I encourage all the councils across the region to apply for funding and put forward their ideas to clean up and prevent graffiti.”

Ms King said grants of $50,000 to $150,000 will be offered to councils, partnering with community organisations, to invest in measures including:

·         Cleaning up graffiti;

·         Reducing graffiti, including improved lighting and CCT in graffiti hotspots;

·         Preventing graffiti, including through better education

Councils are able to apply for more than one grant as part of an anti-graffiti strategy.

“Graffiti is vandalism – it’s as simple as that,” Ms King said.

“It is willful damage to public and private property and that’s a crime. This money will help local councils with great ideas to help clean it up and prevent it coming back.”

Applications for funding close on 16 March.