27/9/04
The Gallop Government today launched a State-wide attack on graffiti and vandalism.
Justice and Community Safety Minister Michelle Roberts said the crime crackdown involved a $600,000 program to target graffiti and vandalism in key regional centres, using low-risk offenders to clean-up the community.
Announcing the strategy in Kalgoorlie today, Mrs Roberts said mobile clean-up teams would operate seven days a week in Albany, Geraldton, Broome/Derby, Bunbury and Kalgoorlie. The service would also be available to localities near the regional centres.
"Graffiti is an insidious crime that costs the Western Australian community more than $25million a year," she said.
"It is destructive on a personal and community level, causing fear and leaving many victims frustrated and angry by the experience."
Launching the program at the Kalgoorlie cemetery today, Mrs Roberts said the cemetery had been the site of constant graffiti and vandal attacks. In one recent incident more than $100,000 worth of damage had been caused to dozens of gravestones.
"This should be a place of remembrance and reflection, not wanton destruction," the Minister said.
"These senseless acts of vandalism at such an important and historical community location leaves families and friends extremely distraught and devastated.
"Repairing and restoring these sites quickly will send a strong message that the community will not tolerate this type of behaviour. Offenders will be put on notice that their handiwork will be short-lived."
Mrs Roberts said the initiative was part of the Government's innovative 'Repay WA' program, using low-risk offenders under careful supervision to perform community work free-of-charge.
"Instead of being a drain on the taxpayer in prison, Repay WA is a way to get these offenders out working for the benefit of the community," she said.
"It is an opportunity for these offenders to repay their debt to society in a practical way."
The Minister said the Kalgoorlie team would undertake projects across Kalgoorlie/Boulder, Kambalda and Leonora using equipment from the van's specially stocked trailer.
It is planned that other regional centres will receive a van, equipment and a trailer within a few weeks. When operational, the team will work in conjunction with local government authorities and provide other services like gardening and general maintenance.
Mrs Roberts said in addition to the Repay WA program, local governments could also apply for grants from a new $250,000 graffiti-removal fund.
"Everyone has a role to play in fighting this crime and police and the owners of property need to be contacted as soon as possible so that the offenders can be caught quickly," she said.
"Our Government is committed to tackling graffiti - and with the support of local government, police, community groups and volunteers, we will work to clean up our communities and make them a safer place to live in."
Minister's office: 9213 6600
