The Mayor of Kingborough has taken a swipe at graffiti vandals, describing their work as an “awful eyesore” and “just ugly”.
Paula Wriedt’s comments come after several reported incidents of vandalism in recent days that left numerous buildings in the Kingston area covered in paint.
She said she understands the community’s frustration and has been working closely with Tasmania Police over the past few months to minimise its impact.
“I know that our community wants us to reduce it in Kingborough,” she said.
“When graffiti does appear on private properties such as those owned by businesses or utility providers, council will work with the owners and encourage them to have it removed.”
Wriedt said that while the council “don’t have the powers” to force property owners to remove graffiti, they will wipe offensive or inappropriate tags from council owned property.
She pointed to the removal of a large ‘Angry Bored’ tag on a building at the entrance to Kingston as an example of owners, which share the desire to rid the area of vandalism, being proactive.
“The property owner when approached by council worked with us on a solution and it’s made such a difference to this area,” she said.
“There is no simple fix to graffiti, I wish there was. But by working proactively with others in the community, I hope we can reduce it.”
