Iemma Government Targets Illegal Graffiti in Waterloo

The lemma Government is launching an initiative to investigate ways to crack down on illegal graffiti, including photographing graffiti 'tags' before painting over them.

Minister for Housing, Matt Brown today announced a joint partnership between Housing NSW and Redfern Police for a pilot program to combat illegal graffiti in and around the Marton Building on Cope Street, Redfern.

The announcement was made in Waterloo with public housing residents and Superintendent of the local Police, Mark Walton in attendance.

"Like everyone else, public housing residents deserve to live in a building that is free from graffiti," Mr Brown said.

"Under the new partnership, Housing NSW and Redfern Police will pursue anyone — who is found to be responsible for graffiti attacks on Waterloo's Marton Building.

"The public areas of the building will be inspected regularly for graffiti, any of which will be photographed, reported to the Police Assistance Line and removed within 48 hours of identification.

"In the meantime we will let the perpetrators know that we are onto them via a temporary sticker stating that 'this graffiti has been reported and police are investigating'."

Superintendent, Mr Mark Walton said that a cooperative approach was the best way to beat this "selfish and senseless" behaviour.

Member for Heffron, Kristina Keneally said the Government was launching the trial in response to community concerns about the level of graffiti in Waterloo and the inner city.

"We are launching this initiative to investigate ways to deal with a problem that is simply not acceptable."

Mr Brown encouraged local residents to report any illegal activity to the police. A review of the pilot will be held at the end of June 2008.

State Plan Priority R4: Building Harmonious Communities