Community grants to reduce graffiti vandalism

• $178,076 to local governments/community organisations to reduce graffiti

The Liberal National Government has awarded more than $178,000 to local governments and community organisations as part of its strong commitment to keeping neighbourhoods free of graffiti vandalism.

Police Minister Liza Harvey said grants had been awarded to projects that helped graffiti clean-up and prevention and demonstrated strong graffiti prevention links or benefits to the wider community.

"Local governments and community organisations should be applauded for being proactive in reducing graffiti vandalism," Mrs Harvey said.

"The State Government funding will assist in decreasing the number of graffiti vandalism offenders and ensure all graffiti vandalism is reported."

The Minister said the Liberal National Government was serious about tackling graffiti and had introduced legislation doubling the penalties for graffiti vandalism in 2009.

Grants of $178,076 from the State Graffiti Fund were shared by 13 applicants for a range of projects targeting graffiti.

Some of these projects include the purchase of graffiti removal trailers and related equipment; implementation of clean-up strategies and covert surveillance; and the instalment of mobile cameras to catch graffiti vandals.

      Fact File

• Liberal National Government making streets safer by establishing $6million Crime Prevention Program

• Includes 88 new CCTV networks

• Liberal National Government re-established graffiti taskforce in 2008

• In two years since re-establishment, there was 42% reduction in cost to local governments to remove graffiti

• Liberal National Government has doubled penalties for graffiti vandalism to a maximum of two years in jail or $24,000 fine

• More information on Government's Tough on Graffiti strategy at http://www.goodbyegraffiti.wa.gov.au

• To report graffiti vandalism, phone 1800 44 22 55

Minister's office - 6552 5900