IT'S been open less than a week, but already a graffiti artist has left their mark on the new Mount Panorama boardwalk.
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The boardwalk, which was more than two years in the making and cost $2 million, was officially opened for use on Friday.
When councillor Warren Aubin visited the Mount on Sunday to test out the boardwalk for himself, he came across graffiti on the concrete path and the barrier near the Esses.
In addition to graffiti, people have also dropped their used chewing gum onto the path.
He wasn't sure when the graffiti was added to the boardwalk and sadly wasn't surprised that someone saw fit to vandalise the new infrastructure.
"I have nothing but hatred for people who do that. It's total disrespect to everybody who uses this place; they have to look at that," Cr Aubin said.
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As it is a Bathurst Regional Council asset, it will be up to council to organise and pay for the graffiti to be removed.
Mayor Bobby Bourke said council was unaware of how recently the boardwalk was vandalised, but it would be cleaned "as soon as resources permit".
"Methods depend on surface type but usually chemicals or a water blaster are used," he said.
It is estimated that council spends about $10,000 a year on graffiti removal around Bathurst, but Cr Bourke stressed that it is not a major issue.
"I am appalled this has happened but thankfully graffiti is not a major issue in our city and most of the community respects the facilities we have," he said.
"If you see anyone acting suspiciously or any incidents of graffiti call Council on 6333 6111."
The boardwalk around Mount Panorama was a joint project between the NSW Government and Bathurst council, with each contributing $1 million, and it was devised to increase pedestrian safety around the most dangerous parts of the circuit.
The 1.7-kilometre path stretches from Griffins Bend to Forrest Elbow, finishing near the Bathurst Light Car Club.