”to write, draw, mark, scratch or otherwise deface property by any means so that the defacement is not readily removable by wiping with a dry cloth”
without property owners permission.
In 2001 the City of Greater Geelong identified the issue of Graffiti throughout the municipality. Since 2001 the City of Greater Geelong has actively sort ways of assisting the Community in both removal and prevention of graffiti.
In 2017 the Graffiti Management Strategy replaced the previous Graffiti Policy.
The Graffiti Management Strategy is based on the current “Best Practice” principals of Eradication,
Education, Engagement and Enforcement (4Es principle).
Best practice graffiti reduction models, both nationally and
internationally, recognise the importance of graffiti prevention. We have had a successful Graffiti Removal framework since 2001 that
focuses on active engagement and the rapid removal of graffiti.
Council supports the following graffiti prevention
principles:
- Eradication – Based on a program of Rapid Removal.
The Graffiti Team will coordinate with other
Council Departments and private property owners to ensure graffiti is removed
as quickly as possible
- Education - Provide Community education and information to ensure a
whole of community proactive approach to graffiti prevention.
- Engagement - Active engagement with all ages within the community to educate them on the
consequences of engaging in illegal graffiti activity and to provide
appropriate avenues for creativity and skill development opportunities.
- Enforcement –Work with the Victoria Police to support their efforts
in prosecuting graffiti vandals.
Benefits of managing graffiti
Our aim is to:
- Provide guidance and minimise the impact of graffiti.
- Support and advise the community on graffiti management as well as provide graffiti removal kits whenever possible.
work with other organisations and government agencies to educate the community on graffiti issues.
Policy outcomes
As one of the largest municipalities in the country, the City of Greater Geelong covers some 1200 square kilometres of rural, coastal and urban areas: each area with its own challenges. One of the principles underpinning our Graffiti Management Strategy is to recognise that there are different ways of addressing graffiti issues in different communities.
In developing the graffiti management strategy we have taken the very best of previous approaches and research. We continue to look for innovative solutions as well as the tried and tested. The problem of graffiti cannot be solved by government and legislation alone, it is only through support from all sectors of the community that can we successfully reduce graffiti.
We have been overwhelmed by enthusiasm and support from the community - from individuals and a wide range of groups and organisations. Together we are working on solutions to make Geelong a city with minimal graffiti.
Graffiti tag register
We keep a register of the 'tags' on a shared database between Council and Local Police.
We encourage residents and business owners who have graffiti on their properties to take photographs of the damage prior to removal and email the photographs along with details of address, date of graffiti and any costs to graffiti@geelongcity.vic.gov.au . This information can then be added to the Tag register.
Murals on private property
We celebrate the diverse nature of its creative communities and values the unique role that street art can play in the cultural fabric of the community.
Property Owners
Prior to commencing
a project, property owners are encouraged to contact the Public Art Officer to
discuss how a street art project may enhance the visual presence of their
property.
The Public
Art Officer will work with property owners to ensure that high quality, dynamic
and engaging street art projects are developed.
We will provide advice in relation to the proposed design, the life of the project, how
to successfully engage an artist and establish shared expectations about the
work with neighbouring properties.
Graffiti removal
We are responsible for graffiti removal on all Council owned properties and assets.
Removal from Private Property - removal of graffiti from private property where damaged surface is
unpainted brick (not sandstone or other highly porous products), wood, concrete
or untreated metal surfaces. This assistance is dependant on available budget. These works will be completed by either our contractor
or Department of Correction's crews.
Graffiti removal kits
Free Graffiti removal kits are available from any of our Customer Service Centres.
They consist of information on how to prevent graffiti, safety equipment and graffiti removal wipes.
Need to know more ...
Our Graffiti Hotline number - 03 5272 4319 is available during business hours or email graffiti@geelongcity.vic.gov.au