BATHURST Regional Council has condemned a series of related graffiti attacks that hit Bathurst across the weekend.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The “Welcome to Bathurst” sign on the Great Western Highway was vandalised on Monday morning with a graffiti signature identical to ones found at the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre.
Vandals also sprayed the old train carriage near the centre, but a majority of the damage had been washed away by late morning on Monday.
Bathurst deputy mayor Bobby Bourke condemned those who sprayed the graffiti and encouraged the community to report vandals who are caught in the act.
“People should be out there dobbing in the graffiti artists, because it’s not good,” he said.
“The skate park is looking a mess with graffiti and I’ve asked council to paint over the graffiti that goes on there.
“It starts there and continues on throughout town, whether it be the welcome sign coming into town or out of town.”
Cr Bourke said the graffiti is not a great look for visitors, who may compare Bathurst to a rougher suburb in Sydney where such vandalism is more prevalent.
As well, Cr Bourke said there had been an incident several months ago at the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre where all the roller doors were covered in graffiti.
Council spends an estimated $10,000 a year on graffiti removal.
“It’s a huge cost for council on its properties, let alone individuals trying to remove it,” Cr Bourke said.
“You need special spray paint to remove graffiti and sometimes that doesn’t work.
“It’s just hard scrubbing or repainting.
“It’s annoying. You’ve got to either repaint or replace some of the material they’ve damaged.”
Cr Bourke said there should be more control over who can buy spray paint, saying underage purchasing should be restricted.
“Why should there be a 12-year-old buying a can of paint or spray paint from Woolworths or Bunnings?” he asked.
“There should be a bit more control on underage people buying this paint or spray.
“Graffiti is a disgusting look and we should be able to control it more.”
Bathurst mayor Graeme Hanger also condemned the act, saying it was disappointing to see senseless vandalism occurring in the city.
“However, we are fortunate that we have few incidents like these in the city,” he said.
“Council is aware of the incident and will remove the graffiti as soon as possible.
“Graffiti is not a major issue in our city and most of the community respects the facilities we have.”
Incidents of graffiti and other acts of vandalism can be reported to Bathurst Regional Council by calling 6333 6111.
