Federal funds to fight graffiti

Hervey Bay Croquet Club members George Seymour and Joe Endres examine the damage.

Contributed

THE SCOURGE of graffiti could be a thing of the past on the Fraser Coast if council can make the most of a new grant.

The Federal Government has allocated $3 million from the Proceeds of Crime Fund to help local councils clean up and prevent graffiti, said Minister for Justice Jason Clare.

Grants of $50,000 to $150,000 will be offered to local governments to invest in measures including cleaning up graffiti, reducing graffiti through improved lighting, CCTV in graffiti hotspots and preventing graffiti through better education.

Candidate for Division 10 George Seymour said that the council should apply for some of the funds to help reduce, prevent and clean up graffiti.

Recently members of the Hervey Bay Croquet Club found their sheds covered in graffiti.

"It's vandalism and the community should show no tolerance for it," said Mr Seymour, a member of the Croquet Club.

Council intended to put a submission to the federal government for funding, Jamie Cockburn, executive manager of Environment & Open Space said.