Hobart City Council crews are scrubbing unauthorised graffiti and ripping down flyers plastered across the city to promote a weekend forest protest.
The promotional materials have appeared on public seating, roads and in parks throughout Hobart ahead of Sunday’s planned ‘March for Forests’ rally.
Graffiti reading “MARCH FOR FORESTS 22-03” was also spotted on a building on Davey Street, referring to the Bob Brown Foundation’s nationwide demonstration.
City of Hobart chief executive Michael Stretton said the clean-up was standard practice for maintaining public spaces.
“City crews have been removing these materials from street furniture, roads and parks in line with our standard maintenance practices,” he said.
“This action is not taken in response to the content of any message, but reflects our responsibility to maintain the appearance and presentation of Hobart’s public spaces.”
Stretton said the council may bill those responsible to recover cleaning costs.
The council billed the Labor Party for cleaning costs related to its ‘TassieDoc’ posters that were plastered around the city during last year’s state election campaign.
“As is our usual process, the city may issue a request for payment to recover costs associated with the removal of political advertising stickers or other unauthorised materials placed on city infrastructure,” Stretton said.
“The City of Hobart respects the community’s right to free expression and peaceful assembly.”
“Our focus remains on ensuring that public spaces are clean, welcoming and well-maintained for all residents and visitors.”
Hobart councillor Louise Elliot took to social media to criticise the materials.
“Far-left extremists don’t think vandalism laws apply to them,” she said.
She also posted: “Hey, City of Hobart unfortunately ratepayer money needs to be spent removing Bob Brown Foundation rubbish.”
The Bob Brown Foundation was approached for comment.
Sunday’s ‘March for Forests’ is planned as a nationwide event, with rallies set for multiple cities including Hobart.
